MASTER OF ARTS. Marriage & Family Counseling Mental Health Counseling

Transcription

1 MASTER OF ARTS Marriage & Family Counseling Mental Health Counseling

2 Get the education you need through the Master of Arts programs in Marriage & Family Counseling and Mental Health Counseling to be a professional counselor who serves a diverse client population using clinically effective and biblically sound therapeutic strategies. These Graduate Education programs are designed to train the novice and refine the experienced clinician to become skilled in the theory and practice of helping others. Contact Us Lancaster Bible College 901 Eden Road Lancaster, PA P or E graduate@lbc.edu Judd Buckwalter, MA Interim Director, MA Counseling Programs jbuckwalter@lbc.edu ext Disclaimer: The information published here is correct at time of publishing and is subject to change. Please check our website for up-to-date information.

3 Master of Arts Lancaster Bible college MISSION Lancaster Bible College exists to educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society. About the Institution Lancaster Bible College offers a full range of collegiate programming, from noncredit biblical enrichment to undergraduate, master s, and doctoral degree programs. Since 1933, the college s Bible-centered education has helped students follow God s plan for their personal and professional lives. Studies take place in a caring environment that integrates biblical teaching across a culturally diverse curriculum. Its faculty bring a wealth of academic credentials and real-world experience to each class. LBC s International Leadership, Education and Discipleship (ilead) Center offers biblically-based graduate education and non-degree learning opportunities. The ilead Center s regionally-accredited graduate degree programs equip students for Christian leadership in an ever-changing world. ACCREDITATION LBC is an accredited, nondenominational institution which offers undergraduate, graduate, and non-traditional education. The institution is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSche). LBC is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE). Graduates from the MEd programs receive state certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. LBC also has affiliate status with the Council for Christian College & Universities (CCCU). Lancaster Bible College is also approved by the U.S. Department of Justice for the training of nonimmigrant international students. Counseling licensure Professional Counseling Licensure from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Counseling Certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors are available with additional credits. After completing 60 program credits and passing the National Counselor Exam, students may apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. Marriage & Family Counseling The Marriage & Family Counseling program prepares students to fulfill their professional goals that involve an in-depth understanding of marriage and family relationships, and to develop skills to rebuild marriages and families that are in need. The student will be trained academically and practically to counsel the person in order to rebuild and restore their marriage and family relationships. Mental Health Counseling The Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to fulfill their professional goals that involve an in-depth understanding of the person with a serious mental health difficulty and the development of a skillful intervention for the person that needs personal restoration. The student will be trained academically and practically to counsel the person in depth to restructure and change his or her personal life and to rebuild their relationships. 3

4 Counseling Master of Arts Description The Master of Arts programs are designed to provide individuals who possess a knowledge base in the Bible the opportunity to pursue an integrated program of study specifically in the professional fields of Marriage & Family Counseling or Mental Health Counseling. The programs in Marriage & Family Counseling and Mental Health Counseling provide individuals with theological distinctiveness, contemporary scholarship and professional counseling skills to serve within the local church, para-church organizations, counseling centers, personnel offices, hospitals, prisons, retirement centers, and a variety of human service settings. Each program emphasizes that every person is worth understanding and, through a competent counselor, can achieve a marked difference in his or her life. Students who want to be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) will need to take 3 credits in addition to the 48 credits (51 total). Also, students have the option of taking 12 credits in addition to the 48 credits (60 total) to meet the Pennsylvania requirements to be a Licensed Professional Counselor. Most courses are offered either online or on weekend schedules during the semester and online or on modular schedules during summer and winterim. Program Objectives The specific objectives of the Master of Arts programs are: Development of an understanding of the counseling field that will be in harmony with the college s mission and with existing undergraduate programs offered by the Counseling & Social Work Department in order to prepare students for counseling ministries. Development of criteria to evaluate the counselor s role and theoretical orientation from a biblical perspective. Development of training for counseling ministries that will give entry level qualifications for mental health and marriage and family counseling opportunities. Development of a program that will provide training with a strong emphasis on the application of biblical principles and counseling theory by means of supervised counseling experiences. Development of an education process to enhance the prospective counselor s professional skill and expertise in specified areas of endeavor as well as to develop the student s skill to utilize critical research. Development of foundational elements in counseling theory and research to prepare students for doctoral studies. Marriage & Family Counseling Outcomes Students will be able to: Evaluate marriage and family theory and use formal measurements to accurately assess human relationships, gender, sexuality, and communication in the context of marriage and family therapy. Develop clinical skill necessary to conduct marriage and family therapy. Integrate specific knowledge and skill necessary to counsel effectively those with various diagnoses, vocational need, and diverse cultural backgrounds. Conduct critical thinking skills to evaluate theory and practice from a biblical perspective. Synthesize information and knowledge by means of supervised counseling experiences. Acquire sufficient knowledge of scientific research and literature to be prepared to investigate specific areas of need in marriage and family counseling. Apply ethical principles to prospective clinical situations that reflect open collaborative approach to resolve ethical dilemmas. Mental Health Counseling Outcomes Students will be able to: Evaluate theory and use formal measurements to accurately assess the client s learning personality, motivation, and character. Develop clinical skill necessary for individual therapy for those students with serious mental health conditions. Integrate specific knowledge and skill necessary to counsel effectively those with various diagnoses, vocational need, and diverse cultural backgrounds. Conduct critical thinking skills to evaluate theory and practice from a biblical perspective. Synthesize information and knowledge by means of supervised counseling experiences. Acquire sufficient knowledge of scientific research and literature to be presented to investigate areas of need in mental health counseling. Apply ethical principles to prospective clinical situations that reflect an open and collaborative approach to resolve ethical dilemmas. 4

