Indiana Wesleyan University is pleased to announce the addition of the Pastoral Counseling and Care program to the School of Theology and Ministry in the fall of 2020.
The interdisciplinary ministerial program is designed to prepare IWU students to help counsel and care for those in need and provides immediate career opportunities in pastoral ministry upon graduation. For those seeking to be licensed counselors or chaplains, the Pastoral Counseling and Care degree also provides preparation for graduate studies.
Students in this program will:
- Acquire pastoral counseling and care skills that will prepare them to meet the needs of a hurting world
- Gain ministry skills needed for professional pastoral ministry; or prison, hospice, hospital, or shelter chaplaincy
- Take life-changing courses like Hope and Suffering, Spiritual Vibrancy throughout Life, Developmental Psychology, and Counseling and Care
“We know mental health issues are only increasing in today’s world. Pastors are often on the front line as many people will seek out a pastor before they will a counselor,” said Dr. Brian Bernius, professor and chair of the Division of Religious and Ministerial Studies in the School of Theology and Ministry. “We need to teach pastors how to be front line people, helping them to care and assess well while equipping them to know when to pass to the licensed counselor."
The Pastoral Counseling and Care program can be completed in just three years. Students can enhance their learning experience by pairing this degree with other academic programs such as:
- Pastoral Ministries major
- Psychology minor (for students who want to pursuing licensed counseling)
- Human Trafficking Studies certificate
Students who double-major in Pastoral Counseling and Care and Pastoral Ministries can also meet most, if not all, ordination requirements, as well as participate in the Kern Ministries program.
The Kern Ministries program allows for students to receive an undergraduate ministry degree in three years and a Master of Practical Theology in two years, completing two degrees in five years.
To learn more about the accelerated degrees, scholarships, and mentoring community of the Kern Ministries program, visit https://www.indwes.edu/undergraduate/school-of-theology-and-ministry/kern/.
To learn more about Pastoral Counseling and Care major click here, or begin an application today.