Pastoral Counseling (PC-PhD) (DOC007)

Doctor of Pastoral Counseling (DPC)

 

Program Overview

The Doctor of Pastoral Counseling (DPC) is a terminal professional doctoral degree designed to prepare advanced practitioners, educators, supervisors, and leaders in the field of pastoral counseling and spiritually integrated care. The program integrates theological scholarship, psychological theory, pastoral practice, ethical competence, and applied research to equip graduates for complex counseling, leadership, and teaching roles within faith-based, community, and clinical contexts.

Total Credits: 60

Format: Online with Intensives

Completion Time: 3–4 years

Capstone: Dissertation or Applied Doctoral Project

YEAR 1 – FOUNDATIONS (18 Credits)

YEAR 1 – CORE COURSES:

        ·      DPC 701 – Systematic Theology & the Human Person (3 credits)

Ø Exam 1: Theological Foundations: Explores Christian theological anthropology, including creation, sin, grace, redemption, and the imago Dei. Emphasizes integration of doctrine with pastoral counseling practice.

        ·      DPC 702 – History & Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)

Ø Exam 2: Historical & Philosophical Integration: Examines historical development, key figures, and philosophical foundations of pastoral care and counseling. Students compare major paradigms and articulate a personal pastoral counseling philosophy.

        ·      DPC 703 – Research Methods I (3 credits)

Ø Exam 3: Research Literacy: Introduces doctoral-level research methods including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Covers ethical principles and development of a pastoral counseling research proposal.

        ·      DPC 704 – Advanced Counseling Theories (3 credits)

Ø Exam 4: Counseling Theory Comprehensive: Provides in-depth study of major counseling theories and integrative models. Students develop an integrative counseling model applicable to pastoral care.

        ·      DPC 705 – Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Care (3 credits)

Ø Exam 5: Biblical Integration: Focuses on responsible biblical interpretation and ethical integration of Scripture into counseling. Emphasizes applied case study analysis and pastoral sensitivity.

YEAR 2 – CLINICAL & INTEGRATION (21 Credits)

YEAR 2 – ADVANCED / PRACTICUM COURSES:

(Fall Semester)

        ·      DPC 706 – Ethics & Legal Issues in Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)

Ø Exam 6: Ethics & Legal Competency: Covers professional ethics, legal standards, confidentiality, dual relationships, and ethical decision-making in pastoral counseling. 

        ·      DPC 707 – Practicum I – Supervised Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)

Ø Exam 7: Practicum Evaluation: Supervised clinical experience applying theory and theology to real-world cases, including observation and faculty feedback.

        ·      DPC 710 – Doctoral Research Seminar / Dissertation Preparation (3 credits)

Ø Exam 10: Research Proposal Defense: Prepares students for dissertation or applied project. Covers research design, literature review, and methodology planning.

Spring Semester:

        ·      DPC 708 – Practicum II – Advanced Supervised Counseling (3 credits)

Ø Exam 8: Advanced Practicum Assessment: Expands on Practicum I with more complex cases and leadership practice. Emphasis on ethical and theological integration.

        ·      DPC 709 – Leadership & Supervision in Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)

Ø Exam 9: Leadership Competency: Covers leadership principles, supervision models, and administrative responsibilities in pastoral counseling ministries.

         ·      DPC 711 – Dissertation / Applied Doctoral Project I (3–6 credits)

Ø Exam 11: Dissertation Progress Review: Initiation of dissertation or applied project, focusing on topic refinement, theoretical framework, and methodology.

YEAR 3 – LEADERSHIP & SCHOLARSHIP (21 Credits)

YEAR 3 – DISSERTATION / APPLIED PROJECT SEQUENCE:

        ·      DPC 712 – Dissertation / Applied Doctoral Project II (3–6 credits)

Ø Exam 12: Dissertation Progress Review: Data collection, analysis, and preliminary findings. Students receive guided supervision and prepare chapters for review.

        ·      DPC 713 – Dissertation / Applied Doctoral Project III (3–6 credits)

Ø Exam 13: Dissertation Progress Review: Advanced data analysis and integration with counseling theory and theology.

        ·      DPC 714 – Dissertation / Applied Doctoral Project IV (3–6 credits)

Ø Exam 14: Draft Submission Review: Draft completion of dissertation or applied project with faculty feedback.

        ·      DPC 715 – Dissertation / Applied Doctoral Project V (3–6 credits)

Ø Exam 15: Dissertation Defense Preparation: Prepares students for final defense, including presentation skills and final chapter revisions.

YEAR 4 – DISSERTATION COMPLETION / DEFENSE

         ·      DPC 716 – Dissertation / Applied Doctoral Project VI (3–6 credits)

Ø Exam 16: Dissertation Defense: Final submission and oral defense of dissertation/applied project. Evaluation based on scholarly rigor, theological integration, and practical application.

          ·      DPC 717 – Dissertation / Applied Doctoral Project VII (3–6 credits)

Ø Exam 17: Final Defense Completion: Completion and archival of doctoral project. Includes dissemination and professional presentation in ministry or academic settings.

PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS (Suggested)

    ·      Total Supervised Hours: 300–600

    ·      Setting: Church counseling ministry, nonprofit, chaplaincy, community care

    ·      Supervisor: Licensed counselor or approved pastoral counseling supervisor

 Program Goals

Graduates of the Doctor of Pastoral Counseling program will be able to:

         ·      Articulate an advanced theological anthropology that informs pastoral counseling practice.

         ·      Integrate biblical, theological, historical, and philosophical foundations with contemporary counseling theories.

         ·      Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional competence in pastoral counseling contexts.

         ·      Apply advanced pastoral counseling skills with individuals, couples, families, groups, and diverse populations.

         ·      Exhibit cultural humility and multicultural competence in ministry and counseling settings.

         ·      Conduct and evaluate doctoral-level research relevant to pastoral counseling practice.

         ·      Provide leadership, supervision, and consultation within counseling ministries and related organizations.

         ·      Produce and defend a doctoral dissertation or applied doctoral project that contributes to the field of pastoral counseling.

Program Structure

The DPC is a rigorous doctoral program consisting of advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, supervised clinical practica, and a culminating doctoral research project. The curriculum progresses from theological and historical foundations to advanced counseling theory, research, ethics, multicultural practice, and leadership, ensuring both depth and integration.

 

Key components include:

         ·      Core doctoral coursework

         ·      Sequential doctoral examinations

         ·      Supervised practicum experiences

         ·      Comprehensive doctoral examination

         ·      Dissertation or applied doctoral project and oral defense

The program is designed for experienced ministers, counselors, and helps professionals seeking advanced preparation while maintaining professional and ministry responsibilities.

 Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Pastoral Counseling program are prepared for roles such as:

          ·      Pastoral Counselor

          ·      Counseling Ministry Director

          ·      Clinical Pastoral Supervisor

          ·      Seminary or Graduate-Level Instructor

          ·      Spiritual Care Consultant

          ·      Program Director or Administrator

          ·      Researcher or Author in Pastoral Counseling

Note: The DPC is a non-licensure degree unless otherwise specified by state or jurisdiction. Graduates are responsible for understanding local licensure requirements.