POST GRADUATE PROGRAMS OF STUDY AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS  

    DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING

Doctor of Christian Counseling or Psychology and Counseling

Counseling Concentration (21 credits)

1. CON803 Introduction to Biblical Counseling (3)

2. CON802 Competent to Counsel (2)

3. CON813 Theology of Christian Counseling (3)

4. CON823 Christian Marital Counseling (3)

5. CON834 Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3)

6. CON844 Ready to Restore in Group Dynamics: For Christian Counselors (4)  

7. CON844 Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families) (3)

Course Descriptions for Counseling Concentration

Introduction to Biblical Counseling

This course will introduce the students to principles and practice in Biblical counseling. This approach will bring a system of biblical truth that brings together people, their problems and the living God.

Competent to Counsel

Competent to Counsel has counselors develop both a general approach to Christian counseling and specific response to particular problems. The approach used in book I (Nouthetic Counseling) emphasizes the means of the Holy Spirit to bring about change in the personality and behavior of the counselee.

Theology of Christian Counseling

This course will introduce the student to principles and practice in Christian counseling. This approach will bring a system of biblical truth that brings together people, their problems and the living God.

Christian Marital Counseling

The course explores marriage from the Christian perspective emphasizing the biblically based theory of marriage and marriage counseling with an analysis on the individual, the couple and the family.

Crisis and Trauma Counseling

This course offers the latest information on suicidal ideation which explored in full detail, particularly in terms of helping the victim’s loved ones cope with pertinent issues. All students can benefit form this course, particularly those in the helping profession (i.e. Pastors, lay person, counselors, and nurses).

Ready to Restore in Group Dynamics: For Christian Counselors

This course focuses on the study of mankind as it relates as a social group and how men and women function and are influenced by those who surround them. 

Ready to Restore

Here is a course that is geared to Christian counseling designed specifically for the layperson using the basic essentials of counseling.

Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families)

Teenagers and their families live in a society with epidemic levels of social troubles that put adolescents at risk for emotional problems. Twenty-two of the most common mental health conditions that occur among adolescents will be identified and discussed.

Counseling Youth (Handbook on Counseling Youth)

A comprehensive course geared to equip youth workers, pastors and teachers, as well as parents, as they attempt to identify problems, discover causes, determine effects, and view biblical perspectives.

• Doctoral Dissertation

• Biblical Counseling

• Practicum/Internship (student initiated)

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

To submit an Official Application, click here

Course Descriptions for Psychology 

and Counseling Concentration

1. PSY803 Introduction to Psychology and Counseling (3)

2. PSY813 Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling 3)

3. CON823 Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families 3)

4. CON823 Counseling Youth (Handbook on Counseling Youth)(3)

5. PSY833 Psychology and Religion (3)PSY843 Psychology &Christianity(3)

6. CON853 Christian Counseling Collins (3)

 COURSES

Psychology and Counseling

This course is designed to spotlight many areas featuring examples of people, ideas and applications relevant to Christian counseling. The resources used in the course take on a holistic approach.

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling)

Being able to integrate your spiritual life with your psychological expertise and theological understanding will help enhance your counseling skills. This course will help you evaluate how well you will be able to incorporate prayer, scripture, confession, forgiveness and redemption into your life and counseling practice.

Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families)

Teenagers and their families live in a society with epidemic levels of social troubles that put adolescents at risk for emotional problems. Twenty-two of the most common mental health conditions that occur among adolescents will be identified and discussed.

Counseling Youth (Handbook on Counseling Youth)

A comprehensive course geared to equip youth workers, pastors and teachers, as well as parents, as they attempt to identify problems, discover causes, determine effects, and view biblical perspectives.

Psychology and Religion

This unique course presents a psychological approach to the study of the religious experience. There will be eight points of view discussed and evaluated. This course will explain the thinking of religious psychology including the philosophy of various theorists.

Psychology & Christianity

This course and text emphasizes morality, values, epistemology, and the role of religion in public life.

Counseling VII (Christian Counseling) (Collins)

Designed to help Christian leaders in their counseling work, this course will introduce many case histories, along with an exploration of what the Bible has to say about the problems addressed.

