Master of Arts
Counselling & Spiritual Care

The Master of Arts in Counselling and Spiritual Care is a professional degree designed to train specialists who can guide and counsel individuals and couples regarding their values, their spirituality, and their individual or couple dynamics.

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Program Details

Awareness of mental health has grown significantly in recent years, increasing the demand for compassionate and skilled professionals who can provide care from a Christian perspective. The Master of Arts (Counselling and Spiritual Care) at McMaster Divinity College is designed to meet this need by equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills to offer counselling that integrates psychological insight with spiritual care.

This professional degree prepares students to support individuals and couples in navigating personal challenges, values, and spirituality. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the program provides a strong academic foundation in counselling theories, ethics, and therapeutic techniques while emphasizing the role of faith in mental and emotional well-being. Graduates will be well-prepared for further certification and careers in counselling, chaplaincy, pastoral care, and related fields. Further clinical experience and supervision are required after graduation to obtain professional accreditation with a certifying body.

With flexible study options and a focus on both academic learning and hands-on experience, the MA in Counselling and Spiritual Care is an excellent choice for those called to support others in a meaningful and transformative way.

Program Duration

Designed to be completed in 2 years of full-time study. The maximum length of the degree program is 4 years with the possibility to appeal for an additional year.

Course Format Options

  • In-Person
  • Hybrid: In-person or livestream (synchronous)
  • Online: Fully asynchronous

This program can be completed remotely through a combination of online (asynchronous) and livestream (synchronous) courses. 

Program Outline

# courses
Biblical Studies
2
New Testament and/or Old Testament courses
(any 2 courses with codes beginning with NT or OT)
Theological Studies 2
Church History and/or Theological Studies courses
(any 2 courses with codes beginning with CH or TH)
Ministry Studies 10
Ministry Studies courses in counselling area
(any 2 counselling courses with codes beginning with MS)
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) 2
Electives 2
Program Total 18

Course Examples

  • Basic Counselling Skills and Interventions
  • Advanced Counselling Skills and Interventions
  • Couples and Family Therapy
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Cross-Cultural Counselling
  • Current Psychotherapies
  • Understanding Human Development and Maturity
  • Professional Ethics and Jurisprudence
  • Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy
  • Understanding Trauma and Psychopathology

Funding

McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Part-time students who are eligible can receive up to $500, while eligible full-time students can receive up to $1,800. Students who reside in Ontario may be eligible for additional funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:

Academic Achievement Awards

MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.

Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents

Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the MA (Counselling & Spiritual Care) program may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.

Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.

A typical full-time MA student could have the following scenario*:

MDC Financial Assistance
Academic Awards
 $ 1,800
$ 500
Total Funding  $ 2,300
Tuition Fee  $ 7,839
Amount Payable by Student  $ 5,539

*based on actual amounts from 2023-24

 

Tuition Fees

Domestic Students
Canadian students
International Students
Non-Canadian and visa students
Per course $ 871.00 $ 871.00
Per year
Full-time at 9 courses
$ 7,839.00 $ 7,839.00

All fees are subject to an additional $21 registration fee.

Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.

The fee to audit a course is $312. Discounts for alumni and seniors available.

 

Additional Benefits

Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:

  • Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
  • Full access to the Digital Theological Library
  • Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:

  • Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a B- average
  • Program Outline

    Program Outline

    # courses
    Biblical Studies
    2
    New Testament and/or Old Testament courses
    (any 2 courses with codes beginning with NT or OT)
    Theological Studies 2
    Church History and/or Theological Studies courses
    (any 2 courses with codes beginning with CH or TH)
    Ministry Studies 10
    Ministry Studies courses in counselling area
    (any 2 counselling courses with codes beginning with MS)
    Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) 2
    Electives 2
    Program Total 18

    Course Examples

    • Basic Counselling Skills and Interventions
    • Advanced Counselling Skills and Interventions
    • Couples and Family Therapy
    • Crisis Intervention
    • Cross-Cultural Counselling
    • Current Psychotherapies
    • Understanding Human Development and Maturity
    • Professional Ethics and Jurisprudence
    • Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy
    • Understanding Trauma and Psychopathology
  • Funding & Tuition Fees

    Funding

    McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Part-time students who are eligible can receive up to $500, while eligible full-time students can receive up to $1,800. Students who reside in Ontario may be eligible for additional funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:

    Academic Achievement Awards

    MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.

    Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents

    Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the MA (Counselling & Spiritual Care) program may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.

    Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.

    A typical full-time MA student could have the following scenario*:

    MDC Financial Assistance
    Academic Awards
     $ 1,800
    $ 500
    Total Funding  $ 2,300
    Tuition Fee  $ 7,839
    Amount Payable by Student  $ 5,539

    *based on actual amounts from 2023-24

     

    Tuition Fees

    Domestic Students
    Canadian students
    International Students
    Non-Canadian and visa students
    Per course $ 871.00 $ 871.00
    Per year
    Full-time at 9 courses
    $ 7,839.00 $ 7,839.00

    All fees are subject to an additional $21 registration fee.

    Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.

    The fee to audit a course is $312. Discounts for alumni and seniors available.

     

    Additional Benefits

    Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:

    • Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
    • Full access to the Digital Theological Library
    • Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
  • Admission Requirements

    Admission Requirements

    In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:

    • Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
    • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a B- average

Featured Courses

MS 3XI3/5XI5/6XI6

Counselling Skills & Intervention

Instructor icon Cathryn Harris

Winter

2024

CC

CS

CW

In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)

MS 3XM3

Marriage and Family Therapy

Instructor icon Kelvin F. Mutter

Winter

2024

CS

PS

In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)

MS 3P1270

Crisis Intervention

Instructor icon Cathryn Harris

Spring

2025

CS

PS

In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)

MS 3P1210/5P1200

Understanding Trauma and Psychopathology

Instructor icon Cathryn Harris

Winter

2025

CC

CS

CW

In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)

Take the Next Step

  • Book an appointment

    If you would like to speak directly with an Admissions Counsellor we would be glad to book an appointment at a time that works for you. You can choose to book an in-person appointment*, a Zoom call, or a phone call. Quick question? Give us a phone call, drop us a text, or send us an email!

  • Attend an online info session

    Can’t make it to campus? No problem! Join one of our program-specific online information sessions to connect with us from wherever you are. These one-hour sessions are designed to give you the chance to ask questions and receive detailed information about the program that interests you. Be sure to register in advance so we can send you the meeting link and welcome you to the session!

  • Visit us in-person

    Come visit us in person! Meet with an admissions counsellor, meet faculty, and take a personalized tour of our campus. Experience firsthand what makes our community and programs so special.

  • Download an on-demand lecture

    Register now for access to our on-demand lectures. This is an opportunity to watch online lectures from our faculty, on your own schedule. Fill out the registration form for the lecture(s) you would like to view and we will send you a link to access the lectures. Check back often for new content!

    Jesus – Elijah Confusion – Dr. Paul Evans

    How to Disagree Christianly – Dr. Gord Heath

    Knowing the Bible – Dr. Christopher Land

    Theology of the Temple – Dr. Paul Evans

    Old Testament Apologetics – Dr. Paul Evans

    Part 1: Interpreting OT Law
    Part 2: Interpreting Imprecatory Psalms

    Biblical Wisdom – Dr. Paul Evans

    Part 1: The Patriarchy of Wisdom
    Part 2: Wisdom as Emotional and Practical Intelligence
    Part 3: The Bible’s Use of Non-Israelite Wisdom

Application Checklist

  • 1. Agreement with Statement of Faith

    Review McMaster Divinity College’s Statement of Faith.

  • 2. Personal Statement

    Applicants will need to provide a personal statement (max. 2 pages) commenting on:

    What is your Christian experience?
    What are some of the most significant learning experiences that you have had (formal or informal)?
    What is the nature of your present local church involvement and/or para-church involvement?
    What are your ministry and/or professional goals?
    How do you expect to contribute to the church and society through your future ministry?
    How do you expect McMaster Divinity College will help you with your ministry and professional development?

  • 3. References

    You will be required to submit the names and contact information for your references in your application. References must be confidential. Please forward the appropriate reference form link (below) to your referees who will complete the form for direct submission to our Admissions Office.

    For this program, applicants must submit:

    • One academic references
    • One pastoral reference
    • One character reference
  • 4. Application Fee

    There is no fee required for domestic students if application is submitted prior to the application deadlines listed below.

    A late fee of $50.00 is required for those applying after the application deadline.

    International students must pay an international application fee, see “Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants” below.

  • 5. Transcripts

    After submitting your application, please request official transcripts for all post-secondary education from your institution. Transcripts should be sent in original sealed envelope or official digital transcript to divadmit@mcmaster.ca or by mail to:

    McMaster Divinity College
    Admissions Dept
    1280 Main St W
    Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

  • Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants

    For students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 92 IBT is required.

    If submitted documents (including transcripts) are not in English, you maybe required to submit an official translation of these documents (WES evaluation may be requested).

    Students who do not possess a passport from a North American country must pay an application fee of $125.00 (CAD).

    Students relocating to Canada will be required to submit a copy of their Canadian study permit before registration.

Application Deadlines

Fall Term

June 1

Winter Term

October 15

Spring Term

March 15

Applications submitted after the deadline are subject to a late fee.

Apply Now

Application Reference Forms

As part of the application process, applicants must submit references. Please have your references fill out the following forms and submit them directly to us.

MA (Counselling & Spiritual Care) Reference Forms