Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy 

Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy

Online

  • 20 credits may be completed through online coursework, and the remaining 53 through on campus courses in San Jose or Sacramento

  • Biblical interpretation studies 8

    • DBS 516 Survey of Learning to Interpret Scripture 2 (M.A. in Counseling students only) In this course you will study the foundational principles and interpretive procedures of the grammatico-historical method of biblical interpretation. You will also apply these principles and procedures in actual Bible study, using the English Bible. Required for M.A. in Counseling students and M.A. in Intercultural Studies students only; other degree students enroll in DBS 506. 2 credits.
    • BLS 511X Survey of Genesis - 2 Samuel 1 (Marital and Family Therapy students only) This initial course in biblical literature lays a foundation for the further study of the Bible by introducing the biblical covenants and God’s kingdom program. Our examination of the Pentateuch will focus on he great attributes of God. The historical books will show how God works among His people. Prerequisite: DBS 516. 1 credit in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • BLS 511Y Survey of 1 Kings - Song of Solomon 1 (Marital and Family Therapy students only) Prerequisite: DBS 516 1 credit in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • BLS 512X Survey of the Prophets 1 The Old Testament prophets will be studied. The emphasis will be on the biblical content, hermeneutical methodology, biblical theology and application. In this course you will study the historical background and theological content of each of the books. You will become acquainted with their distinctive contribution and modern relevance. Prerequisite: DBS 516. 1 credit in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • BLS 512Y Survey of the Gospels 1 The Gospels are studied, with emphasis upon both biblical content and the application of hermeneutical methodology. Prerequisite: DBS 516. 1 credit in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • BLS 513X Survey of the Epistles I 1 Prerequisite: DBS 516. 1 credit in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • BLS 513Y Survey of the Epistles II 1 To be a competent minister of God’s Word one must “know the major themes and developments within biblical history to understand the ‘big picture’ of God’s redemptive program.” Toward that end this course, surveys the content of all 66 books of the canon, is designed to lead the student to attain a basic cognitive grasp of the literature, to grow more positive in his emotional response to the text and its Author, and to direct the student toward ever more faithful implementation of its demands, both explicit and implicit. Prerequisite: DBS 516. 1 credit in San Jose and Sacramento.

  • Theological studies 5

    • THS 511 Survey of Knowing the Triune God: Theology I 2 You will begin to cultivate your ability to think theologically by exploring how theology is done in various approaches in order to develop a practical theological method. Then you will probe God's progressive revelation focusing on the nature and authority of Scripture before pondering God's triune nature and work culminating in the incarnation of the Son. Your passion for carrying out God's mission in the world will expand as you begin to understand how the Father's revelation has impacted the world He created. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 516. 2 credits.
    • THS 512 Survey of Glorifying the God of Our Salvation: Theology II 2 Continuing the process of learning to think theologically you will now apply yourself to biblical revelation regarding the Son as the source of life. You will investigate humanity, its dignity as image of God, and its depravity as sinful beings, the reality and impact of spiritual beings as backdrop for the atoning work of the Son and its application in the aspects of our salvation. Contemplating the majesty of the Son's work in light of the depth of sin will invigorate our worship and impel our work for His kingdom. Prerequisites: DBS 516 and THS 511. 2 credits.
    • THS 513 Survey of Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III 1 You will culminate the process of learning to think theologically by exploring the Spirit's life-giving work. Then you will investigate the church as God's covenant community and instrument of His present working, ending with the consummation of His kingdom program in end time events. Throughout the course the Spirit will transform us as we see our part in His Cour s e D e sc r ipti o ns Biblical and Theological Studies, continued Gospel-Centered Transformation 116 grand work. Prerequisites: DBS 516 and THS 511. 1 credit.