5 Master of Arts Marriage & Family Counseling Requirements PROFESSIONAL CORE (27 credits) ORI 500 CPS 501 CPS 502 CPS 503 CPS 510 CPS 520 CPS 525 CPS 530 CPS 531 CPS 541 Orientation Seminar (0 credits) Orientation to Counseling and Psychology Research Statistics for the Social Sciences Research Design and Methods Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan Applied Counseling and Psychological Methodologies Counseling and Psychological Assessment Techniques I Professional Ethics in Counseling and Psychological Casework Abnormal Psychology Group Counseling Leadership Skills Program Courses (15 credits) MFC 540 Marriage Counseling and Psychotherapy Mental Health Counseling Requirements PROFESSIONAL CORE (27 credits) ORI 500 CPS 501 CPS 502 CPS 503 CPS 510 CPS 520 CPS 525 CPS 530 CPS 531 CPS 541 Orientation Seminar (0 credits) Orientation to Counseling and Psychology Research Statistics for the Social Sciences Research Design and Methods Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan Applied Counseling and Psychological Methodologies Counseling and Psychological Assessment Techniques I Professional Ethics in Counseling and Psychological Casework Abnormal Psychology Group Counseling Leadership Skills Program Courses (15 credits) MHC 553 Counseling and Psychotherapy for the Individual MFC 550 Family Counseling and Psychotherapy MHC 546 Theories of Personality MFC 552 Marriage and Family Issues MHC 551 Counseling and Psychological Assessment Techniques II MFC 601 Counseling Practicum MHC 601 Counseling Practicum MFC 602 Counseling Internship MHC 602 Counseling Internship Capstone project (6 credits) Capstone project (6 credits) Biblical Foundation Courses One of the unique features of LBC s Graduate Education is that each course is taught from and with a biblical worldview. For this integration to occur and for students to develop their own personal biblical worldview a fundamental knowledge of the Scriptures is necessary. For students without an undergraduate major in Bible (30 credits), the four Biblical Foundation Courses will need to be taken. The four Biblical Foundation Courses are one-credit graduate courses offered by Lancaster Bible College and taught by the Bible & Theology faculty. The courses are: BTC 511 Biblical Hermeneutics BTC 531 New Testament Survey BTC 521 Old Testament Survey BTC 541 Survey of Systematic Theology Selected courses are scheduled each semester and are included with each semester s roster of courses. The courses are offered online as well as in the classroom. The courses are graded on the pass/fail system. Some exemptions are possible. Students without the 30 credits of Bible & Theology but who have taken nine undergraduate credits of Old Testament, New Testament, or Theology courses are exempt from taking the respective Biblical Foundations Course. Likewise, a 3 credit undergraduate course in Hermeneutics will exempt students from BTC 511 Biblical Hermeneutics. At the time of admission, an evaluation will be done of the students transcripts, and students will be informed of which courses they are exempt from taking. 5

