Grace College

What you'll study

The curriculum blends theology, pastoral care, counseling, and contextual studies. Example courses and topics listed in the program include:

• Theological Foundations of Counseling
• Pre-marital & Marital Counseling
• Understanding World Religions
• Interpersonal Communication & Conflict
• Apologetics

Course descriptions indicate coverage of biblical perspectives on personality and relationships, methods for premarital and marital counseling, study of major world religions to understand adherents' belief systems, group dynamics and conflict management in relational contexts, and an introductory survey in defense of the Christian worldview.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent for international applicants) from a recognized institution and submission of official transcripts plus a spiritual life reference. Graduates of Bible colleges, liberal arts colleges, and state universities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with non-accredited pre-seminary education or a pre-seminary GPA below 2.5 may be admitted on academic restriction. Prospective students without a bachelor’s degree but with ministry experience or partial college work should contact seminary admissions for special consideration.

Career prospects

The program is aimed at preparing students to serve as chaplains and spiritual caregivers in a range of non-church settings. Typical roles the curriculum supports include:

• Hospital chaplain
• Prison chaplain
• Hospice chaplain
• Workplace chaplain
• School chaplain
• Christian camp ministry
• Airport chaplain

The degree emphasizes providing religious services, pastoral presence, spiritual guidance, and counseling to people who cannot access regular church ministries. Students are encouraged to complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) through approved placements alongside or after the degree, since CPE is generally arranged separately through clinical sites.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The MACM lists tuition at approximately $470 per credit hour for 48 credit hours. Institutional aid may reduce expenses; the program materials note possible aid of up to $3,800. Applicants should consult the institution's current tuition and fees page and contact seminary admissions or financial aid offices for exact rates and available assistance.