• Doctoral Dissertation

• Biblical Counseling

• Practicum/Internship(student initiated)   

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

To submit an Official Application, click here

Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Leadership (DPPL) 48-credit hours/Research only or Coursework options (5 extra hours for ROP)

Ph.D. with Organizational Licensed 60-hours

The purpose of the Ph. D.  in Pastoral Leadership (DPPL/Ph.D.) program is to provide the biblical, theoretical, and practical instruction necessary to assume leadership positions in churches, ministries, and other organizations. Men and women in a variety of leadership positions will benefit from this course of study.

Program Objectives

• Graduates of the Ph.D. program will be prepared to:

• Accurately interpret the Bible in light of its historical-grammatical context.

• Utilize the Church’s theological heritage as an important resource in their personal spiritual development and ministry. 

• Articulate a biblical philosophy of leadership consistent with their vocation.

• Communicate biblical and theological truths through preaching, teaching, writing, or in such other says as may be appropriate.

• Apply Christian leadership principles consistent with a biblical perspective of leadership.

• Design a strategic plan to guide organizations toward the accomplishment of their mission.

• Discover the culture and values of an organization and intentionally embed the values and ethics essential to leading that organization toward societal transformation and the accomplishment of its mission.

• Develop themselves and those around them as leaders.

• Serve with Christian character in their personal and professional lives.

Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Leadership Total 48/60 credit hours (Revised September 2007 )Core Requirements (21 credit hours)

1. OTS 603 Old Testament Studies (3)

2. NTS 613 New Testament Studies (3)

3. STH 623 Systematic Theology (3)

4. HEM 633 Hermeneutics (3)

5. CAG 643 Apologetics (3)

6. BIS 653 Romans (3)

7. PMS 663 Prepare to Ministry (3)

Concentration in Leadership (24 credit hours)

1. PSL703 The Art and Science of Leadership (3)

2. PSL713 Strategy and Administration in Leadership (3)

3. PSL723 Strategy in Advertising and Promotion (3)

4. PSL733The Purpose Driven Church (3)

5. PSL743 Church Administration (3)

6. PSL753 Homiletics (3)

7. PSL763 Exploring Worship (3)

8. CED773 Creative Teaching Methods(3)

9. Doctoral Dissertation  (12)

Program cost $3800.00/$5625.00

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest. 

To submit an Official Application, click here

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP GRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS  

Old Testament Studies

This course explores the entire Old Testament in a practical way. Every book is analyzed based on the principle, the concept, and personages involved.

New Testament Studies -The Gospels

This course explores the Gospels with a clear and practical understanding of how God works in the lives of His people. Students who are serious about knowledge of the New Testament will be greatly blessed.  

Systematic Theology 

This course introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

Hermeneutic

This course is a basic study introducing the student to the science of interpreting the Scriptures. Various phases and methods of understanding interpretation are examined and explored.  

Christian Apologetics

This is a study of Christian Apologetics for the purpose of equipping the pastor, minister, or lay leader in the defense of the Truths of God.  This study is in three parts: 1) deals with various tests for truth in order to lay a foundation for testing the “truths” of various world views, 2) applies the test for truth to those views, and 3) works within the theistic view to verify the deity of Jesus and the authority of the Bible.

Preparation to Ministry 

Everyone whom God calls is called into the ministry of Christ and therefore, need to be prepared. This course prepares the student to the work of sharing the Good News and fulfilling his or her ministry. Creative Teaching Methods Focusing on quality education, this course is designed to help those, desiring to teach creatively, do so effectively. The course is loaded with practical and usable Christian based ideas that will make creative teaching a reality.

Strategy of Leadership and Administration

This course introduces the administrative strategy of leadership and administration involved within the church today.

Homiletics

This course further explores the practical approach to homiletics and is a valuable aid to the preacher in preparing himself and the message that he preaches. The text is well-outlined for clear and concise preparation of sermons.

Leadership IV (Purpose Driven Church)

From a leadership standpoint, church growth is crucial. This course helps the student to learn how to shift the focus away from church buildings and programs and to, rather, emphasize a people-building process.

