Online Master of Applied Christian Counseling

Earn Your Master’s Degree While Pursuing Choice Theory/Reality Therapy Certification

Professional Counseling Skills Rooted in Biblical Truth

In our Master of Applied Christian Counseling (M.A.C.C.), you will learn from Certified Glasser Faculty as you develop practical counseling skills rooted in biblical truth and evidence-based Choice Theory/Reality Therapy. Every certification level completed earns its own certificate, and eligible courses qualify for continuing education credits through the William Glasser Institute.

Whether you desire to strengthen your pastoral ministry, expand your counseling practice, enhance your leadership effectiveness, or launch a Christian counseling ministry, the M.A.C.C. program provides the knowledge and skills needed to help people experience lasting change.

Flexible Format

100% Online with Live Cohort Instruction

Learning Structure

6 Modules

Commitment

60 Credit Hours / 18-24 Months

Affordable Cost

$140 Per Credit Hour

What Sets Our Program Apart

A real, hands-on framework firmly based in Scriptural truth

  • Learn directly from Certified Glasser Faculty
  • Progress through Choice Theory/Reality Therapy certification levels
  • Earn certificates at each certification milestone
  • Be eligible for William Glasser Institute continuing education credits where applicable
  • Integrate biblical principles with proven counseling practices
  • Graduate with practical counseling skills—not just academic knowledge

What Will I Learn?

Develop competencies in areas including: Choice Theory and Reality Therapy principles, the WDEP counseling framework, marriage and family counseling, conflict resolution and relationship restoration, Christian ethics and counseling boundaries, addiction and life-transition support, spiritual formation and discipleship counseling, case conceptualization and treatment planning, and clinical pastoral education.

Why Does It Matter?

People today are searching for answers to challenges affecting their relationships, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. More than ever, churches, ministries, and organizations need leaders who can provide wise, biblically-grounded guidance and help people take responsibility for meaningful change in their lives. Christian counseling is more than giving advice—it is helping individuals discover God’s truth, renew their thinking, strengthen relationships, and move forward with purpose and hope.

Applied Christian Counseling Program Structure

Biblical theology seamlessly integrated with Choice Theory and Reality Therapy principles

6 Modules

Explore the foundational principles of Choice Theory and discover how they align with biblical teaching regarding personal responsibility, relationships, identity, and human behavior. Key topics this module include:
  • Internal vs. External Control
  • Five Basic Needs and Biblical Parallels
  • Quality World and Christian Identity
  • Total Behavior Model
  • Marriage, Family, and Ministry Applications
Learn practical counseling skills, intervention strategies, treatment planning methods, and the therapeutic relationship necessary for effective Christian counseling. Key topics include:
  • Reality Therapy Process
  • Counseling Atmosphere
  • Language of Choice
  • Treatment Planning
  • Multicultural and Research Foundations
Develop counseling skills through supervised role-play, verbatim analysis, peer interaction, and faculty mentoring. Competencies include:
  • Building a Counseling Presence
  • Skillful Questioning
  • Ethical Pastoral Care
In this module, learn to apply advanced counseling concepts to ministry challenges including marriage, addiction recovery, leadership development, burnout prevention, and spiritual growth. Key themes include:
  • Freedom in Christ and Responsibility
  • Sin, Grace, and Choice
  • WDEP with Biblical Worldview
  • Marriage, Addiction, Burnout, and Leadership
In this module, students will strengthen counseling competence through advanced case conceptualization, leadership applications, supervised practice, and self-evaluation.
In this module, students will demonstrate mastery through a capstone presentation, live counseling demonstration, and faculty competency review.

Designed for Ministry Leaders

If you are passionate about helping people experience freedom, growth, healing, and transformation through biblical truth, this program may be the perfect next step. Our program is ideal for pastors and ministry staff, Christian counselors, life coaches, educators and school administrators, nonprofit leaders, and small group leaders.

Real-Life Learning Outcomes


Upon graduation, students will be able to apply practical, Christ-centered counseling methods that promote personal responsibility and spiritual maturity. Utilizing the WDEP system and Choice Theory, you will have a framework for facilitating healthy, intentional change in the lives of your clients.

Graduate With the Skills to Transform Lives

Develop the practical, biblically grounded counseling skills and professional competencies needed to help individuals, couples, and families experience lasting transformation.

Master the principles of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy under the instruction of Certified Glasser Faculty. Learn how to help individuals identify healthier choices, strengthen relationships, and create lasting behavioral change through a proven, evidence-based counseling model that integrates seamlessly with a biblical worldview.
Develop the ability to confidently combine Scripture with practical counseling techniques. Learn to address emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges through Christ-centered guidance that offers both biblical truth and practical solutions for lasting transformation.
Gain the skills to counsel couples and families through conflict, communication breakdowns, parenting challenges, grief, and major life transitions. Learn practical strategies that help restore trust, strengthen relationships, and promote healthy family dynamics.
Learn how to accurately assess an individual's emotional, relational, spiritual, and behavioral needs while developing personalized counseling strategies that encourage measurable growth and lasting change.
Master the art of active listening, asking purposeful questions, and building trust with those you serve. Develop communication skills that help clients feel understood, challenged, and empowered to make healthy, God-honoring choices.
Equip yourself with practical techniques to help individuals, couples, families, churches, and ministry teams navigate conflict, repair damaged relationships, and build healthier patterns of communication and personal responsibility.
Graduate with more than academic knowledge. Progress toward Choice Theory and Reality Therapy Certification through the William Glasser Institute while learning from Certified Glasser Faculty. Eligible coursework provides opportunities for continuing education credits through the William Glasser Institute, and each certification level completed is recognized with its own certificate.

Get Your Questions Answered

Want to learn more about how this degree program can help you guide others toward healthier relationships, personal responsibility, and lasting life change? Connect with our leadership team to get all of your questions answered!

    What are your professional goals?