AGTS
Degrees: Master of Arts in Counseling
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featuring counseling professor Melody
Palm
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The Master of Arts in Counseling (M.A.C.) is designed to prepare
Christian counselors to serve in the Church or community settings
as licensed professional counselors and/or marriage and family
therapists. The program prepares qualified graduates to practice
in one or both of these counseling specializations with appropriate
professional and legal recognition and in an informed ethical,
legal and professional manner. It also prepares students to integrate
biblical, theological and psychological insights into effective
counseling ministry, stimulate the development of personal maturity,
self-understanding and interpersonal sensitivity.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of this program are not only recognized in the secular marketplace,
they are also innovative ministers in churches and districts. Current reports indicate
a high success ratio in finding employment in counseling or related fields. Graduates
are equipped to serve in a wide variety of settings including:
- Private counseling centers
- Public counseling agencies
- State and federal institutions
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Juvenile counseling units
- Group home facilities
- Family preservation units
- Specialty counseling clinics
- Pastoral counseling
- Substance abuse clinics
- Human service
Degree Components
The M.A.C. offers four counseling concentrations: Marriage
and Family Therapy (MFT), Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC),
LPC/MFT Dual Concentration or Intercultural Ministries. The
Dual Concentration is offered to prepare graduates for possible
licensure or certification in both marriage and family therapy
and licensed professional counseling. The M.A.C. requires
60-75 credits consisting of three elements:
- 12 credits of foundation courses, nine of which may be reduced
if the student has
a strong undergraduate program in religion
- 18 credits of required coursework
in psychology and counseling, and
- 30-45 credits in an area of specialization.
In the first year of their seminary education experience,
students are required to attend a minimum of 10 personal
growth therapy sessions (at their own expense) with
a departmentally approved therapist.
Degree
Program Requirements
Suggested
Course Sequence
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featuring counseling student Jonathan
Distaulo
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Counseling
Licensure
Students should note that in both the Professional
Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy concentrations, state
licensure and professional recognition have additional requirements
after completion of a graduate degree. These requirements include
a specific number of hours of counseling under the clinical supervision
of an approved supervisor and, in most states, the successful
completion of a qualifying examination in the area of concentration.
Some states may require additional course work as well. Students
are advised to determine the specific requirements in the state
in which they plan to practice. In all cases, the prerogative
of professional recognition rests with the membership committee
of the professional association or state regulatory agency.
Students who want to pursue doctoral studies in the area of
counseling may find this degree to be helpful preparation for
those studies, but should discuss that possibility with the institution
where they plan to do their doctoral studies.
Practicums
The specific practicums required for each concentration
are delineated in each degree program. Since practicums are designed
to allow for the application of the principles and procedures
studied in other courses, a sufficient academic foundation must
be demonstrated prior to entering the counseling practicums.
Timing is crucial and students should begin planning their practicums
early in the academic program. Approval for a practicum must
be secured through an interview scheduled with the counseling
practicum adviser. Students will subsequently pursue individually
attained placement upon approval. Registration for a practicum
must be completed by the pre-registration date for the semester
in which the practicum is to be taken. Practicums will be graded
satisfactory, marginal or unsatisfactory. A fee of $250 is assessed
to students enrolled in counseling practicums.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for graduation (see
the AGTS Catalog), the
student must pass a written comprehensive examination before
the degree is awarded. Students who fail the comprehensive examination
will be allowed to retake the exam following a three-week study
period.
Policy for Retakes
Students failing the exam retake must audit or
enroll in designated and approved courses, then retake and pass
the exam. In the event of failure on the second retake, the student
may not repeat the exam without an approved, rigorous remedial
program.
Due to state licensing requirements, counseling
majors are advised not to take courses by distance learning or directed research. Some exceptions may be approved through
the academic adviser for Bible or theology courses.
Updated:
Tuesday, March 20, 2007 6:02 PM
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