

The Dual Master of Arts (M.A./M.A.) in Theology and Ministry and Counseling Psychology program is designed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies that combine theories and practice in counseling and psychology with studies in religion and exploration of the pastoral dimensions of caregiving.
Dual-degree students couple their study of counseling psychology with the study of pastoral care and spirituality and can seek licensing as professional mental health counselors. Such licensed counselors are well equipped to seek positions in mental health agencies, shelters, pastoral placements in parishes, campus ministry programs, prison work, and youth and young adult programs. Graduates will bring the strength of solid counseling skills and exposure to spiritual direction work to their positions.
There are two tracks for this program. The 84 credit track meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts.
The other consists of 78 credits and prepares students for further studies in counseling, including doctoral study.
Full time students will typically complete the program in 3 years.
Students can begin the program only in the fall semester.
Dual degree students will complete the curriculum in either the Master of Arts (M.A) in Mental Health Counseling or the Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Counseling programs and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology and Ministry.
#15
National ranking for Student Counseling and Personnel Services program
U.S. News & World Report
#5
world ranking in Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies
2017 QS World University Rankings
95%
job placement rate within six months of graduation
STM graduate survey
90%
lay students receiving scholarship related financial aid
STM Financial Aid Office
School Counselor
Clinician
Research Assistant
Mental Health Counselor
Research Health Science Specialist
Psychologist
In-home Family Therapist
Cognitive Trainer
Substance Abuse Clinician
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the CDEP Department.
Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $8.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable.
Click the boxes below for additional details on each item
To be eligible for the doctoral program, applicants must already hold a master's degree.
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required; however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Two letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in lieu of official transcripts for the application review process. In the event that one is admitted into a program and enrolls, our office will need official transcripts prior to course registration. To expedite application processing times, our office encourages you to send unofficial transcripts electronically to our email address at GSOE@BC.EDU. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include all of the following items:
If you are able to secure official transcripts, please note the following:
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Submitting GRE test scores is optional and not required for 2021 entry term(s). If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Not required.
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214