Program Overview
The Doctor of Religious Counseling program is designed to prepare students for professional service in Christian counseling. It emphasizes the integration of biblical principles with effective counseling techniques to provide exemplary care for the church and broader community.
This program develops the whole person by fostering the knowledge, values, and practical skills necessary for advanced ministry work, all within a Christian worldview. Students choose a specialization area and complete a doctoral project within that focus, such as Biblical Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Healing Counseling, or Marriage and Family Counseling.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 60 quarter units (or 600 hours) of coursework
- Complete a dissertation worth 8 quarter units
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
- Successfully complete the degree requirements within 7.5 years
Successful graduates will be awarded a degree in Doctor of Religious Education.
Program Structure
- Total Required Units: 68 (60 units coursework + 8 units dissertation)
- Program Length: Typically 5 years; maximum 7.5 years with approved extension
- Specializations: Biblical Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Healing Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling