Integrating biblical principles with best-practices in psychology for church, or private licensed counseling practices.
Degree Overview
| Total Hours | 90 credit hours |
| Degree Time Limit | 7 years from first DTS class |
| Real-time courses | 10 courses required (i.e. 30 credit hours) |
| Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) | 13 credit hours per academic year |
How do I select counseling electives?
Students are encouraged to work closely with the Biblical Counseling (BC) department on selecting electives based upon the student’s intended specialization and licensure requirements. Academic advisors are also available to help but with more limited knowledge regarding licensure requirements for states or other counseling specializations.
Can I transfer counseling courses?
Students may transfer no more than 15 hours of counseling courses but this is subject to the Biblical Counseling department’s prior approval using the MABC Transfer form. If students plan to transfer a course(s), then they should do so earlier in their program. Transferring courses during a student’s final year may delay graduation and licensure exam date. Other information about transfer credit is found on the Registrar’s Office page.
When should I take Practicum courses?
Students should take Practicum courses when they have (1) met the prerequisites and (2) have an approved Practicum site that will help them develop as a counselor. Space is limited in Practicum courses, so students should make sure to register for Practicum courses as soon as possible during registration for that semester.
What are prerequisites for counseling or other courses?
Students should review their plan with an Academic Advisor each year as prerequisites can change. Below are prerequisites or corequisites that students should keep in mind as they plan. Course availability may vary from the Dallas, Houston, and DC campus, so students should review the schedule page and clarify questions with their academic advisor.
*The Practicum numbers below reflect students who began BC5300 Professional Skills and Ethics in Fall 2020 or later.
| Course Number | Prerequisite (Completed Prior to Enrolling) | Corequisite (Taken at the same time or previously completed) |
| BC5201 Theological and Psychological Foundations | All BC52** courses | |
| BC5220 Counseling Methods and Techniques | BC5210 Counseling Theory | |
| BC5225 Abnormal Human Behavior | BC5210 Counseling Theory | |
| BC5300 Professional Skills and Ethics | BC5210 Counseling Theory | |
| BC5305 Counseling Practicum I | – BC5215 Normal Human Growth – BC5300 Professional Skills and Ethics | – BC5220 Counseling Methods – BC5225 Abnormal Human Behavior |
| BC5310 Counseling Practicum II | BC5305 Counseling Practicum I | |
| BC5315 Counseling Practicum III | BC5310 Practicum II | |
| ST5106 Eschatology | ST5101-105 | |
| Counseling Electives | ||
| BC5410 Filial Therapy | BC5405 Introduction to Play Therapy | |
| BC5415 Group Play Activity Therapy | BC5405 Introduction to Play Therapy | |
| BC5615 Basic Issues in Sex Therapy | BC5605 Human Sexuality | |
What is required for Graduation?
Meeting the MABC program course requirements enables a graduate to apply for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and/or a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with the appropriate state licensing board of many states. It is important to note that the seminary only grants the degree; the state board grants the license. Earning the MABC degree does not, in itself, guarantee licensure in a particular state.
Each state board makes an independent decision based on its state regulations and its determination of the applicant’s completion of those requirements. Students desiring to pursue a license as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and/or a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in a particular state may view the following list of states/territories about which DTS has made a determination concerning the MABC program’s qualifications for licensure.
Contact information for state licensing boards is also listed in order to provide additional assistance for students interested in pursuing professional licensure. Minor program modifications, with the approval of the MABC department, may be made to satisfy some state licensing board requirements.
All additional questions concerning the MABC program and qualifications for professional licensure should be directed to the Department of Biblical Counseling.
Dallas Location: Walvoord Student Center – 3rd Floor
Phone: 214-887-5075
Email: Roscelee Lubina – rlubina@dts.edu
The following are degree worksheets specific to students who entered the MABC or reclassified to the MABC in the following academic years. If students have questions about their specific degree requirements or degree audit, students should contact their academic advisor.
Master’s level students keep their current Logos Bible Software package. Future Logos updates or upgrades are the responsibility of each person and not done through DTS.
DTS graduates have three options for further training:
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