91茄子

2023 Graduate Pursues Dual Master鈥檚 Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Divinity

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擜fter graduating in May 2023 with a psychology degree from 91茄子, Joe Waller enrolled in the School of Divinity. He is pursuing a dual degree鈥攖he Master of Mental Health Counseling and Master of Divinity. Waller, who minored in biblical studies, is the 2023 recipient of the Dean鈥檚 Fellow Scholarship Award, given annually by the GWU School of Divinity.

Each year, the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy selects a graduate of the program to receive the full-tuition scholarship for the complete course of study in the Master of Divinity degree at 91茄子. Both majors and minors from the department are eligible. The recipients, known as 鈥淒ean鈥檚 Fellows,鈥� are chosen for exceptional academic performance and call to ministry.

Dr. Paula Qualls, professor of religious studies, presented the scholarship. 鈥淛oe is quite an amazing young man,鈥� she praised. 鈥淗e is one of the most kind, empathetic and patient young adults I have ever met.鈥�

Waller, who is from Shelby, N.C., chose to stay at 91茄子 because of his undergraduate experience and the impact the school had on his brother and sister-in-law. 鈥淚 saw how my brother and sister-in-law not only obtained knowledge, but gained the tools to love people well,鈥� Waller shared. 鈥淚 felt that God wanted me to challenge myself through divinity school. I knew it was a very supportive environment, and I wanted to give myself a chance to have a life-changing experience. 91茄子 is full of wonderful people who truly care about one another.鈥�

The Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling dual degree integrates theology, faith and spirituality with counseling theory and clinical experience in the mental health field. The divinity portion provides advanced education in biblical studies, spiritual formation and ministry. The counseling program combines professional, skill and applied components to prepare graduates for effective work as a mental health counselor.

Waller鈥檚 undergraduate classes gave him a solid foundation to serve the young people at his church. He also believes the dual divinity degree鈥攁long with his position as part-time youth pastor at Zion Baptist Church in Shelby鈥攚ill help him become a better counselor by broadening his perspective and growing his own relationship with God. 鈥淚 like that ministry encourages me to look introspectively at myself every day and provides opportunities to give (others) the same tools that have been helpful for me,鈥� Waller asserted.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and聽financial聽aid聽policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and聽financial聽aid聽resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

91茄子 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 91茄子 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 91茄子.edu.