6 Counseling Course Descriptions CPS 501 Orientation to Counseling and Psychology This course will be utilized as a preparatory course for graduate studies in counseling, especially for those who have not had undergraduate counseling training from a biblical perspective. Therefore, this course will emphasize general counseling practices and ethics along with the theological dimensions in relation to the role and function of the counselor in the church and community. Role-play counseling with other students will prepare the student for future practicum. 3 credits. CPS 502 Research Statistics for the Social Sciences This course is offered to prepare students for the Research Design and Methods and the Research Thesis Course. It develops the practice, concepts and principles of statistics and design (both quantitative and qualitative) for their practical use in human research. The course will teach principles for research statistics and pose laboratory assignments for the calculation and practical application of statistics. 3 credits. CPS 503 Research Design and Methods Instruction and class activities focused on drafting a thesis proposal, a hypothetical research report, or a literature review for a formal assessment, action research or program evaluation while developing proficiency in such research skills as identifying and focusing on a research problem. The course will enable the student to access and interpret scholarly literature to design quantitative or qualitative research methods, including action research, and to identify research instruments for a program-specific project in individual, group, marriage and family, and school counseling. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CPS 502 or its equivalent. CPS 510 Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan This course will examine developmental theory and research as it relates to the interconnected roles of biology, family/social context and culture. The special tasks, challenges, and concerns for age-stage related issues will be considered in light of applicable biblical principles and appropriate counseling practices. 3 credits. CPS 520 Applied Counseling and Psychological Methodologies This course will introduce the student to a variety of traditional counseling methodologies along with our appraisal from an evangelical biblical perspective. Students will also have opportunities to develop a breadth of concrete and functional skills to facilitate helping of the whole person. Consideration will also be given to contemporary issues facing the practitioner. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MFC, MHC, or PSC 601 or permission of advisor. CPS 525 Counseling and Psychological Assessment Techniques I This course is designed to be a primer in psychological testing and assessment. Students will be familiarized to the salient clinical and ethical concerns surrounding the assessment process and not only to the content areas of specific testing techniques. The hands on nature of this class will furnish students with resources that will strengthen their diagnostic skills and ultimately their clinical effectiveness. This course has a required test material fee. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CPS 502 CPS 530 Professional Ethics in Counseling and Psychological Casework A study of ethical principles as they apply to situations of counseling others will be conducted by means of case study. Students will be expected to grow in their level of judgment for decision making in the context of potential ethical dilemmas and challenges. 3 credits. CPS 531 Abnormal Psychology A survey of assessment categories based on abnormal psychology classifications will be evaluated and compared to cultural norms and theological perspectives on abnormality. The application and meaning of these concerns to the practice of counseling will be considered. 3 credits. CPS 541 Group Counseling Leadership Skills This is a clinical course designed to give students their first training in the theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Emphasis will be given to identifying and developing group leadership skills. Practical group experience outside of class will be required. 3 credits. MFC 540 Marriage Counseling and Psychotherapy This course is designed to explore the major models of couple therapy as well as biblical concepts foundational to marriage and relationship. The class will also consider materials on major ruptures of the relational bond. Through readings, lectures, video tapes and classroom participation, theoretical perspectives and therapeutic techniques will be presented. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MFC 601. MFC 550 Family Counseling and Psychotherapy This is a crucial course for defining family relationships on the basis of biblical principles and a systematic model of understanding. Healthy and unhealthy family dynamics will be understood and provide a basis for the goals of counseling families. Family dynamics will be understood from a generational and larger church family perspective. The student will understand a variety of models and build a counseling process primarily from the systemic model. Nurture, prevention, and intervention into families in a ministry or clinical context will be discovered and implemented. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MFC

