Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling: Marriage, Family & Child Studies is an advanced religious education program designed for individuals seeking doctoral-level study of Christian counseling as it relates to marriage, family systems, relational functioning, and child well-being. The program integrates biblical and theological foundations with the study of counseling principles, psychology, human development, family relationships, reconciliation, and Christian approaches to strengthening individuals and families. Students engage in advanced study that emphasizes critical analysis, biblical integration, scholarly inquiry, and the application of Christian counseling principles to complex marriage and family concerns. Particular attention is given to understanding relational patterns, family systems, marriage, human learning and cognition, child development, reconciliation, and the role of Scripture and Christian theology in counseling-related ministry. The program culminates in doctoral research and a dissertation through which students demonstrate their ability to conduct scholarly inquiry, integrate biblical and academic knowledge, analyze significant issues within the field, and contribute meaningfully to Christian counseling scholarship and ministry practice.