Master's Program

New Degree Program at American Baptist College

American Baptist College has been authorized by its accrediting body to offer a Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) degree with a pastoral counseling track. This degree program is expected to be launched during the Fall 2010 semester. What makes this degree program unique is the fact that this is the only program of its kind to focus on pastoral studies in the black church with special emphasis on counseling in the African American community. As such, the MPS degree program is committed to integrating the spiritual and theological understanding of humanity with the practice of counseling and psychotherapy.

Master's Program Updates 11/2/2009: No new updates

The degree is appropriate for counseling professionals who wish to integrate a holistic perspective in their work, for lay persons who wish to provide counseling in a church or agency setting, and for clergy who wish to further develop their pastoral care and counseling ministries. In short, this degree prepares students for work as pastoral counselors in multiple settings (agency, clinic, parish, or private practice) by providing solid theological, psychological, and clinical training.

Upon completion of this degree and all state approved clinical requirements, candidates will be eligible for licensure as either a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist (LCPT). It also satisfies academic requirements for membership as a Fellow in The American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). While there are no prerequisites other than a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, candidates with prior theological education are given priority.

The MPS degree is still in the planning stages and we will make more information public as soon as possible. Until the curriculum and staffing have been finalized, we encourage you to check our webpage frequently for updates.