Pastoral Counseling Courses at Liberty University Online
Program Name:
MA in Pastoral Counseling
| Premarital/Marital Counseling. |
| Course Number |
PACO 603 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course introduces students to a variety of approaches that
have been developed for thorough premarital counseling. The course
also teaches students a conceptual model for understanding the
variety of ways marriages can become dysfunctional, and introduces
them to short-term methods that can be used when those kinds of
problems develop. (Formerly PACO 610) |
| Survey of Christian Counseling Theories |
| Course Number |
PACO 600 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
| introduction to pastoral counseling |
| Course Number |
PACO 500 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Introduces students to a model for short-term counseling that incorporates knowledge of
and practice in facilitation skills, cognitive behavioral approaches, and biblical teaching. |
Program description: A concentrated study in the philosophy and technique of
Christian counseling. Designed to prepare the professional pastor
or church worker for practical competence in dealing with spiritual
growth problems, psychological problems, premarital counseling,
marriage counseling, and parent-teen relations.
Program Name:
MDV: Pastoral Ministries
| History of Christianity I |
| Course Number |
CHHI 520 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of the first fifteen centuries of historical Christianity.
Includes the rise of the church under persecution, orthodoxy vs.
heresy, doctrinal developments, the rise of the Roman Papacy and
opposition to it during the Middle Ages, and the events leading up
to the Protestant Reformation |
| History of Christianity II |
| Course Number |
CHHI 525 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of historical Christianity from the Sixteenth Century to
the present. Includes the major personalities, events, and results of
the Protestant Reformation, the rise of modern denominationalism,
modern Roman Catholicism, the ecumenical movement and current
developments. Special attention is given to the development of
American Christianity. |
| History of Baptists |
| Course Number |
CHHI 694 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A survey of the background and rise of English Baptists,
including their progress from the seventeenth century in England
until the present day. Includes a survey of the rise of Baptists in
America in the seventeenth century and their progress to the
present. Includes various Baptist groups, large and small, of
differing theological persuasions, denominational and independent |
| New Testament Orientation I |
| Course Number |
NBST 521 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A general introduction to the New Testament Gospels, General
Epistles, and Revelation, emphasizing matters of text, canon,
authorship, date, authorial purpose, and theme development. Also a
special introduction, involving current issues of criticism and
interpretation, such as the synoptic problem. The general principles
of interpretation (hermeneutics) will be introduced as well as the
special principles concerning parables, symbols and types, and
prophecy. |
| New Testament Orientation II |
| Course Number |
NBST 522 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A continuation of NBST 521 with a general and special
introduction of Acts and the Pauline Epistles. The study of
hermeneutics will continue with emphasis upon word meaning,
figures of speech, and other linguistic matters |
| Old Testament Orientation I |
| Course Number |
OBST 591 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
An examination of the current status of research in studies
relative to the Pentateuch and Historical Books. Special attention
will be given to biblical introduction, hermeneutics, and the
acquiring of a strategic grasp of the historical setting, literary
genres, and structure of each book, as well as areas of particular
critical concern. |
| Old Testament Orientation II |
| Course Number |
OBST 592 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
An examination of the current status of research in studies
relative to the poetic and prophetic books. Special attention will be
given to biblical introduction, hermeneutics, and the acquiring of a
strategic grasp of the historical setting, literary genres, and
structure of each book, as well as areas of particular critical
concern. |
| Systematic Theology I |
| Course Number |
THEO 525 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A course beginning the study of systematic theology with
special attention given to prolegomena the doctrines of Scripture,
God, angels, humanity and sin. |
| Systematic Theology II |
| Course Number |
THEO 530 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A course completing the study of systematic theology with
special attention given to the doctrines of the person and work of
Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things. Such
issues as nature and extent of salvation, the origin, nature and future
of the church, and the eternal state are explored. |
| Discipleship Ministries |
| Course Number |
DSMN 500 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course will examine the biblical, general and specific
steps to enable a person first to be a disciple. Then will discover
systems, biblical principles, and methods that create a disciple
