Wake Forest University Dept. of Counseling • PO Box 7406 • Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27109 • Information: 336.758.4932 | Website Feedback
This degree is an academic program for graduates who seek to enter the ministry with skills in both theology and in counseling. Students accepted into the dual degree program would be able to complete the requirements for both the Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling degrees in four years instead of the usual five years. In this combined program, neither the M.Div nor the MA in Counseling degree is compromised. The curriculum is in line with the accreditation bodies of both partners. Graduates would also meet the educational requirements of licensure as professional counselors in North Carolina and in most other states.
Students in the dual degree program will spend the first two years of the four year program in the Divinity School. The second two years of the dual degree program will be spent satisfying the requirements of the Masters in Counseling program.
Summary of Requirements for Dual M.Div./M.A. Degree
Course Requirements for Dual-Degree M Div/MA: Counseling Program
Sequence of Courses: M.Div/M.A.-Counseling (as of 6/01/08)
The Process. Up to three students per year will be admitted to the M.Div./M.A.-Counseling dual degree program. Applicants must be accepted for admission by both the Department of Counseling and by the Divinity School. Applicants are required to submit a separate application to each school by January 15. Applications for the Counseling Program are submitted through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at http://graduate.wfu.edu. Applications for the Divinity School are submitted directly to the Divinity School at http://www.wfu.edu/divinity.
On Campus Interviews. Based on the material contained in his or her application, an applicant may be invited to campus for personal interviews with the admissions committees in both Counseling and in Divinity. These interviews are typically scheduled for late February/early March. If invited, applicants must arrange to appear in person even if they have previously visited one or both departments. Divinity and Counseling will work together to coordinate the dates and timing of the interviews.
After the interview phase, a joint admissions committee composed of members from both schools will make the final selection. Unsuccessful applicants to the dual degree program have the option of applying to the Divinity School by May 1 but would have to wait until January of the following year to apply for admission to the Department of Counseling or to reapply to the dual degree program.
During the Divinity School portion of the program. The Divinity School of Wake Forest University is committed to assisting students in meeting the basic educational and living expenses incurred while enrolled in the dual degree program. Merit-based awards will be offered on the basis of the applicant's personal statement, academic transcripts, and letters of support from references. All merit-based awards are renewable for up to the two years of full-time study. Merit scholarships range from 25% to 100% of tuition. Many students qualify for more than one merit award. Need-based scholarships and grants are awarded on the basis of information applicants provide on the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Wake Forest Divinity School PROFILE form. Both forms are available from the Divinity School’s Office of Admissions & Student Services.
During the Counseling degree portion of the program. Students accepted to the dual degree program will be awarded partial tuition scholarships that cover about 85% of the cost from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for the two years they are enrolled in the Department of Counseling portion of the program. Each student also receives a reconditioned laptop computer.
A joint committee composed of faculty from both schools will review the academic, personal and professional progress of degree students. Satisfactory academic progress is defined as maintaining a B or better grade point average. Expectations of personal and professional behaviors and/or attitudes are outlined in the Department of Counseling “Evaluation and Continuation Policy” which is posted on the website, on page 10 of the student handbook, at www.wfu.edu/counseling/students/studenthandbook/.