Church and community leaders are faced with a number of growing challenges in today’s society. Mental health problems continue to rise and few leaders have the expertise to address these complex issues. Richmont Graduate University has developed a faith-based program to help train and equip ministers and community leaders to be able to address these tough issues with knowledge and care.
The Master of Science in Pastoral Care and Integration is a 32 credit hour curriculum that can be completed in one or two years. The program is embedded in Richmont’s high-quality School of Counseling program. Richmont offers online, day, evening, and weekend intensive classes that fit your busy schedules. Small class sizes allow for personal interaction with distinguished faculty. Students in the Master of Science program can apply for financial aid.
Students also have the option to take courses as Graduate Certificates:
| The M.S. in Pastoral Care and Integration consists of 32 semester hours. | ||||
| Integration Courses (15 Hours) |
Semester Credit Hours |
|||
| CED6323 | Relating Faith and Spirituality in Counseling |
3 |
||
| CED7362 | Integrative Theology for Counseling* |
2 |
||
| CED7132 | Theodicy and Trauma Counseling |
2 |
||
| CED6342 | Christian Traditions with Implications for Counseling |
2 |
||
| CED7312 | Biblical Interpretation and Application for Counselors* |
2 |
||
| CEDX2X2 | Counseling and Spirituality Elective |
2 |
||
| CED6112 | Personal and Spiritual Life of the Counselor |
2 |
||
| Pastoral Care Courses (17 Hours) | ||||
| CED5102 | Introduction to Counseling** |
2 |
||
| CED6XX2 | Helping Relationships for Pastoral Care |
3 |
||
| CED6143 | Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders |
3 |
||
| CEDX2X2 | Crisis Counseling |
2 |
||
| CED7113 | Human Growth and Development |
3 |
||
| CED6512 | Human Sexuality |
2 |
||
| CED6612 | Family Systems Theory |
2 |
||
|
DEGREE TOTAL 32 |
||||
A: Classes are available in person at our Atlanta and Chattanooga campuses, and courses are also available online.
A: Courses are taught by Richmont’s School of Counseling faculty. All faculty members are believing Christians who have signed Richmont’s Statement of Faith. They all have doctoral degrees and advanced training in counseling and theology.
A: The Master of Science in Pastoral Care and Integration, the Certificate in Pastoral Care, and the Certificate in Integration are offered through Richmont’s School of Counseling. Current tuition rate is $690 per credit hour and fees would also apply. See chart below for an estimated cost of attendance.
| Estimated Costs MSPC&I—1 Year, 32 Hour Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Costs | Amount | Multiplier | Total |
| Tuition | $699 | per credit hour | $22,368 |
| Application Fee | $50 | one time fee | $50 |
| Orientation Fee | $35 | one time fee | $35 |
| Library Fees | $30 | per semester | $90 |
| Student Fees | $55 | per semester | $165 |
| Technology Fee | $215 | per semester | $645 |
| Graduation Fee | $155 | one time fee | $155 |
| Total | $23,508 | ||
A: No, this program is designed for church and community leaders who desire further training in counseling issues, pastoral care, and Christian integration. Most states have specific requirements to become a licensed Professional Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist and many require programs that are at least 60 credit hours. If you are want to pursue licensure, you should look into Richmont’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
A: The Master of Science in Pastoral Care and Integration will replace the Master of Science in Christian Psychological Studies. This change was made to better equip church and community leaders to address the needs of today’s culture. Students currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Christian Psychological Studies can complete their degree or choose to transfer to the new program. If you have specific questions regarding your program you can contact the Registrar’s office.
A: No, many of the courses in the Certificate and Master of Science program are already part of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Application Checklist – School of Counseling
