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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.
Apply NowProgram 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.
Contact Admissions
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 |
The following 10 ministry studies courses in the counselling area:
|
|
| Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) | 2 |
| Electives | 2 |
| Program Total | 18 |
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
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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 The following 10 ministry studies courses in the counselling area: - 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
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) 2 Electives 2 Program Total 18 -
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
$ 500Total 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 studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer 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
Cathryn Harris
Winter
2024
CC
CS
CW
In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)
MS 3XM3
Marriage and Family Therapy
Kelvin F. Mutter
Winter
2024
CS
PS
In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)
MS 3P1270
Crisis Intervention
Cathryn Harris
Spring
2025
CS
PS
In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)
MS 3P1210/5P1200
Understanding Trauma and Psychopathology
Cathryn Harris
Winter
2025
CC
CS
CW
In-Person/Livestream (Synchronous)
Take the Next Step
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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 PsalmsBiblical 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
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1. Agreement with Statement of Faith
Review McMaster Divinity College’s Statement of Faith.
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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
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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 $54.00 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.
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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 $134.00 (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.