Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling at Southern

Southern Adventist University offers a certificate program in Biblical Counseling – the only certificate of its kind offered by an Adventist university.

Request More Information Apply Now

Why Earn a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling?

Southern's Biblical counseling program is caring for individuals by listening to them, discovering the roots of their behaviors and motivations, and providing ways for the gospel to transform their lives. It operates at the local church and is based on biblical teachings.

A graduate certificate in religion helps prepare church leaders (both pastors and lay members) to better serve their churches and members. If you choose to pursue a Master of Ministry degree, classes from the certificate program can be applied to this degree.

Here are four reasons to pursue a graduate certificate in Biblical Counseling:

Mental Health

Mental health challenges are on the rise. More than half of practicing Christians (54%) say they have at least one relational or emotional / mental health issue that impacts their relationships (Barna 2020).

Leadership

Faith and community leaders are often the first point of contact when individuals and families face mental health problems or traumatic events. In fact, in times of crisis, many will turn to trusted leaders in their communities before they turn to mental health professionals (SAMHSA.gov).

Certification

Biblical Counseling is the only certificate of its kind offered by an Adventist university. Certification means that the biblical counselor can offer coaching sessions for remuneration (if it is done through a church or network and not offered as professional counseling).

Gospel

The gospel changes lives and people need to see how the grace of Christ, the Word of God, and the community of the church can bring about long-lasting healing and change.

The tuition is priced at 40% of undergraduate tuition rates.

The School of Religion at Southern Adventist University is known for its Christ-centered teaching and biblical values.

Start Your Application

How the Program Works

The graduate certificate involves 15 credits (5 classes) in a specialized area. Emphases include biblical counseling (fully online), church leadership and management, and ministry and evangelism (with online classes and in-person intensives). Each of the classes are designed to provide insightful teaching, meaningful resources, and useful skills for ministry.

AdobeStock_463965861

Tuition Rates

A special tuition rate is provided for those in the certificate program that is only 40% of the regular tuition costs! In addition, pastors get special waivers or discounts as follows:

The Application Process

[DC] Blog Post #3 - Credit for Prior learning - What Are the 4 Main Types Featured Image

Eligibility and Prerequisites 

  • Bachelor's degree:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Religion courses:  Minimum of 6 semester hours in religion (waivers may be requested for some or all of this requirement, based on the applicant's full-time ministry experience).
  • GPA requirements:  Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 OR for an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 applicants may request to be admitted on a provisional basis.
Apply Now

International Students

Since graduate programs in the School of Religion are offered only as summer intensives or online courses, the part-time schedule does not meet student-visa requirements. 

The Admission Process

Application Deadlines

Applications can be accepted year-round, but students need to apply at least six weeks before the start of the semester. Please use the application button to the right to begin your application. With School of Religion approval, students may take up to 12 hours of coursework on non-degree or provisional status. 

 

Scroll Horizontally ->

Intensives Application

Program Application

From February 1 to no later than six weeks before the session starts.

April 15

Certificate in Biblical Counseling Course Guide

Certificate in Biblical Counseling

Biblical counseling is caring for individuals by listening to them, discovering the roots of their behaviors and motivations, and providing ways for the gospel to transform their lives. It operates at the local church and is based on biblical teachings. 

The Certificate in Biblical Counseling is designed to enhance coaching and specific counseling skills to be used in a church-based setting. It is not a professional counseling certificate, and is not a preparation for state licensure, nor to receive church credentials.

Biblical Counseling is the only certificate of its kind offered by an Adventist university.

Download the Course Guide

AdobeStock_502138804

Other Graduate Certificates in Religion

iStock-874867586-min-1

Certificate in Church Leadership and Management

The Certificate in Church Leadership and Management is designed to provide enhanced leadership skills for those in church and non-profit settings. It is not a preparation to receive church credentials, which generally require a graduate degree.

Certificate in Evangelism and Ministry

The Certificate in Evangelism and Ministry is designed to provide enhanced evangelistic skills for those involved in ministry, whether through church or parachurch organizations. It is not a preparation to receive church credentials, which generally require a graduate degree.

Ministry reading the bible

 

Request More Information

Want to learn more about the religion programs and certificates at Southern? Just fill out the form to receive additional program resources and insights.