making context. The systems will cover both the macro level and
the micro level. Once this has been discovered and discussed the
student will select a disciple making system and create a microlevel
disciple making plan for a local church. |
| Contemporary Evangelism |
| Course Number |
EVAN 565 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of the evangelistic imperative and various methods of
personal witnessing. Particular emphasis is given to follow-up,
discipleship, and memorizing key Bible verses. |
| Preparation of the Sermon |
| Course Number |
HOMI 501 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A basic study of the principles of sermon construction:
selecting and interpreting of the text, forming sermon objectives,
structuring sermons for content and style, and preaching the
sermon. |
| Ministry Matters |
| Course Number |
PLED 625 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This class will help the student (and their spouse) better
prepare themselves for the rigors of 21st century ministry, avoid
common pitfalls, and prevent potential problems. It will deal with
such significant issues as setting realistic expectations, dealing
with church boards, marriage, children, finances, burnt-out, stress,
time management and more. |
| World Missions |
| Course Number |
ICST 500 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of world missions today, stressing various
perspectives on the world Christian movement. Attention will be
given to mission strategy and the responsibilities of local churches
and mission agencies. |
| Cross Cultural Evangelism |
| Course Number |
ICST 650 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of the basic principles of New Testament evangelism
and church planting. Applications and strategies for implementing
these ministries in the culturally diverse settings of today’s world
will be considered. |
| Church Administration |
| Course Number |
DSMN 505 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of administrative principles and practices for the local
church. The course examines staff, finances, buildings, and public
relations in churches and integrates material from both religious and
secular sources. |
| Theology of Pastoral Ministry |
| Course Number |
PLED 635 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of the different phases of the daily work of the pastor.
Attention is given to the call, character, leadership, and
responsibilities of the pastor. Opportunities are also given for the
student to practice methods of pastoral work. |
| Pastoral Counseling |
| Course Number |
PACO 500 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Introduces students to a model for short-term counseling that
incorporates knowledge of and practice in facilitation skills,
cognitive behavioral approaches, and biblical teaching. |
| Church Growth II: Evangelism and Church Growth |
| Course Number |
EVAN 510 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
An introductory study in evangelism and church growth
principles, stressing the biblical and theological basis of
evangelism as reflected in and through the local church. |
| Church Planting |
| Course Number |
EVAN 550 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
An examination of spiritual factors of church growth such as
prayer, fasting, revival, anointed preaching and worship. The
student will analyze and develop programs to produce balanced
growth in evangelism and discipleship. |
| Spiritual Warfare |
| Course Number |
EVAN 670 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course addresses necessary aspects of angelology, personal
prayer life, and holy living. It further helps the student form effective
corporate church based prayer strategies. |
| Biblical Foundations of Leadership |
| Course Number |
CLED 510 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course explores the topic of leadership from a biblical and
theological perspective. Essential biblical principles bearing on the
purpose and character of leadership will be examined. Instances of
leadership in the Old and New Testaments will be analyzed within
their biblical context, and in terms of contemporary understanding of
leadership, with a special focus on the leadership of Jesus Christ as
seen in the New Testament. |
| Leading a Healthy Church |
| Course Number |
EVAN 660 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course teaches the necessary areas of pastoral leaderships
regarding church growth and health issues. It further addresses the
process of church multiplication. A section of it would discuss
church health and growth in the early years of a new church. |
| Hermeneutics |
| Course Number |
BIBL 480 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of the nature, methods, and issues of biblical interpretation. This course will expose students to a variety of different approaches, demonstrate the crucial importance of hermeneutics and the role genre plays in interpretation, and assist them in developing their own hermeneutical method. (Formerly BIBL 380). |
| NGRK elective's |
| Course Number |
600 level |
| Credits |
6.0 |
| Greek Syntax |
| Course Number |
NGRK 620 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
An intermediate study of the function or syntax of Greek
grammar, focusing upon case, tense, participles, infinitives, and
clauses. |
| Theology of Pastoral Ministries |
| Course Number |
PLED 635 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of the different phases of the daily work of the pastor.