7 Master of Arts MFC 552 Marriage and Family Issues This course will prepare students for graduate studies in marriage and family counseling. It is a theoretical course that will cover the foundation of issues of marriage and family and raise the critical thinking skills of students concerning the ultimate goal and purpose of marriage and family therapy from a Christian perspective. It will also examine the impact of culture, faith, and trends in society upon marriage and family that will assist the student to understand the problems that married couples, parents, and youth face. 3 credits. MFC 601 Counseling Practicum This course applies the principles and methods taught in the classroom to specific counseling situations and problems. It involves the student in case studies, observation of counseling sessions, limited counseling experiences, and a literature search. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Minimum GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 18 credits, candidacy approval. MFC 602 Counseling Internship This is the practical capstone course of the graduate student s training. Regular consultations will be conducted with the student s advisor and written reports of sessions will be submitted according to the format suggested in the course syllabus. The student will be evaluated qualitatively according to his/her performance and professional development. 3 credits. Prerequisites: A minimum of 30 credits completed and MFC 601. MHC 546 Theories of Personality This course is a study of theory and research on personality and its development. Major secular perspectives will be evaluated through comparison and contrast to a biblical perspective. An overview of abnormal psychology and clinical applications will be studied in their relationship to personality development. 3 credits. MHC 551 Counseling and Psychological Assessment Techniques II An in-depth examination of the usefulness of formal mental and personality measures will guide the student to develop a useful description of a particular counselee. Students will conduct an extensive and intensive case study analysis using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Million Multiaxial Clinical Inventory, various Wechsler intelligence scales, and some of the neurological tests. A special focus of the case study analysis will involve the use of rapid assessment protocols as a less formal means of developing a useful description of the counselee. This course has a required Test Material fee. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CPS 525. Recommended: CPS 531. MHC 553 Counseling and Psychotherapy for the Individual This course will build on previous counseling courses and counseling experiences to further develop the students counseling skills with mental health issues. Students counseling experiences and practices will be reviewed and discussed. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CPS 520, MHC 546, and MHC 602. MHC 601 Counseling Practicum This course applies the principles and methods taught in the classroom to specific counseling situations and problems. It involves the student in case studies, observation of counseling sessions, limited counseling experiences, and a literature search. 3 credits. Prerequisites: minimum GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 18 credits, candidacy approval. MHC 602 Counseling Internship This is the practical capstone course of the graduate student s training. Regular consultations will be conducted with the student s advisor and written reports of sessions will be submitted according to the format suggested in the course syllabus. The student will be evaluated qualitatively according to his/her performance and professional development. 3 credits. Prerequisite: A minimum of 30 credits and MHC 601. ORI 500 Orientation Seminar An orientation to graduate education, including faculty expectations, communication issues, and principles for writing effective term papers. 0 credit. Practicum and Internship The Practicum and Internship courses are a critical and integral component in the training of a well equipped counselor. These two courses provide students with the opportunity to utilize their classroom learning in counseling situations under the supervision of trained counselors. The Practicum course may be taken after completing a minimum of 12 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A minimum of 200 hours of field experience is required. The Internship course may be taken after completing a minimum of 30 credits, GPA 3.0 including successfully completing the Practicum course. A minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required, specific to the student s counseling program. Student group meetings will be held with an LBC faculty member for both courses. These meetings will review the student s counseling activity and issues, and provide for student presentations along with peer and faculty feedback. 7

8 Counseling Full time Faculty Willam R. Burrichter, PhD, Walden University Director, Master of Education, School Counseling Programs and Chair, Department of Counseling & Social Work Judd C. Buckwalter, MA, Lancaster Bible College Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling & Social Work, Interim Director, Master of Arts Counseling Programs Freeman M. Chakara, MA, PsyD, Widener University Assistant Professor Gary L. Troxell, MEd, PhD, Widener University Adjunct Faculty Mark A. Deckard, DMin, Trinity Theological Seminary Pamela L. Gochenaur, MSW, Marywood University Kathy B. Hoppe, DMin, Oral Roberts University L. Elaine Huber, PhD, Indiana University of PA Ryan M. Kuehner, MA, Fielding Graduate University, MS, Millersville University Josef A. Passley, PhD, Walden University David G. Rising, EdD, Northern Illinois University Gabrielle Wilcox, PsyD, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive the Master of Arts degree: Satisfactory completion of all course work A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 Fulfillment of all financial obligations Adherence to biblical standards and ethics in living one s lifestyle Program Completion Students should be able to complete the program within three years. The maximum length for program completion is five years from the date of admission into the program. An application for an extension may be obtained from the ilead Center. Students not completing their degree within five years and not receiving an extension will be placed on non-student status. A Readmission Application may be obtained from the ilead Center. Student records will be reviewed after each semester. 8

9 GRADUATE EDUCATION admissions application enrollment information Master of arts Marriage & Family Counseling Mental Health Counseling Master of arts in Bible Bible Master of arts in Ministry Adult Ministry Children & Family Ministry Church Planting Leadership Studies Pastoral Studies Sports Ministry Student Ministry Master of education Consulting Resource Teacher School Counseling, Elementary School Counseling, Secondary Please check if you are also working toward public school certification Reading Specialist School Counseling, Elementary School Counseling, Secondary graduate Certificate programs Adult Ministry Bible Children & Family Ministry Local Church Leadership Organizational Leadership Student Ministry When do you anticipate beginning coursework? Fall Winterim Spring Summer 20 personal information Name Last First Middle Gender Male Female Social Security No. Birthdate / / Birthplace (City/State) Street Address City State Zip Address Home ( ) Cell ( ) Citizenship USA Other (Country) If other, give type of resident Student Visa Permanent Other Church Affiliation: Church name Church address Pastor s name Are you a member? Yes No academic History List all colleges, universities, and community colleges attended: Name of Institution City, State Dates Attended Degree