  • Counseling studies 60

    • CNS 501 Clinical Foundations: Basic Counseling Skills and Interventions 2 This course introduces the student to basic skills of attending, empathy, acceptance, genuineness, and concreteness necessary to effective clinical counseling. The course also addresses the additional skills of confrontation, immediacy, self-disclosure, and strategies for change to develop the psychotherapeutic skills for clinical intervention and accomplishing goals. The role of faith in psychotherapy will be explored. Activities include reading, lecture, observation, role playing, and student audio/videotaped clinical practice. 2 credits
    • CNS 502A Psychological Theory and Techniques 3 This course will cover the application and development of treatment strategies and interventions. Focus will be given to an eclectic approach to therapy. Pre-requisite: CNS 501, CNS 504 3 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 503A Family Systems Therapy 3 This course will include the theoretical and practical approaches to understanding and intervening with families. A review of the major family system theories will be covered. Prerequisites: CNS 501 and CNS 505. 3 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 504 Psychotherapeutic Systems 2 This course will provide a historical and theoretical overview of the major counseling theorists. 2 credits.
    • CNS 505 Psychopathology 3 This course will focus on diagnosis and treatment of the major psychopathologies. Focus will be given to using the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder). 3 credits.
    • CNS 506A Legal and Ethical Issues 2 This course will include an overview of professional ethics and state law as applied to counseling in private and state agencies, including addiction recovery programs. Topics to be addressed will include professionalism, licensure and practice issues. Prerequisite: CNS 501. 2 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 507 Human Life Span Development 3 This course covers human development; including biological, psychological, sociological, and cognitive development from conception to death, including aging and long-term care. Diagnostic and psychotherapeutic issues that are particular to each phase of development will also be highlighted. 3 credits.
    • CNS 508 Introduction to Integrative Issues 2 This course provides an introduction to the theological and psychological categories or systems providing one with a model of integrative thought and practice. 2 credits.
    • CNS 509 Advanced Integration 2 This course is part two of the required integration classes. It will explore the components and dynamics of the integration process. Focus points will include issues surrounding the person of the counselor in the integrative task, in addition to the assessment of paradigms utilized in cross-disciplinary integration. Topics include (but are not limited to) the history of integration, evaluation of models of integration, addressing objections to integration, the sufficiency of Scripture, the role of the Holy Spirit in counseling, mental health from a Christian world view, God in the treatment process, the role of suffering and hope. A base understanding of theology and psychology is assumed. Prerequisites: CNS 508, CNS 530, DBS 506/516, THS 501/511. 2 credits.
    • CNS 510 Spiritual Development and Assessment 2 The practical and theological dynamics of spirituality will be examined. This course will focus on the process by which we both assess and encourage the spiritual life of those to whom we minister. Attention will be given to understanding the dynamic of spirituality, methodology for assessment, development of spiritual maturity and ways to involve spirituality in pastoral and clinical counseling. Prerequisite: CNS 508. 2 credits.
    • CNS 512A Group Counseling 3 This course provides an overview of the principles of group theory, dynamics and process as applied to various therapeutic settings and problems. Pre-requisite: CNS 501 3 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 513 Social and Cultural Foundations 2 This course will focus on the problems and issues arising from values and assumptions that affect counseling with individuals and families of different ethnic origins, including addictive behavior and co-occurring disorders. Prerequisite: CNS 501. 2 credits.
    • CNS 516A Marriage Counseling 3 This course prepares the student in a broad range of issues including pre-marital, marital and couple counseling, spousal abuse, single families and other contemporary issues Prerequisites: CNS 501, CNS 505, CNS 507. 3 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 517 Child and Adolescent Therapy 2 This course provides an overview of the major treatment modalities for children and adolescents. Prerequisite: CNS 501, CNS 505, CNS 507. 2 credits.
    • CNS 518 Career and Lifestyle Development 2 The course begins with an exploration of the theology of work and moves to an examination of career selection and career development theories. Students will learn about occupational information sources and systems as well as lifestyle and career decision making. 2 credits.
    • CNS 523 Human Sexuality 2 This course will give an overview of the theological, physiological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on human sexuality. It includes a consideration of sexual identity, sexual behavior and sexual disorders as well as an introduction to treatment considerations and referrals. Prerequisite: CNS 505. 2 credits.
    • CNS 524 Research in Counseling and Family Studies 2 This course is an introduction to psychological research and testing. The student will be introduced to research design and statistical methodologies. 2 credits.
    • CNS 525 Tests and Measurements 3 This course will provide an introduction to testing instruments that are available to the counselor for use in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within a counseling setting. There is a materials fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: CNS 524. 3 credits.
    • CNS 527 Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction 2 This course provides an overview of basic psychopharmacology including an introduction to the interaction between neurophysiology and psychotropic medication, and how such interactions influence psychotherapy treatment planning and intervention. This course includes the biopharmaceutics and physiological effects of addictive behavior, focusing on alcohol and other recreational drugs, especially as to tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction patterns. 2 credits.
    • CNS 529 Counseling Addictions 2 This course will examine the major categories of psychoactive drugs, the biology of addiction, and theories of addiction and recovery. Topics include the history and classification of psychoactive drugs, the neurobiology of addiction, principles of drug actions, uses and side effects, the addiction cycle and treatment alternatives. Theories of addiction will be examined from both a worldview and from a spiritual experience. Pre-requisites: CNS 501, CNS 505, CNS 507. 2 credits.
    • CNS 530A Counseling Practicum I 2 This course will provide a supervised counseling experience with an on-site supervisor, and class and faculty feedback and evaluation. The practicum requires that the student apply classroom knowledge to interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individual, marital, and family dysfunction. Enrollment limited to counseling degree students. Prerequisites required 2 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 531A Counseling Practicum II 2 This course will provide a supervised counseling experience with an on-site supervisor, and class and faculty feedback and evaluation. The practicum requires that the student apply classroom knowledge to interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individual, marital, and family dysfunction. Enrollment limited to counseling degree students. Prerequisites required. 2 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 532A Counseling Practicum III 2 This course will provide a supervised counseling experience with an on-site supervisor, and class and faculty feedback and evaluation. The practicum requires that the student apply classroom knowledge to interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individual, marital, and family dysfunction. Enrollment limited to counseling degree students. Prerequisites required. 2 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 544A Counseling Violence and Abuse Issues 3 The purpose of this class is to prepare counselors to recognize and respond to some of the most pervasive, emotionally and physically damaging, yet hidden behaviors in our society. Prerequisites: CNS 501, CNS 505, CNS 506, CNS 507. 3 credits in San Jose and Sacramento.
    • CNS 553 Human Services for Addiction Treatment 2 This course presents case management, program development and management, and clinical supervision of addiction treatment. This will include specific case presentation skills such as assessment, treatment planning, counseling, crisis intervention and referral. Community care, prevention, education, outreach and response services will be studied. 2 credits.
    • CNS 559 Emergency Preparedness: Crisis Management 2 This course provides an overview of the effect of crises, disasters, suicide and other trauma-causing events in persons’ lives of all ages and socioeconomic levels. Content will include the counselor’s role individually and as part of an interdisciplinary team in responding to both small and large scale trauma and the recovery process surrounding loss and bereavement. Various biopsychosocial treatment approaches to trauma will be explored. 2 credits.

Total Credits 73

 

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