Dual Degree Program: Counseling Ministry, M.A. and Counseling Psychology, M.S.

A unique dual degree program is available to students who wish to have both the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry. The dual degree program prepares students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) working in a clinical as well as congregational setting.

3

Years

$695 + fees

Cost Per Unit *
View Additional Cost of Attendance (COA)
and Fees.

92

Why earn a dual degree in Counseling Ministry, M.A. and Counseling Psychology, M.S. at CBU?

Gain a solid understanding of theology
Students will learn a solid biblical understanding of human beings, human problems, and solutions.

Integrate Christianity and counseling
The dual degree helps students understanding the proper relationship between a Christian worldview and approach to counseling and psychology.

Qualify for licensure
The M.S. in Counseling Psychology portion of the dual program aligns with the degree and coursework requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California, and as a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) (for those students who complete the PCC course sequence), as set forth by California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

Create healing environments
Students will learn how congregations practicing biblical commands for relating can create a healing environment for troubled people. This is an emphasis unique to the MACM.

Obtain practical experience from day one
Students will learn how to apply biblical principles of a healing community in developing a robust ministry of people-helping with their local congregation and ministry context.

Congregation as a Healing Community

CBS 530

A general understanding of the dynamics of congregational life to personal development and adjustment necessary in maintaining healthy marital, family and personal relationships in community context.

A Theology of Helping People

CBS 540

This course examines the biblical categories related to human nature, personality, development, well-being, and problems in living, with particular emphasis given to systematic theology and practical theology.

Family Therapy I

PSY 580

An examination of the philosophical and theoretical suppositions of the major schools of family therapy. Emphasis on the historical and contemporary context of systems theory and family therapy.

Student Learning Outcomes

SLOs for Counseling Ministry, M.A.

Biblical Epistemology: Students will explain, verbally or in writing, how the Bible serves as a primary authority and source for understanding human beings and problems in living.
Theology as a Behavioral Science: Students will articulate, verbally or in writing, the proper relationship between a biblical view of persons and Behavioral Science theory and practice.
Biblical Community: Students will articulate specific biblical principles and practices regarding healing relationships in marriage, family, congregation, and society.
Relational Counseling: Students will demonstrate people-helping skills applied in congregation and para-church ministries.
Counseling Ministry Practice: Students will apply knowledge and skills in developing and leading people-helping ministries in congregation and other ministry contexts.

SLOs for Counseling Psychology, M.S.

Admission to Treatment: Identify systemic clinical concerns based on both client presentations as well as consider issues like trauma, crises, and substance abuse as motivators to begin marriage and family therapy treatment.
Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis: Utilize a relational understanding of psychopathalogical and incorporate relational assessment to develop an accurate diagnostic framework upon which to base marriage and family therapy treatment.
Treatment Planning & Case Management: Develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to address client concerns as well as incorporate clinical assessment and diagnosis in marriage and family therapy treatment.
Interventions: Evaluate a variety of foundational and contemporary family theories and therapy models and interventions.
Legal and Ethical Issues and Standards: Apply current laws and ethical issues affecting marriage and family therapists.
Research and Program Evaluation: Apply knowledge of research, evidence-based treatments, and basic strategies for evaluating research relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
Christian Faith Integration: Apply worldview framework and its application to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
Counselor Preparation: Integrate foundational and contemporary models of counseling into treatment plans and case conceptualization.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Application Deadlines	Fall
Priority	May 15
Standard	August 1

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Career Opportunities

Counseling Minister
Counseling Ministry Director
Chaplain
Marriage and Family Therapist

*Some career opportunities may require further education

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Nathan Lewis

Program Director

I am fascinated by how psychological ideas about people compares with what the Bible teaches about life, people, and relationships. I pursued this interest through two graduate degrees in psychology and counseling. I love challenging students to think about life from a biblical perspective and assisting them in their journey toward greater understanding.

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Bruce Stokes

Professor

I have always loved teaching. Students learn best when the content of the course matches their curiosity and gives them answers to life. If I stay curious and eager to learn, the students catch that and follow in kind. Putting secular and theological perspectives and worldviews into "proper relationship" is the essence of faith integration and a major emphasis of my research and teaching.

See Profile >

Nathan Lewis

Program Director

I am fascinated by how psychological ideas about people compares with what the Bible teaches about life, people, and relationships. I pursued this interest through two graduate degrees in psychology and counseling. I love challenging students to think about life from a biblical perspective and assisting them in their journey toward greater understanding.

See Profile >
Bruce Stokes

Professor

I have always loved teaching. Students learn best when the content of the course matches their curiosity and gives them answers to life. If I stay curious and eager to learn, the students catch that and follow in kind. Putting secular and theological perspectives and worldviews into "proper relationship" is the essence of faith integration and a major emphasis of my research and teaching.

See Profile >