Psychology: Christian Counseling (Ph.D.)

Program Summary
The Psychology: Christian Counseling (Ph.D.) program is a Christ-centered doctoral program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge in psychology and counseling practices deeply rooted in biblical principles. This program integrates spiritual formation, theological understanding, and psychological theory to prepare students for leadership in Christian counseling, ministry, and mental health services.

Students will study the ethical, historical, cultural, and theological dimensions of human behavior through a biblical lens. The curriculum focuses on trauma recovery, family systems, pastoral care, and spiritual wellness while offering deep engagement with Scripture and its application in modern counseling practice. Students will explore how to counsel effectively while remaining faithful to Christ’s teachings on healing and restoration.

Ideal for Christian leaders, counselors, educators, and ministry professionals, this program empowers students to respond compassionately to complex emotional and spiritual needs while upholding professional excellence and scriptural truth.

Graduates will be positioned to lead in Christian counseling centers, churches, faith-based educational institutions, nonprofit ministries, and other environments where mental health and spiritual care intersect. The program also prepares students for academic research, authorship, and influence within the field of Christian psychology.

Program Overview
The Psychology: Christian Counseling Ph.D. program is built on the foundation of biblical authority, sound psychological methodology, and pastoral wisdom. Students will be trained in both clinical and faith-based practices, learning how to interpret and apply psychological theory within scriptural frameworks to meet the needs of individuals, couples, and communities.

Through a curriculum grounded in Christian values, students will gain proficiency in trauma-informed care, Christian family counseling, ethical leadership, research-based treatment, and emotional wellness counseling within a ministry context. The program emphasizes transformational learning, practical skill-building, and academic excellence.

Key highlights include learning to integrate counseling theory with Scripture, leading healing and recovery programs, understanding ethical Christian psychology, and developing original research through a dissertation project that contributes to the field. Graduates will be fully prepared for professional practice, pastoral ministry, and academic leadership.

Career Field
Graduates of the Psychology: Christian Counseling Ph.D. program will be equipped for high-level leadership, counseling, teaching, and ministry roles. They may serve as:

5-Fold National Certification Board of Christian Counselors
Directors of Christian Counseling Centers
Professors or Researchers in Christian Psychology
Faith-Based Trauma and Recovery Specialists
Christian Marriage and Family Therapists
Pastoral Counselors
Discipleship and Spiritual Formation Leaders
Ministry-Based Mental Health Advocates
Authors, Consultants, and Trainers in Counseling Ministry

This program opens doors for professional and ministerial impact across churches, universities, nonprofit ministries, counseling institutions, and international missions focused on healing and wellness.