DEGREE TITLE: MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
1) Program Description
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree is a two-year program that provides in-depth course work for those who wish to be equipped with counseling competence needed to assist Christian individuals and families both in and out of the local church context. It is a non-licensure program, which is not designed to fulfill the California state requirements for licensure. The goals of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling program are to 1) prepare students for practical counseling ministry; and 2) prepare students for counseling related services in church and community
2) Title of Degree: Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
3) Requirements
A total of 72 quarter units (68 q.u. plus Thesis) with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.30(B-) on a 4.0 scale is required for the M.A. in Christian Counseling degree.
4) Prerequisites
Prerequisites for the M.A. in Christian Counseling program are to meet the school’s admission qualifications which indicate their ability to pursue advanced study and research. It normally requires a bachelor's or master's degree from regionally accredited liberal arts institution or seminaries.
5) Instructional Methods
Instruction consists of thorough lectures by the instructor, class presentation and participation of the students, mid- and final examinations, along with reading assignments and term papers.
The students will be evaluated on the following basis:
Mid- and Final Examinations: 60%
Reading assignments & term papers: 20%
Class Presentation and participation: 10%
Class Attendance: 10%
In some courses, students are required to take field trips and/or attend seminars, workshops and concerts in order to improve and broaden their learning experiences. Sometimes, the CTS invites outstanding and well-known scholars for special lectures. These special lectures normally last for more than two weeks. The students are required to attend the lectures and to be tested later. These special lectures are given to the students without extra charge.
6) Required Courses for M.A. in Christian Counseling (72 quarter units)
A. 4 Courses in Area I [ Biblical/Theological Studies ] - 16 quarter units
OT 510 (4) - Introduction to Old Testament
NT 510 (4) - Introduction to New Testament
TH 540 (4) - Systematic Theology I
TH 541 (4) - Systematic Theology II
B. 9 Courses in Area II [ Counseling ] - 36 quarter units
CC 510 (4) - Introduction to Christian Counseling
CC 511 (4) - Principles and Practice of Counseling
CC 512 (4) - Pastoral Counseling
CC 564 (4) - Child and Adolescent Counseling
CC 674 (4) - Marriage and Family Counseling
CC 514 (4) - Cross Cultural Counseling
CC 677 (4) - Grief Counseling
CC 678 (4) - Spiritual Formation for Counseling
* Other counseling courses not listed above may satisfy the requirements for this area. Please contact the Academic Advising office for guidance on which courses meet program requirements.
C. Complete 4 quarter units of Master’s Thesis
D. Complete 20 quarter units of Electives, and Spiritual Enrichment Activities
7) Thesis
After completing most of their studies, the student should submit a Thesis Research Proposal for approval. Upon approval of the proposal, the student will register for the master's thesis through CTS. It is expected that more than one term may be needed to complete the research and writing for the thesis. A grade of In Progress (`IP') is listed on the student's record. When the work is completed a grade of Pass (`P') is entered. The `P' grade does not replace the `IP', but is entered for the term when final approval of the thesis or project is obtained. The completed thesis must be approved by all member of the student's Academic Committee. Those failing to satisfactorily complete the thesis or project will have their degree program terminated.
8) Length of Study
All requirements for the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree must be completed within 2 years of the date of registration for the first course counted toward the degree after admission to CTS. This time limit may be extended due to special extenuating circumstances.