| 9-18 | Credit Hours | 3-6 Classes |
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| $298 | Per Credit Hour | Learn more |
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or Online Learn more
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| Next Start Date | December 4 | |
The Graduate Certificate and Advanced Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling will prepare students for a ministry of biblical counseling to individuals, couples, and families in a congregational, denominational agency, counseling center, or missions setting.
Students pursuing Biblical Counseling with the Southern M.Div. may complete a 9 hour Graduate Certificate, or an 18 hour Advanced Graduate Certificate en route to their degree.
Choose any 2 courses from below:
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
| 34305 | Practical Theology in Context | 3 hours |
| 34325 | The Care of Souls in the Congregation | 3 hours |
| 34330 | Typical Problems in Biblical Counseling | 3 hours |
| 34820 | Trauma and Crisis in Counseling | 3 hours |
| 35100 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 hours |
The following course is required:
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
| 35585 | Biblical Counseling Practicum I | 3 hours |
Choose any 4 courses from below:
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
| 34305 | Practical Theology in Context | 3 hours |
| 34325 | The Care of Souls in the Congregation | 3 hours |
| 34820 | Trauma and Crisis in Counseling | 3 hours |
| 34330 | Typical Problems in Biblical Counseling | 3 hours |
| 35100 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 hours |
The following courses are required:
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
| 35585 | Biblical Counseling Practicum I | 3 hours |
| 35590 | Biblical Counseling Practicum II | 3 hours |
Graduate Certificates utilize elective hours within the Master of Divinity. Students who already hold a M.Div. degree may apply for additional certificates.
The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling is meant to prepare students for service in ministry contexts.
The program does not prepare students for state licensure. See “ACBC Certification” tab for more information.
Graduate Certificates are only open to M.Div. students. Every M.Div. at Southern Seminary combines a robust core of biblical and theological studies plus missions, evangelism, and ministry courses to ensure students are prepared for a variety of ministry roles.
Graduate Certificates are open to M.Div. students or alumni.
Students may apply for the Master of Divinity with an accredited bachelor’s degree (in any field/major). It is not required that applicants have an academic background in biblical or ministry studies.
Click here to learn more or start your application.
Graduate Certificates are meant to prepare students for specific ministry roles in conjunction with the Master of Divinity. Therefore, only students enrolled in the M.Div. may pursue Graduate Certificates.
Students who already hold a M.Div. degree may apply for and pursue additional Graduate Certificates.
The following students are eligible to apply for and pursue stand-alone Graduate Certificates:
The application for Graduate Certificates comprises of:
Southern Seminary is a certified training center through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling provides a pathway for students to not only receive a master’s degree from SBTS but also pursue certification as a biblical counselor through the ACBC. The following information details what courses fulfill which requirements of the ACBC certification process:
34300 INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL COUNSELING*
PHASE 1 – Basic Training (1/3) + Reading
34305 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY IN CONTEXT *
PHASE 2 – Theology Exam (1st half)
34330 TYPICAL PROBLEMS IN BIBLICAL COUNSELING*
PHASE 1 – Basic Training (1/3) + Reading
35100 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELING*
PHASE 1 – Basic Training (1/3) + Reading
35585 BIBLICAL COUNSELING PRACTICUM I*
PHASE 1 – 10 Counseling Hours Observed / PHASE 2 – Theology Exam (2nd half)
35590 BIBLICAL COUNSELING PRACTICUM II**
PHASE 2 – Counseling Exam / PHASE 3 – 13-15 Supervised Hours
*Courses taught by a certified ACBC counselor count towards certification.
**This course must be taught by an ACBC fellow in order for the supervised hours to count towards the certification process.
To start the certification process, create a login with ACBC and as students progress through our program they can complete the following:
1. Submit reading and observation logs.
2. Submit completed exams from practicum to ACBC for approval.
3. Complete their remaining supervised counseling hours under the auspices of an ACBC fellow after being approved for Phase 3 by the ACBC office.
NOTE: Students coming to study at Southern Seminary with partial or completion of their ACBC certification still must complete all courses for their academic degree requirements. Any certification work such as the exams or observation log can be considered acceptable to fulfill the course assignments per discussion with the professor.
Click here for more information on the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
Click here for more information on the ACBC Certification process.
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