The Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Counseling Dual Degree
This degree is an academic program for graduate students in the full-time Reynolda Campus program who seek to enter vocations in religious leadership with skills in both theology and in counseling. Students enrolled into the dual degree program can complete the requirements for both the Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling degrees in four years instead of the five years needed if each program is undertaken separately. The curriculum meets the accrediting standards for each degree program. The dual degree program is designed to ensure that students meet the educational requirements for licensure as counseling professionals in North Carolina and most other states.
Course Requirements and Structure of the Program
Students in the dual degree program spend the first two years of the four year program enrolled in graduate courses in the School of Divinity. Students spend the second two years of the joint program satisfying requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling.
During the first two years, students complete on average 53 semester hours of core courses (including two required pastoral care courses), area electives and general electives. The two-semester internship required during the second year of the MDiv curriculum is deferred until the second year of the counseling program. 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 Masters of Divinity and the Masters of Arts in Counseling degrees.
Admissions
The Process. Up to three students per year will be admitted to the M.Div./M.A.-Counseling dual degree program. Applicants must be accepted for admission by both the Department of Counseling and by the Divinity School. Applicants are required to submit a separate application to each school. First Year Divinity Students are eligible to apply for entry into the dual degree program if there is room in their particular cohort.
Applications for the Counseling Program are submitted through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Applications for the Divinity School are submitted directly to the Divinity School.
Interviews. Based on the material contained in his or her application, an applicant may be invited for a virtual interview with the Department of Counseling. These interviews are typically scheduled for late February or early March.
Financial Assistance
For information regarding Financial Assistance for the Divinity School please go to https://divinity.wfu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/.
For more information regarding financial assistance for the Graduate School please go to https://graduate.wfu.edu/cost-financial-aid-reynolda/
Continuation in the Program
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 Department of Counseling “Evaluation and Continuation Policy” which is posted on the website and on page 30 of the Student Handbook (revised August 2024). You can find more information regarding the academic policies of the Master of Divinity program at the School of Divinity’s Academic Standing page.