Attention is given to the call, character, leadership, and
responsibilities of the pastor. Opportunities are also given for the
student to practice methods of pastoral work. |
| Great Preachers |
| Course Number |
HOMI 610 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of Christian history’s outstanding preachers. Special
attention is given to their lives, their sermons, and their homiletical
methods. |
| Evangelistic Preaching |
| Course Number |
HOMI 612 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of the preparation and preaching of soul-winning
sermons. This course will briefly survey the principles of
evangelistic preaching as a special class of preaching. The second
half of the course will consist of intensive investigation of selected
evangelistic preachers and their sermons, using the seminar
method in the classroom. There will be some practice in the
preparation and evaluation of evangelistic sermons. There will be
no classroom experience in sermon delivery. |
| Church Ministries |
| Course Number |
DSMN 505 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A study of administrative principles and practices for the local
church. The course examines staff, finances, buildings, and public
relations in churches and integrates material from both religious and
secular sources. |
Program description: The Master of Divinity, Pastoral Ministries is for students who wish to serve as the senior pastor or associate pastor of the local church.
Program Name:
PhD in Counseling-Pastoral Counseling
| Philosophy of Religion and the Helping Professions |
| Course Number |
COUC 705 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course examines several issues that are commonly
addressed in both philosophy of religion and counseling, like the
problem of evil, the nature of persons, and the issue of religious
doubt. |
| Applied Counseling Theories |
| Course Number |
COUC 715 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A review and critique of counseling theories. Research
regarding counseling theory constructs, along with their application
in different settings and populations, is reviewed. |
| Issues in Integration |
| Course Number |
COUC 730 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Current trends and themes in integration literature are reviewed.
Special emphasis is given to current philosophical, theological, and
psychological bases of integration, models of integration, and future
themes. |
| Advanced Research Design |
| Course Number |
COUC 740 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A review of the process and method of developing and
conducting research. Emphasis will be placed upon the application
of methods for development and preparation of the doctoral
proposal. |
| Advanced Group Counseling |
| Course Number |
COUC 710 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Students review counseling leadership styles in task-oriented
and personal growth groups. Current research on group counseling
models and application is critiqued. Emphasis is placed upon
leadership behaviors that are most facilitative to the group process. |
| Family Development |
| Course Number |
COUC 720 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
A review of family therapy models, with special emphasis
placed upon family change issues over the life span. Specifically,
research is reviewed on family assessment, the family life cycle, and
family pathology in the developmental context. |
| Spirituality and Identity |
| Course Number |
COUC 735 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
The Christian counselor must be in good spiritual as well as
emotional and psychological health in order to assist those needing
healing. Personal psychological assessment of each student will take
place during this course. This course is intended to provide an
opportunity for self-examination, as well as to suggest ways the
counselor may sustain good spiritual health while assisting others in
a broken world. |
| Dissertation Proposal and Research |
| Course Number |
COUN 989 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
Preparation for research and writing of the Dissertation. |
| Dissertation Defense |
| Course Number |
EDUC 990 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Required of all candidates for the Doctor of Education degree.
Research is completed on an educational topic related to the
concentration in the Ed.D. degree. Credit is awarded when the
dissertation has been accepted. |
| Practicum in Pastoral Counseling |
| Course Number |
PACO 998 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
| Internship in Pastoral Counseling |
| Course Number |
PACO 999 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
| Advanced Quantitative Research and Statistics |
| Course Number |
COUC 870 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
The course is designed to assist dissertators in clarifying,
developing, and completing their dissertations by examining both the methodological and practical issues involved in quantitative research
designs and advanced, multivariate statistical methods. Under the
supervision of the instructor, students will present their own
dissertation research ideas to the seminar participants for discussion,
critique, and advice. Specific attention will be given to insuring that
students craft research questions that build upon previous research
and then selecting an appropriate research design and statistical
analytic strategy. Concerns about internal and external validity will
be addressed, as well as measurement issues, data quality, statistical
power, and effects sizes. Additionally, institutional guidelines
regarding thesis and dissertation policies and procedures, the Human
Research Review Committee application, publication options,
timelines, committee membership, etc., requirements will be
reviewed. |
Program description: Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling program provides advanced training in the field of pastoral care and counseling, equipping individuals for work in either private or public practice, and provides the necessary qualification to teach at the university level. This degree comprises specialized courses platformed on biblical principles that supply the values, knowledge and skills needed for effective work as a professional counselor. It is well-suited for individuals, with either a master’s degree in the field of counseling or a seminary degree, who seek to expand their professional standing in the community. The program consists of intensives, internships and a flexible practicum, providing experience in the academic teaching field and preparing students for work in their particular area of interest.
Admission into this program requires students to submit a MAT or GRE score that is no more than two years old.
Potential Career Options:
Church Administrator
Pastor
University Professor
University Administrator