counseling

Dual 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.

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Program Intro

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.

92 Units
3 Years
$710 +fees Cost Per Unit

*Based on the current academic year. Subject to change.

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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.

Program Details

CBS 530: Congregation as a Healing Community

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. 

CBS 540: A Theology of Helping People

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. 

PSY 580: Family Therapy I

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.

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SLOs for Counseling Ministry, M.A.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Biblical Community: Students will articulate specific biblical principles and practices regarding healing relationships in marriage, family, congregation, and society.
  4. Relational Counseling: Students will demonstrate people-helping skills applied in congregation and para-church ministries.
  5. 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.
  1. 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.  
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Interventions: Evaluate a variety of foundational and contemporary family theories and therapy models and interventions. 
  5. Legal and Ethical Issues and Standards: Apply current laws and ethical issues affecting marriage and family therapists.
  6. 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.
  7. Christian Faith Integration: Apply worldview framework and its application to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
  8. Counselor Preparation: Integrate foundational and contemporary models of counseling into treatment plans and case conceptualization.

Nathan Lewis, Ed.D.

Professor of Psychology
Director, Graduate Program in Counseling Ministry
Program Coordinator, Christian Behavioral Sciences

Office Phone: 951-343-4348
E-mail: nlewis@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 134

H. Bruce Stokes, PhD

Professor of Behavioral Science
Major Representative, Behavioral Sciences and Christian Behavioral Sciences

Office Phone: 951-343-4269
E-mail: hbstokes@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 133

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 Possibilities

The dual degree program in Counseling Ministry, M.A. and Counseling Psychology, M.S. prepares students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) working in a clinical as well as congregational setting.

  • Counselor
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Chaplain
  • Counseling Minister
  • Counseling Ministry Director
  • Social Worker
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Human Behavior Researcher
  • Business Consultant
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Ministry Worker
  • Human Resources Manager

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