Church Administration 

Fundamentals of church administration are discussed and studied, preparing the student for a ministry in the local church. Church business, church programs and the pastor are the main topics covered.

The Art and Science of Leadership  

This course is designed to expose the student to the art of leadership and administration of the church, role of the ministry, and pastoral responsibilities. Many techniques and skills have been discussed like never before.

Leadership V (Feeding & Leading)

From the viewpoint of the theological, practical and sociological aspects, this course is designed to focus on sound leadership practices from the business world without sacrificing Christian principles. Pastors, church leaders, and business leaders will walk away with tools and ideas that can be used immediately.

Exploring Worship

This course is a look at worship from both the Free Church and the traditional church expression. An attempt to rediscover the importance of worship is analyzed.

Creative Teaching Methods

Focusing on quality education, this course is designed to help those, desiring to teach creatively, do so effectively. The course is loaded with practical and usable Christian based ideas that will make creative teaching a reality.

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

To submit an Official Application, click here

Doctor of Christian Education (DCE/Ed.D.)

Total 40 credit hours Revised September 2007 - Research only or Coursework options (5 extra hours for ROP

Purpose

The purpose Master of Christian Education (DCE.Ed.D.) program is to provide the candidate with an advanced competencies and biblical insights through the teaching, preparation and observation for those actively involved in vocational Christian ministry of education.

Program Objectives: 

Graduates of the (DCE/Ed.D.) program will be prepared to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding and integration of ministry in relation to the biblical, theological, academic, and educational disciplines.

• Articulate and apply a comprehensive and critical philosophy of ministry.

• Demonstrate advanced competencies in the areas of critical thinking, Research and Writing, Biblical Theology, Biblical Communication, Administration/Education Leadership, and Great Commission Strategies.

• Plan, implement, and critically evaluate major undertakings in ministry toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. 

• Evaluate personal, spiritual, and professional development and design a plan for lifelong learning.

Core Requirement (21) Credit hours

1. OTS 602 Old Testament Studies (2)

2. NTS 802 New Testament Studies (2)

3. SWF802 Preparation to Ministry (3

4. HEM803 Hermeneutics (3)

5. BIS 613 Hebrews (3)

6. BIS 623 Roman (3)

7. BIS 633 Exploring the Pentateuch (3)

Concentration in education (24) credit hours

1. CED603 Childhood Education (2)

2. CED613Teaching for Result (3)

3. CED613Creative Teaching Methods (3)

4. CED623 The Foundation for the Future Education (3)

5. THE633 Apologetics (3)

6. CED643 Exploring Christian Education (3)

7. CET664 Christian Ethics (4)

8. Doctoral Dissertation  (12)

Program cost $3,600.00

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.  

To submit an Official Application, click here

Core Requirement

Old Testament Studies

This course explores the entire Old Testament in a practical way. Every book is analyzed based on the principle, the concept, and personages involved.

New Testament Studies -The Gospels

This course explores the Gospels with a clear and practical understanding of how God works in the lives of His people. Students who are serious about knowledge of the New Testament will be greatly blessed.

Preparation to Ministry

Everyone whom God calls is called into the ministry of Christ and therefore, need to be prepared. This course prepares the student to the work of sharing the Good News and fulfilling his or her ministry.

Hermeneutics

This course is a basic study introducing the student to the science of interpreting the Scriptures. Various phases and methods of understanding interpretation are examined and explored.

Hebrews

Students will quickly find out how important the Epistle to the Hebrew is for the Christian growth. This course presents a practical approach to the study of the text. And objective and open mind will enrich the student’s knowledge.

The Book of Romans

The book of Romans is one of the most important books in the New Testament. This course presents Romans in a way that best helps us understand the way to salvation, faith, and so forth. It answers the great question such as, “How can a man be righteous before God?”

Exploring the Pentateuch

The Pentateuch is a study manual, a reference source, and a textbook-commentary on the first five books of the Bible.

Concentration in education  

Childhood Education

A complete look at childhood education in the church prepares the student for a fuller ministry with children.

Creative Teaching Methods

Focusing on quality education, this course is designed to help those, desiring to teach creatively, do so effectively. The course is loaded with practical and usable Christian based ideas that will make creative teaching a reality.

