Master of Arts: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling
The Department of Psychology offers a graduate program designed to prepare students for the role of a professional Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor. While the Department presents a strong academic course of study, a major concern will be that students receive supervised experiential training in face-to-face counseling situations. Competence in counseling and academic excellence are sought throughout the course of study. The student will be provided with an evaluation of his or her academic ability, personality, and interpersonal skills at the end of the student's first year of study in terms of whether or not the student is perceived as having potential to complete the remaining courses of study and practicums in counseling. The program of study is biblically based and not only follows but also teaches a professional code of ethics developed for professional Marriage and Family Counselors. Students will be screened carefully through personal interviews, personality testing, personal recommendations of professionals, and observation in their own group therapy experiences before being placed in counseling centers. Individual responsibility for acquiring the number of hours required for licensing rests with the student but every effort will be made to provide students with a maximum of experience related to their ability and availability. A final evaluation will be made by a committee as to the student' s competence as a Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor. This evaluation determines whether or not the student will be granted a Master of Arts degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. Prerequisites: Due to the nature of this graduate program of study (and the terminus of the degree) a baccalaureate from an accredited or recognized institution is required with a minimum of 20 units in undergraduate psychology. A specific class in each of the following areas is mandatory: tests and measurements, abnormal psychology, introduction to psychology or general psychology, and learning. The areas of child and adolescent psychology, personality, and social psychology are highly recommended to fulfill the remainder of the required 20 units of psychology. In addition, 20 units of Bible courses taken at a recognized college or seminary are required. At least 6 units of theology are preferred with the remainder of the units to be in Bible survey courses or book studies. Since excellence is a major goal of this program, an undergraduate grade point average of 3. 0 is expected with an overall score of 1100 on the Graduate Record Examination. Students may be accepted on a provisional basis but must demonstrate by the end of their first twelve units that they are capable of continuing and maintaining at least a 3.0 grade level which is required of all students. Students will be required to take a battery of personality tests before their competency evaluation at the end of the first year. Students passing beyond this point will be required to have malpractice insurance in force for their own protection before being assigned to a service center for counseling experience. Malpractice insurance coverage is available through the college, or equivalent coverage must be attained. Supervision: Supervision will be provided at the rate of at least one hour per week during the practicum counseling experience by the student. Every effort will be made to place the intern in a service center relevant to his level of expertise and concern. A special form explaining the internship experience and reporting procedure will be provided. Admission to Program: To be admitted to the program a student must make application to the Dean of Admissions, Biola College, and provide the following: 1. Transcripts and evidence of an accredited or recognized baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0. 2. Three letters of recommendation on forms provided by the college. 3. A brief biography and statement describing the preparation, goals, and aspirations of the student relevant to this program. 4. Proof of completion of the above prerequisite requirements. Applications received will be reviewed on the basis of the above. After initial evaluation by the Graduate Admissions Committee, a personal interview will be required of those applicants being considered for acceptance. Requirements for Graduation: 1. Completion of minimum of 46 semester units of acceptable graduate level work; at least 40 completed in residence at Biola College. 2. At least 200 hours of Practicum experience in a counseling center or a Master's Thesis. The remainder of the hours required by the State of California for licensing becomes the responsibility of the student. 3. A grade point average of at least 3.0. 4. Gain approval of the evaluation committee chosen from the student's professors who recommend the student for the degree.
PSY 501 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY EDUCATION (3) Historical perspective of marriage and the family; human sexuality; marriage and family in today' s society with consideration of women's changing roles, parenting and child
PSY 502 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY EDUCATION (3) Intrafamily life education issues for both church and society considered. Development of resources file with emphasis on utilization of information in marriage and family seminars.
abuse. Community agencies resources used.
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