The Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling and Care is designed to prepare individuals for pastoral care roles in local churches, as well as for parachurch or community service organizations. If spiritual counseling and providing care for those who are suffering are gifts Christ has blessed you with and is calling you to use, this major could be for you. Students will bring together deep study of Scripture and theology with an understanding of spiritual and emotional health, and the practical skills needed to offer effective pastoral care.
Graduates will be equipped to practice pastoral counseling and care in a variety of settings including clinical and military, or to continue into master’s degree programs in Spiritual Care, Counseling, or Social Work; or into a clinical licensure program for those interested in becoming mental health professionals and providing clinical mental health counseling.
Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Pastoral Counseling and Care at IWU?
This IWU undergraduate degree program emphasizes practical application and experience. Students will take the theory and practice they learn in the classroom and directly apply it in engaging with the church, practicing offering and receiving pastoral care through real-life scenarios, and meeting with ministry professionals from a wide variety of careers. Faculty in the School of Theology and Ministry love to connect with students and invest in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Students encounter professors who care about them and are invested in their education and faith.
What Will I Learn in this BS in Pastoral Counseling and Care Program?
Throughout this Pastoral Counseling and Care bachelor’s degree program, students will participate in classes such as Principles of Pastoral Counseling and Care, Pastoral Counseling and Care of Children and Youth, Pastoral Counseling and Care of Adults and Families, Hope and Suffering, Developmental Psychology, and more. Additionally, this program is built on a foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies to ensue all pastoral counselors have the proper spiritual as well as mental health support skills needed to succeed.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
Coursework for this BS in Pastoral Counseling degree program covers how to:
Admission to Professional Majors
Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.
Continuation in Professional Majors
Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.
Wesleyan Students
Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
