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About the BA in Biblical Studies (Biblical Counseling) Degree

Why Study Biblical Counseling at Cedarville?

Adding a biblical counseling concentration to your Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies will equip you with the practical skills and theological foundation necessary to effectively serve as a biblical counselor. 

Your core biblical studies courses will provide you with a deep understanding of the Bible, including the original languages of Greek and Hebrew. You will be uniquely equipped with the strongest combination of biblical studies and liberal arts core to go out and serve the Lord as He calls you. With this biblical counseling concentration, you'll take courses such as Biblical Care and Counseling, Discipleship, Interpersonal and Crisis Counseling, and Small Group Ministry.

We also highly recommend that you consider completing this program as part of Cedarville's Accelerated BA + MDiv option, which allows you to complete your BA in biblical studies and Master of Divinity in just five years, including the biblical counseling concentration.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Program Highlights

Liberal Arts Approach — You will take core general education courses taught from a biblical worldview. This liberal arts approach will prepare you to have a broader impact for Christ and give you expertise in various fields that will enhance your platform for ministry.

Real-World Experience — You will complete a ministry internship as part of your degree program, allowing you to apply your coursework in a real ministry setting.

Accelerated BA+MDiv option — Cedarville offers an option to complete your BA in biblical studies and Master of Divinity in just five years, a faster, more affordable path to ministry.

Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 100% of recent graduates from the School of Biblical and Theological Studies were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.

Cedarville's Placement Rates

What Can I Do With a Biblical Studies (Biblical Counseling) Degree?

What can you do with a biblical counseling degree? You will be equipped to effectively counsel individuals and small groups in the following settings:

  • Churches
  • Christian Schools
  • Biblical counseling Centers

Graduates may also pursue advanced graduate education that leads to licensure.

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that some professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

As you’re pursuing your biblical studies degree, your coursework will be complemented by the following opportunities.

Student Organizations — Cedarville offers many ministry and service organizations that help develop character and ministry skills. Many Bible faculty members serve as advisers for these organizations, and students are encouraged to take full advantage of them. The School of Biblical and Theological Studies sponsors the following organizations:

  • Chi Delta Nu, an organization that provides encouragement to students entering youth ministry through prayer, fellowship, and service.
  • Alpha Sigma, an organization devoted to promoting critical thinking through philosophical and theological inquiry into issues central to the biblical worldview and contemporary culture.     

Internships — When you are ready to move into full-time ministry, there is no substitute for hands-on experience. An internship is the best way to gain valuable experience and build relationships. Students from the School of Biblical and Theological Studies have completed internships with organizations such as:

  • Athletes in Action
  • Echoing Hills Village
  • Far Hills Community Church
  • Kids Alive International - Dominican Republic
  • Living Waters Bible Camp
  • Phoenix Fellowship Baptist Church – Durban, South Africa
  • Scioto Hills Camp and Retreat Center
  • TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission) – Antalya, Turkey     

Discipleship Ministries  — Discipleship Ministries offers small discipleship groups (called “d-groups”) that meet regularly for prayer, accountability, encouragement, and Bible study. Serve as small-group leader or be a member of the Discipleship Council (DC), which helps administer d-groups. Both are great ways to hone your leadership skills while encouraging spiritual growth on campus.

Global Outreach (GO) — Use one of your spring or summer breaks to go on a short-term missions trip, sharing the Gospel either in the U.S. or abroad. We encourage EVERY student to take at least one GO trip!

Local Ministries — Apply what you’re learning in chapel and in the classroom as you serve through local church ministries and  community outreach teams. Your faith will grow as you help meet the physical and spiritual needs of those you serve.

Program Curriculum

Building on your core liberal arts, Bible minor, and core biblical studies courses, you will take courses that focus on counseling both individuals and small groups.

Sample Courses

  • Biblical Care and Counseling
  • Small Group Ministry     

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers graduate and undergraduate programs with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is the best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
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From Our Students:

  • I truly appreciate that our department strives to combine high academic standards with a real expectation of spiritual growth. Faculty members treat the Bible as the treasured Word of God, which should be diligently studied for our own benefit and for the building up of the Church. I am now far more thoroughly equipped for a life of faithful ministry in God’s Kingdom.
    Andrew Brads ’24 Biblical Studies
    Andrew Brads
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Trent Rogers

Trent Rogers, PhD

Dean of SBTS, Associate Professor of NT and Greek

Contact

Photo of Jeremy Kimble

Jeremy Kimble, PhD

Professor of Systematic and Applied Theology, Director of The Synergy Initiative

Contact

School of Biblical and Theological Studies

Program News

  • Dr. Michael Sherr and Dr. Angie Mickle co-authored a new book "Scripture and Scrubs" along with Dr. Jason Lee.

    "Scripture and Scrubs” Encourages Christian Health Care Workers

    While health care scholars are asking if religion can help reduce health care burnout, Cedarville University’s Dr. Michael Sherr, professor of social work, believes it can. Sherr, co-author of “Scriptures and Scrubs: A Christian Calling to Healthcare,” addresses in the book how a Christian health care worker can combat burnout by staying centered on biblical truths.
  • Diana Ivanikhina and her mentor David McKee on the court in Tajikistan where they first played tennis together.

    YouTube-Taught Tennis Player Brings Skills From Tajikistan to Cedarville

    Diana Ivanikhina has played tennis on dozens of courts around the world. The athlete was once considered a child prodigy when she burst onto the scene in her home country of Tajikistan. Little did people know that she was a self-taught champion.