10 employment/ministry History Name of Business/Ministry City, State Job Title Dates of Service I am essentially in agreement with the Statement of Faith of Lancaster Bible College as published in the Graduate Education catalog. (online at Yes No If No, please indicate the area(s) on a separate sheet of paper or include with your autobiography. CertiFiCation I certify that to the best of my knowledge the information provided on this application and in other admission related documents is true, accurate, complete, and is voluntarily given. I hereby give my permission for this information to be used by Lancaster Bible College for the purpose of considering my application, for academic advisement, and for maintaining student records. I fully understand that false or misleading information provided to the college as a part of this application or in the accompanying documents may invalidate the approval process or, if admission has already occurred, may be considered as sufficient grounds for dismissal and/or for the denial or the revoking of an official academic transcript and/or degree. Further, I understand that illegal drug use, homosexual activity, heterosexual misconduct, cheating, abusive behavior, and/or other actions contrary to biblical moral standards or to the college policies also stand as sufficient grounds for denial of admission and/or dismissal at any time from the college. My signature indicates my understanding of and agreement with the conditions under which this application is made. Signature Date Please refer to the specific degree program in the Graduate Education catalog to ensure that all admission criteria are met and all required documents are being forwarded to the Graduate Education Office at the ilead Center at Lancaster Bible College. Please enclose the nonrefundable $25 application fee payable to Lancaster Bible College with your application. Mail to: ilead Center, Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Rd., Lancaster, PA Eden Road Lancaster, PA or Lancaster Bible College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability. 9/2011

11 Master of Arts Program Essentials Program Cost Tuition per course $1,491 Orientation Seminar $25 Student Service Fee $35 Admission Requirements Students applying to matriculate in the program must meet the following criteria: A growing relationship with Jesus Christ Bachelor s degree from an accredited institution Transcript of undergraduate studies with GPA of 3.0 or higher Major in Bible or completion of Biblical Foundation Courses Autobiographical essay Two reference forms Completed application and fee Interview with faculty member Admissions criteria will be considered holistically. Other areas that exceed the minimum expectations may compensate for an item that does not meet the stated expectations. At the discretion of the program director, up to 24 hours of transfer credits may be accepted into the student s graduate program, provided the credit was from an accredited institution, a grade of B- or better was received, and the courses are applicable to the program of study. Apply Online Is LBC in God s plan for your life? Find out by applying today. Once you ve completed the online application, an Assistant Director will contact you with more information. If you have questions contact the ilead Center. Financial Aid Financing a college education can be overwhelming. LBC s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Together, we ll sort through the many sources of funding to find the right ones for you. Call , or read on to learn more about several financial aid options. To apply for federal student aid, students must be matriculated into one of the ilead Center s graduate degree programs. Students must also be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents and not in default on any prior student loans or other federal aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for the federal student loan programs. The FAFSA may be completed online at Students must complete the FAFSA for each academic year they are enrolled in the ilead Center s graduate program. Financial aid options: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Qualified students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year on this 6.8% interest federal loan. Repayment of principal is deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Interest accrues while in school. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA ( and the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note ( Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: Qualified students must be enrolled at least half-time and be credit-worthy. Annual loan amount is cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. Interest rate is 7.9%. This loan is an option if additional loan funds are needed above the $20,500 Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Private Educational Alternative Loan: Students must be enrolled at least half-time and be credit-worthy. Annual amount is cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. Interest rate may be either fixed or variable based on either the Prime Index or the 3 month LIBOR. For a list of suggested lenders that offer these products, go to Students are free to select any lender of their choice. Veterans Educational Benefits: Eligible veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves may use their educational benefits to pay toward their tuition at LBC. For more information, visit va.gov or call the VA Educational Office at The VA Certifying Official is located in the LBC Financial Aid Office. ilead Center Scholarships: A limited number of need-based graduate education scholarships are available. Applications are available at or by contacting the ilead Center or the Financial Aid Office. Deadline dates apply. Contact the ilead Center or the Financial Aid Office at to discuss LBC tuition and the financial options that are best for you. 11

12 I believe that what sets LBC aside from any other institution is that every student is more than a name. From the moment I made my first call to LBC years ago, I have been constantly reminded that I am not just a student at LBC; I am part of a community that helps each other succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am not just another person who pays tuition. I feel like a valued member of an outstanding learning community. When I have a question, it s not only answered, but it s answered with care. Each professor has taught me so much and cared about me personally. I am so thankful that I made the decision to become more than just a name and join LBC s community. Lindsay, Eden Road Lancaster, PA or Lancaster Bible College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.