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. This program has been designed to meet the academic standards for the state of California for obtaining a license as a marriage, family and child counselor. After completing this program, the graduates are responsible for completing 2500 hours of supervised counseling as an intern in order to meet the qualifications for the California state license . A final review may be made prior to the completion of the student's course of study if there is question (based on academic or professional performance) as to his or her being granted a Master of Arts degree in marriage, family and child counseling. Objectives: Upon completion of the Master of Arts degree in marriage, family and child counseling the student will have mastered a strong academic course of study which is biblically based; achieved a high level of competency in counseling commensurate with the degree offered; acquired a code of ethics developed for marriage, family and child counseling; and be prepared for the state of California license examinations. 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 . One class in sociology or anthropology may be accepted as fulfilling the recommended area of social psychology . It is essential that all prerequisite 20 units in undergraduate psychology be completed prior to entrance into the program. 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 12 units that they are capable of continuing and maintaining at least a 3.0 grade level which is required of all students. The student will be evaluated by the MFCC faculty as to his or her academic ability, personality and the 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. Supervision: Supervision will be provided at the rate of at least one hour per week during the practicum counseling experience. Student interns will be informed of known service center opportunities for practicum. 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 file a graduate application with 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 48 semester units of acceptable graduate level work; at least 42 completed in residence at Biola College. The required courses are: 501, 502, 503, 504, 507, 508, 509, 511, 518, 531, 532, 533, 535, 536 or 580, 537. One of the required courses may be offered during the Intersession of the first year. 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. Satisfactorily complete a personal interview with the MFCC Faculty. 5. Complete a total of 50 hours therapy: Approximately 25 hours of group or family or marital therapy and approximately 25 hours of individual therapy (total must equal 50 hours). This therapy to be financed by the student and should be started the first year. 6. All degree requirements must be completed before the student may participate in the commencement ceremonies. NOTE: Nine units of course load is considered full-time status for all graduate students.
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