​Bachelor of Arts Degree in Pastoral Care

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A bachelor's degree in pastoral care is designed to equip students with the biblical, theological, and practical skills needed for ministry in a variety of settings, such as churches, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes a deep understanding of Christian theology and counseling techniques to provide holistic support to individuals and communities. 

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Core Objectives

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• Biblical and Theological Foundation: Develop a strong understanding of scripture, Christian doctrine, and church history to provide biblically grounded care.
   

• Pastoral Skills: Cultivate practical skills in counseling, administration, leadership, and communication to effectively guide individuals and congregations.
   

• Spiritual Development: Foster personal spiritual growth and a Christ-like character to model integrity, humility, and compassion in ministry.
   

• Counseling Techniques: Learn biblical and theological principles for resolving conflict, providing crisis intervention, and offering emotional and spiritual support to individuals and families.
   

• Professional Ethics: Gain an understanding of legal and ethical issues in ministry and counseling, as well as awareness of the importance of addressing diverse issues such as race, gender, and ethnicity in pastoral care.
   

• Field Experience: Apply classroom learning through supervised internships or field study in ministry settings to gain real-world experience. 

Sample courses: In addition to meaningful and foundational general education classes, students will study the following:

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• Biblical Hermeneutics: The methodology of interpreting the Bible.
   

• Foundations of Ministry: An overview of ministry principles and practice.
   

• Pastoral Counseling: Skills and techniques for providing pastoral care and guidance.
   

• Crisis Intervention: Models for assisting individuals in crisis.
   

• Theology of Suffering: An exploration of the biblical and theological meaning of suffering, evil, and trauma.
   

• Church Leadership and Administration: Management of church resources, including finances and staffing.
   

• Pastoral Care of Families: An overview of marriage and family dynamics from a Christian perspective. 

Potential career paths: A Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Care prepares students for a variety of roles, including the following:


 

• This undergraduate program integrates foundational studies in theology and biblical interpretation with practical training in counseling, spiritual guidance, and leadership. Students are prepared to provide compassionate care to those navigating challenging life events like grief, trauma, and crisis, while also ministering during life transitions such as weddings and baptisms. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom instruction, field experience, and mentorship under experienced pastors​​​​