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Faith and spirituality can be integral components of substance abuse and addictive disorder recovery. Christian substance abuse counseling focuses on integrating biblical principles and truths with evidence-based treatment modalities. The intersection of faith and addiction recovery can help give patients a strong foundation to move forward with a substance-free life. If you feel called to deliver counseling services rooted in theological wisdom, you can apply for the Master of Science in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders program at Grand Canyon University.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this master’s program is an intensive survey of psychological theory and counseling practices presented within a biblical framework that expands upon the Christian worldview. You will explore the cultural, familial and sociological influences on people with substance use and addictive disorders. There is an emphasis on character formation, stages of spiritual growth and personal spiritual health for the counselor.
At GCU, our online degree programs provide a flexible, convenient pathway that can help you enhance your academic credentials while continuing to meet other responsibilities. You can apply for enrollment in this master’s program and enjoy the same quality of instruction and interactive class discussions on our online learning platform as you would in an in-person classroom. Complete your graduate substance abuse courses from virtually anywhere as you work to reach the next level in your professional career.
Immerse yourself within GCU’s learning environment as you expand your knowledge of Scripture and biblical truths. Benefit from the diverse perspectives of your peers and instructors as you work through the curriculum. You will be encouraged to develop your communication skills and qualities of servant leadership, as well as to think analytically about matters of professional ethics.
You will be taught to make genuine connections with your clients by integrating Christian wisdom and ethics into your practice. The substance use and addictive disorders curriculum is designed to inspire you to deepen your own understanding of biblical truths while preparing to discuss addictive disorders and related issues from the Christian perspective.
Some of the topics include the following:
In addition, all students in the master’s in Christian counseling program are required to complete the Pre-Practicum and the Practicum/Internship. These two in-person supervised fieldwork experiences can give you the opportunity to apply your counseling skills under the guidance of a clinical supervisor.
Graduates may have the opportunity to serve and lead individuals, families and communities in God’s name as you work toward becoming a Christian substance abuse counselor. Counseling licensure requirements may vary from state to state. You are encouraged to understand the licensing requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
This master’s degree provides you with the chance to pursue counseling positions in the following settings:
Private practices
Hospitals and substance abuse clinics
Inpatient and outpatient recovery programs
Jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers
Social service agencies
Faith-based organizations
Estimated number of job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032.1
A master’s degree is one of the eligibility requirements for pursuing a substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling license in most states.2 This online master’s in Christian counseling program may prepare you to seek licensure in Arizona as a licensed associate substance abuse counselor (LASAC). Speak with your university counselor to learn more.
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
As you work to finalize your career plans, it can be helpful to learn more about the counseling field. Explore these questions and answers before deciding if a career in service to others is the right choice for you.
Aspiring Christian substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors will typically need a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in a related subject area, such as psychology, social science or counseling. A master’s degree, like the MS in Christian counseling, and supervised clinical hours are both requirements for obtaining a license in most states.2 Degree, experience and licensure requirements can vary by state for counselors working outside of private practice.2
Biblical counseling and Christian counseling may sound alike, but they are quite different. A Christian counselor is a substance abuse and mental health disorder professional who is trained and licensed to deliver counseling-based therapy for clients struggling with substance abuse and other mental health issues. They incorporate the Christian worldview into their work.
A biblical counselor, on the other hand, is a theological professional who has typically earned a degree from a seminary and has been trained to consider the applications of biblical principles to everyday life. A biblical counselor approaches each session from a wholly spiritual lens, rather than a clinical one.
You may consider the following questions during your decision-making process: Do you seek a career that would allow you to help others? Are you excited by the potential to transform lives through the application of God’s wisdom to the counseling practice? Do you feel called to a counseling career? If your answers are “Yes,” then pursuing a master’s in Christian counseling might be the right move for you. Every career path will have its own unique challenges, but these are opportunities to learn, grow and serve God by helping others.
This online master’s in Christian counseling program welcomes students interested in integrating God’s Word into their counseling work.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved on Sept. 19, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Oct. 24). How To Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