Teaching for Result

Teaching goals and Christian action comprise the basis for this study. It is designed for teacher training. Student who plan to explore the teaching ministry will benefit great results from recipients.

Christian Education (The Foundation for the Future)

This course introduces the learner to the basics of a healthy Christian education program; then beyond, showing how to develop a fresh innovative Christian education program to revitalize the church, home or school.

Christian Apologetics

This is a study of Christian Apologetics for the purpose of equipping the pastor, minister, or lay leader in the defense of the Truths of God.  This study is in three parts: 1) deals with various tests for truth in order to lay a foundation for testing the “truths” of various world views, 2) applies the test for truth to those views, and 3) works within the theistic view to verify the deity of Jesus and the authority of the Bible.

Exploring Christian Education

Biblically oriented, this course offers scriptural advice and information on youth outreach. It includes Bible school, Bible studies, weekday clubs, camping, and career and pre-marital problems.

Christian Ethics

This is an introductory course in apologetics with answers to many of the so‑called contradictions in Christianity.  The course probes intensely into both the difficult, long-standing questions, as well as, the challenging, present-day issues about Christianity.

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

To submit an Official Application, click here

Systematic Theology Program 54-credit hours

 Core Requirement (16) Credit hours

1. THE804 First Theology: God, Scripture & Hermeneutics(4)

2. THE808 Christian Theology (8)

3. THE814 Theology of Human Restlessness (4)

Concentration in education (38) credit hour

1. STE804 Introduction to Systematic Theology (4)

2. (Geisler)STE814 Systematic Theology II  (4)

3. (Geisler)STE824 Systematic Theology III (4)

4. (Geisler)STE848 Systematic Theology IV (8)

5. (Wayne Cruden) New 834 Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith V(4)

6. (Wolfhart Pannenberg) New 914 Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith VI (4)

7. (Henry C. Tiessen) New 924 Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith VII (4)

8. (Robert Raymond)STE964 Systematic Theology VIII (4)

9. (Charles Hodge)STE544 Systematic Theology IX (4)

10. (Louis Berkhof)DSTE900 Doctor of Systematic Theology (12

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

First Theology: God, Scripture & Hermeneutics

This is a book on theological hermeneutics. It is a plea for being hermeneutical about theology and for being theological about hermeneutics. It is an argument for treating the questions of God, scripture and hermeneutics as one problem. This one problem defines what I call “first theology”.

Christian Theology

A detailed and involved study of Biblical Theology. The attributes, decrees and doctrines of the Bible are intricately examined.

Theology of Human Restlessness

A complete research of the history of Sunday of how the change came about from Saturday to Sunday in early Christianity. A complete theological study of the Christian Sabbath in the light of the New Testament back to the Old Testament to establish which day is the Christian Sabbath. This is an interesting course for both Saturday and Sunday keepers.

Introduction to Systematic Theology I

This course introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”  

Systematic Theology II

This course is a continuation of volume I which introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

Systematic Theology III

This course is a continuation of volume II which introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

Systematic Theology IV

This course introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith V

This course encourages the reader to measure theological assertions by the ultimate standard of Scripture itself.

New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith VI

This course encourages the reader to measure theological assertions by the ultimate standard of Scripture itself.

New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith VII

This course encourages the reader to measure theological assertions by the ultimate standard of Scripture itself.

Systematic Theology VIII (Charles Hodge

This course introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

Systematic Theology IX (Louis Berkhof)

