Pastoral Counseling (PACO)
PACO 500 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to a solution-based model for short-term counseling that incorporates knowledge of and practice in facilitation skills, cognitive behavioral approaches, and biblical teaching.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 501 Foundational Doctrines for Pastoral Counselors 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is a study of systematic theology that will give attention to the doctrines of the Bible, God, humanity, sin, Christ, Holy Spirit, salvation, the church and last things. The course will provide the student the theological foundations to serve and counsel more effectively in the local church and community contexts.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 504 Multicultural Issues in Pastoral Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to the constructs of Ethnicity, Families, and Counseling. It focuses on the contribution of ethnic background to family makeup and functioning. Major ethnic minorities are studied along with the counseling approaches appropriate to each.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 506 Integration of Psychology and Theology 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to the process of pastoral counseling with a variety of religious clients who would define themselves as evangelical Christians. The course provides a systematic overview of Christian doctrines, a discussion of various theological viewpoints regarding those doctrines, and an examination of how psychological and theological concepts relate to each other.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 507 Theology and Spirituality in Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
An examination of the content, comprehensiveness, and validity of several counseling theories that have been developed by prominent Christian counselors.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 509 Spiritual Formation in Pastoral Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to the essential elements of a biblically responsible, research informed, holistic approach to his/her spiritual formation. The goals, means, and challenges faced in the process of transformation, especially within pastoral counseling, will comprise the major issues covered in class.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 597 Seminar 1-3 Credit Hour(s)
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PACO 603 Premarital and Marital Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to the factors contributing to successful marital relationships. The course also teaches students a conceptual model for assessing relationship functionality and introduces them to short-term methods that can be used when those kinds of problems develop. Students will be challenged to articulate a clinically informed biblical counseling approach to pre-marital counseling. (Formerly PACO 610)
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 604 Crisis Intervention in Pastoral Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to the theories and skills required to provide pastoral crisis intervention and counseling that will cultivate resiliency and promote spiritual growth.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 611 Counseling the Child and Their Families 3 Credit Hour(s)
The developmental and psychological needs and problems of children are examined through the analysis of personality types and family structure. Counseling techniques (e.g. play therapy) for children are also examined.
Offered: Online
PACO 615 Marriage and Family Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to the dynamics of marriage and family relationships. Emphasis is on understanding the structure and function of marriage, the various aspects of the marital relationship, family systems, and ways the counselor may approach marriage and family counseling as a creative, preventative, and healing ministry.
Offered: Online
PACO 617 Theories and Techniques in Pastoral Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to selected theories of counseling and psychotherapy. It involves an intensive pastoral counseling experience designed to enhance self-awareness, promote personality exploration, and provide case discussion and analysis. Fundamentals of the therapeutic relationship and essential skills are examined.
Offered: Resident and Online
PACO 618 Advanced Marriage and Family Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is an exploration of selected major treatment approaches utilized in marital and family counseling. Development of practical skills, interventions, and techniques constitute the primary focus. (Formerly PACO 602).
Offered: Online
PACO 620 Counseling the Adolescent and Their Families 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course examines the transitions of adolescence emphasizing family, social, spiritual/moral, and physical issues. Counseling theories and practices for working with adolescents are explored. Opportunities for application of theory are provided.
Offered: Online
PACO 625 Healthy Sexuality 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to a research informed biblical paradigm for healthy sexuality. It will increase their awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding the broad range of issues in the field of counseling when addressing healthy sexuality.
Offered: Online
PACO 630 Gerontology and Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to the issues and problems unique to the elderly in American society. Topics such as grief and loss, suffering, societal attitude, and family structure are examined.
Offered: Online
PACO 679 Pastoral Counseling Capstone 3 Credit Hour(s)
The Pastoral Counseling Capstone reinforces concepts taught throughout the MA in Pastoral Counseling Program. In the capstone, students are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the PACO program in tangible ways to prepare them for a variety of ministerial contexts.
Offered: Online
PACO 687 Counseling Women 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course examines the most common problems women bring to counseling, including both developmental and situational crises. It explores biblical perspectives and the most effective treatments for these situations.
Offered: Online
PACO 695 Directed Research in Pastoral Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
Designed for the advanced student in good standing who has demonstrated an ability to work independently. The student will work with the instructor in developing a proposal for guided research in a specified area of counseling.
Offered: Resident
PACO 697 Seminar in Pastoral Counseling 3 Credit Hour(s)
An intensive study in a specific subject of counseling. This course allows variation in the approach and content of the regular curriculum and often will be used by visiting professors.
PACO 698 Practicum 3 Credit Hour(s)
Students will complete supervised counseling and counseling-related experiences in a professional setting. The primary focus is the development of counseling skills.
PACO 699 Pastoral Counseling Internship 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course offers student participation in a pastoral counseling experience under supervision in an approved setting along with supervision by a university faculty member.
Offered: Online