Academic Programs Frequently Asked Questions

M.Div. (Ministry Care)

• Can women enroll in CIU's M.Div., Ministry Care track?

  Yes! Although there are divergent views on ordination of women and women in leadership, CIU Seminary & School of Ministry exists to serve the local Church. We recognize that many denominations and churches ordain women. Female graduates from CIU Seminary & School of Ministry serve in various positions, including as church/ministry-related and Christian school counselors.

• How large a faculty will I be exposed to in my program?

  In the Ministry Care track you will be trained by six (6) professional counseling faculty and adjuncts.  In addition you will be trained by at least seven (7) other men and women in Bible, Missions, Theology, and Preaching classes.  This will insure that you have a variety of influences to create a relational lens within Scripture rather than being confined to the limitations of just one or two faculty.

• What is the difference between Ministry Care and Chaplaincy?

  In Ministry Care, students will be trained how to help an individual or a ministry organization grow spiritually by creating structured plans and walking with the individual/ministry as they seek to develop in Christ-like health.  This may take months or longer to achieve.  By contrast, chaplaincy is often a brief interaction to help stabilize an individual in a relational, physical, emotional or spiritual crisis.

• What types of jobs are available for the M.Div. Ministry Care track?

  The M.Div. (Ministry Care) is designed for those who plan to lead people in ministry as well as address people's pain and difficulties, issues that can hold a person back from enjoying God and all that He has promised.  Ministry roles such as Associate Pastor, Small Groups Ministry/Pastor, Shepherding Pastor, Pastor of Spiritual Ministry, Co-ministry Leader, Pastoral Counselor, lay counseling pastor, care giver to ministry or missionary staff, member care, marriage and pre-marital and recovery/restoration ministries are increasingly needed in today's Christian organizations both in the States and overseas.

  In addition the M.Div. is the required degree for ordination in a number of denominations.

• What's the difference between "Pastoral Counseling" and "Biblical Counseling"?

  "Pastoral counseling," as taught at CIU Seminary & School of Ministry, relies primarily on the Word of God, but scientific or research based information consistent with the scriptures also is recognized as a resource in counseling. Pastoral counselors provide God's perspective on difficulties or situations while helping counselees become free and fulfilled. They may work with Christians or non-Christians. "Biblical counselors" use only the Bible and often focus on sin that needs to be confessed and repented of before healing can occur. They work almost exclusively with Christians.

• Will I get experience counseling as part of my M.Div. training?

  Yes. Both in the counseling lab on campus (observational practice) and in your practicum and internships you will be required to engage in supervised ministry.

• Will this M.Div. program qualify me as a Licensed Professional Counselor in my state?

  No. This program is designed to prepare you for ministry care positions in a church or a Christian institution. The program does not include the requirements for state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. If you need licensure, see our M.A. in Counseling program.