Dual Master of Arts (M.A./M.A.) in Theology and Ministry and Counseling Psychology

Dual Master of Arts (M.A./M.A.) in Theology and Ministry and Counseling Psychology

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.

At a Glance

How many courses?


The 84-credit track meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts.

The 78-credit track prepares students for further studies, including doctoral study.

How long will it take?


Full-time students typically finish in three years.

When can I start?


You can begin the program only in the fall semester.

By the Numbers

#10

ranking for the Student Counseling & 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

Curriculum

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.

Dual degree students will complete the curriculum in either the Master of Arts (M.A) in Mental Health Counseling and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology and Ministry. 

Requirements


  • Credits: 78 or 84
  • Comprehensive Exam

Faculty

Financial Aid

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 $11.4 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. 

Careers

Roles

  • School Counselor
  • Clinician
  • Research Assistant
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Research Health Science Specialist
  • Psychologist
  • In-Home Family Therapist
  • Cognitive Trainer
  • Substance Abuse Clinician

Organizations

  • Our Lady of Victory Catholic School
  • Willowglen Academy
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Bay State Community Services
  • Veterans Health Administration
  • Christiana Care Health System
  • Italian Home for Children
  • Brain Excel
  • Community Substance Abuse Centers

Apply

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Application & Deadlines

Apply Now

A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required. The fee is waived for select applicants.

Fall 2023:

  • Priority Deadline: January 4
    Rolling Admission: Until May 1

 

 

Résumé

To be uploaded to your online application.

In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or 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.

Personal Statement

To be uploaded to your online application.

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.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably coming from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all college/university study are required.

Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the ""International Students"" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.

Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.

Standardized Tests

Submitting GRE test scores is optional for this program for the 2023 entry term(s). If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.

Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.

Writing Sample

Not required.

International Students

Applicants who have completed a degree outside of the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) completed by an evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.

Applicants who are not native speakers of English and who have not received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.

Please click the link below for full details on these requirements.

Requirements for International Applicants

Contact Us

  gsoe@bc.edu
  617-552-4214