This course introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

To submit an Official Application, click here

Doctor of Theology Program 45/51-hours

Course work or research only

Core Requirement (21) Credit hours

1. OTS602 Old Testament Studies (2)

2. NTS602 New Testament Studies (2

3. MIS602 Preparation to Ministry (2)

4. HEM603 Hermeneutics (3)

5. BIS613 Epistles to the Hebrews (3)

6. BIS623 Roman(3)

7. BIS633 Exploring the Pentateuch (3)

8. BTE643 Epistles to the Hebrews (3)

Concentration in education (55) credit hours

1. CED704  Creative Teaching Methods (4) 

2. THE714  Apologetics (4)

3. CED824 The Foundation for the Future Education (4)

4. HST854  History of the Christian Though (4)

5. CET864  Christian Ethics (4)

6.  CON874 Counseling (4)PSL743  Church Administration (4)

7. HST703  History of Christian Thought (3)

8. WOP804 Exploring of Worship (4)

9. PSL854  Leadership (4)

10. STE808  Systematic Theology (8)

11. THE808  Christian Doctrines (8)

12. TMDIV800 Master of Divinity Thesis (40,000 words) (8)

Before the degree has been awarded, research students are required to provide two bound copies to Cornerstone Christian University . One bound copy will be endorsed and return to the student.

Program cost $3475.00/$3825.00

Course selection may be modified based on transcript review and personal interest.

To submit an Official Application, click here

Core Requirement (21) Credit hours

Old Testament Studies

This course explores the entire Old Testament in a practical way. Every book is analyzed based on the principle, the concept, and personages involved.

New Testament Studies -The Gospels  

This course explores the Gospels with a clear and practical understanding of how God works in the lives of His people. Students who are serious about knowledge of the New Testament will be greatly blessed.

Preparation to Ministry

Everyone whom God calls is called into the ministry of Christ and therefore, need to be prepared. This course prepares the student to the work of sharing the Good News and fulfilling his or her ministry.

Hermeneutics

This course is a basic study introducing the student to the science of interpreting the Scriptures. Various phases and methods of understanding interpretation are examined and explored

Hebrews

Students will quickly find out how important the Epistle to the Hebrew is for the Christian growth. This course presents a practical approach to the study of the text. And objective and open mind will enrich the student’s knowledge.

The Book of Romans

The book of Romans is one of the most important books in the New Testament. This course presents Romans in a way that best helps us understand the way to salvation, faith, and so forth. It answers the great question such as, “How can a man be righteous before God?”

Exploring the Pentateuch

The Pentateuch is a study manual, a reference source, and a textbook-commentary on the first five books of the Bible.

Concentration in education (24) credit hours Christian Apologetics

This is a study of Christian Apologetics for the purpose of equipping the pastor, minister, or lay leader in the defense of the Truths of God.  This study is in three parts: 1) deals with various tests for truth in order to lay a foundation for testing the “truths” of various world views, 2) applies the test for truth to those views, and 3) works within the theistic view to verify the deity of Jesus and the authority of the Bible.

Christian Education (The Foundation for the Future)

This course introduces the learner to the basics of a healthy Christian education program; then beyond, showing how to develop a fresh innovative Christian education program to revitalize the church, home or school.

Christian Ethics

This is an introductory course in apologetics with answers to many of the so‑called contradictions in Christianity.  The course probes intensely into both the difficult, long-standing questions, as well as, the challenging, present-day issues about Christianity.

CON653 Counseling IV (Counseling Troubled Teens & Their Families)

Teenagers and their families live in a society with epidemic levels of social troubles that put adolescents at risk for emotional problems. Twenty-two of the most common mental health conditions that occur among adolescents will be identified and discussed.

Church Administration

Fundamentals of church administration are discussed and studied, preparing the student for a ministry in the local church. Church business, church programs and the pastor are the main topics covered.

History of Christian Thought

This course exposes the student to the Judaic and Hellenistic origins of existentialism

Exploring Worship

This course is a look at worship from both the Free Church and the traditional church expression. An attempt to rediscover the importance of worship is analyzed.

Leadership V (Feeding & Leading)

From the viewpoint of the theological, practical and sociological aspects, this course is designed to focus on sound leadership practices from the business world without sacrificing Christian principles. Pastors, church leaders, and business leaders will walk away with tools and ideas that can be used immediately.

Systematic Theology

This course introduces the student to the “great voyage of discovery into a rich, deep, and inclusive, yet elaborated, vision and understanding of human life in the presence of the mystery of God.”

Christian Theology

A detailed and involved study of Biblical Theology. The attributes, decrees and doctrines of the Bible are intricately examined.

Doctoral Dissertation/Research Project

Course selection may b