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Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counselling

Overview

With the aim of integrating expertise in counselling with a biblical worldview, the Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counselling offers counselling courses and practicums alongside biblical and theological studies. The degree equips ministry leaders to serve as counsellors in a variety of ministry-based settings: local church, chaplaincy, or Christian organizations.

The program is designed to help students meet the academic requirements for gaining professional recognition as a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, and the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists.*

Contextual Learning

In addition to specialized course work, students in this program will have the opportunity to work closely with expert leaders in ministry contexts tailored to their specific vocational interests and needs.

The Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counselling program is not available for international applicants. Applicants must be able to produce a Canadian Criminal Record and Vulnerable Search Check for a continuous 3-year period.

The program focuses on four aspects of counsellor ministry preparation:

  • Counselling theory – acquisition of knowledge required for competent counselling
  • Biblical and theological literacy – provision of the biblical and theological foundation for effective pastoral counselling
  • Practicums – focus on counselling practicums to hone competencies in the application of counselling skills
  • Spiritual formation – integration of spiritual development throughout the program
MA Counselling credit hours chart

What our students have to say…

“In my humble experience as a pastoral student counsellor, I have been encouraged by this quote that I would love to share with you. “Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It is simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You are not alone'” by Brené Brown. I remind myself that the counselling room is a sacred space which requires sympathy.
 Therefore, I am learning how to create a safe space for my clients to be vulnerable and make them know they are heard. I am learning how to not be a helper but an encourager for my clients by allowing them to navigate their issues and find the solution or a way to live with them.”
- Josephine Rwankuba, MACPC Practicum Student

“If you have prayed, and the Holy Spirit has led you, to participate in the counselling program at Horizon Seminary, then continue to allow Him to transform you throughout this program. Remember, you cannot give what you do not have. If you are not allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your own heart, soul, and mind, I find it unrealistic, that you can expect those who are before you in a counselling session, to do what you have not been willing to do – in your own life. Keep Christ first, remain humble, and sincerely engage in learning. You will not regret it!”

- Don Tomes, MACPC Practicum Student
“My appreciation for the intelligent design of this graduate program, along with its superior cast of instructors/professors, grows with my participation in each course. That this program is the most economical of the accredited counselling programs available in Western Canada, and located in the beautiful and affordable city of Saskatoon, is icing on the cake.”
- Bruce Wendel, MACPC Student

“The MACPC program has equipped me for a career in counselling while also strengthening my Theology and biblical knowledge. In part with the education, being in the MACPC program has fostered an environment of friendship and relationship with the other students that extend beyond the classroom.”

- Catherine Desrosiers, MACPC Student

“One thing I appreciate about this program is how immediately translatable the course material is to my context. As a pastor on a university campus I have been able to research topics for papers and projects that improve my ability to minister here and now. I would challenge anyone looking at this program to first consider how well they know the context they minister in and the challenges people face. Now consider how an increased competence in pastoral counselling could add value to that context. I would love to have more people join me in becoming more competent leaders.”

- Tammy Junghans, MACPC Student
“My first year as a mature student in the MACPC program has been a breath of fresh air.  I have loved being able to integrate my faith into my education. I already feel so much more equipped for whatever God has in store for me. The program has challenged me to work on being emotionally and spiritually healthy so that I can be my best self.  I don’t think I would have prioritized my emotional and mental health and growth had it not been for the MACPC.”
- Jodie Schumacher, MACPC Student

“Horizon Seminary’s innovative and challenging Master of Arts in Pastoral Counselling gives MACPC students intentional opportunities throughout their internship to competently develop and progress in biblical and essential clinical counselling skills, preparing them to work with diverse populations in need of therapy within and outside of the four walls of the Church. MACPC students have demonstrated spiritual maturity, compassion, humility, coachability, desire for excellence, and a hunger to learn and become reflective therapists in the widely evolving societal need for effective pastoral counselling. Followers of Christ, called to the mission of people-helping, are given the gifts and wisdom from Jesus Christ to serve and assist people on their journey through life’s hardships. Horizon MACPC students have exemplified this.”

- Rev. Jodi Bryant, (MACP, CPC, CPS-IT, BEd, BA), LifeChange Resources, MACPC Practicum Supervisor

Courses

Total Credits Required: 48

Bible & Theology

18 credit hours

Interpreting God’s Word 1

BI / TS – BI5101
3 credits

Description +

Theological Foundations 2

BI / TS – TS5201
3 credits

Description +

Old Testament Elective

BI / TS
3 credits

New Testament Elective

BI / TS
3 credits

Bible, Theology or Church History Elective

BI / TS
6 credits

Counselling

18 credit hours

Counselling Theory & Techniques

Professional – CP5100
3 credits

Description +

Ethical & Legal Issues in Counselling

CP5111
3 credits

Description +

Assessment in Counselling

CP5204
3 credits

Description +

Counselling Skills Lab 3

CP6510
3 credits

Description +

Integration of Theology & Counselling

CP5105
3 credits

Description +

Psychopathology / Recognizing Common Mental Health Disorders

Professional – CP5202
3 credits

Description +

Electives and Practica

12 credit hours

Open Elective

3 credits

Open Elective

3 credits

Counselling Practicum I 4

CP7501
3 credits
| Prerequisites: CP5100, CP5111, & CP6510

Description +

Counselling Practicum II 5

125 Hours
3 credits

Description +

Summative Assessment6

P/F

Counselling Electives: (3 credit hours each)

  • Pastoral Care and Counselling
  • Crisis, Trauma, and Grief Counselling
  • Group Dynamics and Counselling
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Marriage and Family Counselling
  • Addictions Counselling

1 Students who already have an advanced undergraduate course in hermeneutics should choose an elective other than ‘Interpreting God’s Word’ in any area related to this degree.
2 Students who have a course similar to ‘Theological Foundations’ from their undergraduate degree should choose a different elective in any area related to this degree.
3 Pre-requisites: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselling; Counselling Theory and Techniques.
4 Pre-requisites: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselling; Counselling Theory and Techniques; Counselling Skills Lab. Students must complete at least 30 credit hours in their program (10/16 courses) before being eligible to apply for practicum.
5 Pre-requisites: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselling; Counselling Theory and Techniques; Psychopathology; Counselling Skills Lab; Counselling Practicum I.
6 Students must complete the Summative Assessment to complete their program and graduate. This requirement will be documented as a Pass/Fail.

* Please note: Membership in each of these associations is independent of the MACPC. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they meet the association’s full requirements for membership.

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