This program is for students seeking to enter vocations in religious leadership with skills both in theology and counseling. Students enrolled in the dual degree program can complete the requirements for both the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling degrees in four years instead of the five years needed if each program is undertaken separately. The dual degree curriculum meets standards set by the accrediting bodies of each partner. The dual degree program is designed to ensure that students meet the educational requirements for licensure as professional counselors in North Carolina and most other states. 

Plan of Study and Requirements

Students in the dual degree program spend the first two years of the four year program enrolled in courses in the School of Divinity. During these first two years, students complete 53 credit hours of required courses, required electives, and general electives. Dual degree students are required to complete a basic unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) through an ACPE accredited program. Students generally meet the CPE requirement in a summer session during their first two years of the program. Guidelines for applying CPE credit toward the degree can be obtained through the Office of Academic Affairs. The introductory CPE unit and CNS 738A/CNS 738B, the counseling practicum, satisfy the MDiv internship placement requirements.

Students spend the second two years of the dual program satisfying 60 credit hour requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling, including CNS 738A/CNS 738B, the counseling practicum.

Upon successful completion of the dual degree requirements, students receive both the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Counseling degrees.

Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete 53 hours toward the Master of Divinity Degree. 

Continuing Eligibility

Satisfactory academic progress in the Master of Arts in Counseling portion of the program is defined as maintaining a B or better grade point average. Expectations of personal and professional behaviors and/or attitudes are outlined in the “Evaluation and Continuation Policy,” which can be found in the Department of Counseling's Student Handbook. Continuing eligibility in the Master of Divinity program is outlined in the school’s academic standing policy.