Professional Counseling Major (BS)
Studying for a degree in Professional Counseling at Lancaster Bible College offers students a unique opportunity to achieve a degree that differs from surrounding universities. This is an applied program focused on teaching the art and the science of counseling. By studying science, students will understand the human mind/psyche, theories, and intervention strategies. Professional Counseling students are also equipped in understanding counseling as an art where they participate in role plays so they can hone their skills and utilize their strengths and improve their weaknesses.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major Mission: The Lancaster Bible College Professional Counseling Program exists to equip students to serve society and the Church through generalist counseling practice and lay the foundation for graduate studies in the field of counseling within the context of a biblical worldview.
Major Outcomes - Students will:
- Examine professional literature and research demonstrating competency to describe and critique from a biblical worldview.
- Critically evaluate counseling theory and methods in order to apply learned knowledge into direct practice.
- Develop skills to identify diagnostic categories and apply intervention strategies to direct practice.
- Integrate professional ethics in the practice field setting.
- Evaluate personal assets and limitations to increase personal and professional growth in the professional counseling field.
- Develop and practice interpersonal skills relative to the professional counseling field.
Program Purpose & Goals: Through our professional counseling major, you will graduate prepared to continue your education and earn a Master's degree. Additionally, you will study under experienced, professional counselors who continue to practice counseling in a variety of settings. Lastly, you will learn about counseling from a Christian perspective in the context of an intimate learning community.
Program Requirements: During the student's first three semesters, concentration on core knowledge courses, many of which are pre-requisite courses for advanced courses, will be the focus. Students should have completed 48 credit hours (18 credits in Bible/Theology, 15 credits in Arts and Sciences, and 15 credits in Professional Counseling). Students may consider taking courses during the summer or during winter breaks in order to plan for their field service semesters, or if they plan to graduate at an accelerated rate.
Program Director:
Melissa Boas, M.Ed.
Melissa Boas works full-time at Lancaster Bible College as the Director of the Professional Counseling Program and the Professional School Counseling program. Prior to coming to LBC she worked 12 years in public education as a former middle school and high school counselor, and a supervisor of school counseling services. Melissa believes that school counselors are integral within school districts in meeting the needs of all students social emotional development, fostering academic growth, and providing career education services. Melissa believes that the profession of school counseling is a special calling from God, a very rewarding career, and is excited to train the next generation of school counselors. Melissa serves as an associate professor, teaches multiple courses, and supervises and advises future school counseling students. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Education degree and when she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband, Joel, and three children Joel Jr., Luca, and Maverick.
Faculty List:
Dr. Ryan Kuehner, PhD
-Chair, Counseling & Social Work Department
-Director, Master of Arts Programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Addiction Counseling; and Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling
Mrs. Melissa Boas, MEd
-Director of Professional Counseling Program and Professional School Counseling Program
-Assistant Professor
Mr. Sean Dougherty, MS, MEd
-Assistant Professor
Mr. Praveen Rudra, MA
-Coordinator, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling programs
-Assistant Professor
Mr. Jonathan Shacklett,MA, LPC, CAADC, ACS
-Assistant Professor
Professional Counseling Major Curriculum
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
| LBC 100 | Foundations Seminar | 1 |
| BIB 106 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| THE 105 | Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies | 3 |
| LAN 101 | College Composition and Research | 3 |
| PCN 122_ | Group Experience & Self-Evaluation_AUD | 3 |
| PCN 123 | Introduction to the Counseling Profession | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
| BIB 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| LAN 104 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| SOC 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PCN 201 | Systems of Counseling I: Christian | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
| CSV 201 | Christian Service I | 0 |
| BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| PHI 201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| SOC 228 | Principles & Techniques of Counseling | 3 |
| PCN 212 | Systems of Counseling II: Psychology | 3 |
| PCN 351 | Therapy Lab I | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
| CSV 202 | Christian Service II | 0 |
| THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
HIS ____
| HIS Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
LIT ____
| LIT Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
SCI ____
| SCI____ Science with Lab 4 credits | 4 |
PCN ____
| PCN Elective | 3 |
| PCN 352 | Therapy Lab II | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Junior Year
Fall Semester
| THE 224 | Christian Narrative II: Redemption | 3 |
| MAT 216 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| PCN 332 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PCN 335 | Research Design | 3 |
PCN ____
| Elective Seminar | 1 |
PCN ____
| PCN Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Spring Semester
BNT ____
| Bible New Testament Exegetical Elective | 3 |
THE ____
| Theology Elective | 3 |
| LIT 321 | C.S. Lewis | 3 |
SCI ____
| SCI____ Science with Lab 4 credits | 4 |
PCN ____
| Elective Seminar | 1 |
PCN ____
| Elective Seminar | 1 |
PCN ____
| Elective Seminar | 1 |
| PCN 422 | Intercultural Counseling Experience | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Senior Year
Fall Semester
BOT ____
| Bible Old Testament Exegetical Elective | 3 |
THE ____
| Theology Elective | 3 |
| SOC 325 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| PCN 322 | Group Leadership Skills | 3 |
| PCN 411 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| PCN 456 | Field Service | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring Semester
THE 320
| | |
THE ____
| Theology Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Arts & Sciences Elective (400 Level) | 3 |
| PCN 457 | Field Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |