Master of Arts in Counseling / M.A. in Ministry and Leadership Dual Degree 

Master of Arts in Counseling / M.A. in Ministry and Leadership Dual Degree

Portland

  • By adding ministry and leadership skill and theory, this dual degree is equips students who envision their future will include ministry to and with women or as a chaplain to special populations.

  • Biblical interpretation studies 14

    • 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 501 Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon 4 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 the great attributes of God. The historical books will show how God works among His people. We will conclude with a consideration of the practical lessons found in the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • BLS 502 Interpreting the Prophets and Gospels 4 In this course you will learn the historical background of each of the prophets and become acquainted with their distinctive contribution and modern relevance. After examining the prophecies concerning the Messiah, you will see how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Our focus in the Gospels will be on Matthew and John. You will study Jesus' teachings, miracles, and parables with consideration given to present day application. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • BLS 503 Interpreting Acts to Revelation 4 Our focus in the early part of the course will be on the beginnings of the church. As we trace Paul's life, we will study his letters in the order in which they were written, giving attention to the historical and cultural settings. Special focus will be given to Paul's great teachings on salvation, justification, and sanctification. Our attention will then turn to the subject of eschatology as we examine the General Epistles and Revelation. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.

  • Theological studies 10

    • THS 501 Knowing the Triune God: Theology I 4 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 His 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 506. 4 credits.
    • THS 502 Glorifying the God of Our Salvation: Theology II 4 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. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • THS 503 Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III 2 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 grand work. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.

  • 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 502 Psychological Theory and Techniques 2 This course will cover the application and development of treatment strategies and interventions. Focus will be given to an eclectic approach to therapy. Prerequisite: CNS 501, CNS 504. 2 credits in Portland.
    • CNS 504 Psychotherapeutic Systems 2 This course will provide a historical and theoretical overview of the major counseling theorists. 2 credits.
    • CNS 503 Family Systems Therapy 2 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. 2 credits in Portland.
    • 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 506 Legal and Ethical Issues 3 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. 3 credits in Portland.
    • 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 512 Group Counseling 2 This course provides an overview of the principles of group theory, dynamics and process as applied to various therapeutic settings and problems. Prerequisite: CNS 501. 2 credits in Portland.
    • 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 516 Marriage Counseling 2 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 Pre-requisites: CNS 501, CNS 505, CNS 507. 2 credits in Portland.
    • 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 526 Psychopharmacology 1 This course provides an overview of basic psychopharmacology including an introduction to the interaction between neurophysiology and psychotropic medications, and how such interactions influence psychotherapy treatment planning and interventions. 1 credit in Portland.
    • CNS 528 Neuropsychology 1 This course will introduce students to current understanding of brain-behavior relationships. Emphasis will be placed on commonly used approaches in the assessment and measurement of human behavior and how we understand the brain's role in cognition, language, memory, spatial processing, emotion, spirituality and personality. Students will gain a basic understanding of principles of brain organization and professional/clinical issues in neuropsychology. 1 credit.
    • 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 530 Counseling Practicum 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. Pre- or co-requisites: CNS 500, CNS 501P, CNS 504, CNS 505, CNS 506. 2 credits at Portland.
    • CNS 531 Internship Case Conference I 2 Portland campus. 2 credits.
    • CNS 532 Internship Case Conference II 2 Portland campus. 2 credits.
    • CNS 533 Internship Case Conference III 2 Portland campus. 2 credits.
    • CNS 534 Internship Case Conference IV 2 Portland campus. 2 credits.
    • CNS 544 Counseling Violence and Abuse Issues 2 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. 2 credits in Portland.
    • CNS 557 Emergency Preparedness: Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention 1 Part I. This course provides an overview of the effects of suicide and crises on persons of all ages. Content will include the counselor's role individually and as part of an interdisciplinary team, and the recovery process surrounding loss and bereavement. 1 credit.
    • CNS 558 Emergency Preparedness: Crisis Intervention, Trauma and Loss 1 Part II. This course provides an overview of the effects of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on persons of all ages. 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. 1 credit.
    • CNS5xx Counseling Electives (consult with department advisor) 4

  • Spiritual formation studies 4

    • SFS 502 Practicing Prayer and Other Key Disciplines 2 Growing more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions can be nurtured through the spiritual disciplines taught by Scripture and practiced by believers throughout the ages. You will learn, from an evangelical perspective, the contribution each activity can make to your spiritual growth and how to enhance your actual practice of these holy habits. Extended attention will be given to developing a biblical understanding and practice of prayer. 2 credits.
    • SFS 504 Growing into Ethical Maturity 2 The ability to discern right from wrongand to act appropriately in light of that assessmentis essential if church leaders are to maintain and model ethical integrity. Your moral sensitivity will be enhanced as you become acquainted with some of the fundamental issues involved in developing a biblically-informed personal, professional and social ethic. 2 credits.

  • Ministry and leadership studies 12

      Core studies required: 12

    • DIS 501 Communicating Christ in Culture 2 Ministry is communication. The content must be known and experienced so the proclamation will have substance and credibility. After learning what we are to communicate, we must learn how to communicate. The course imparts fundamental concepts that will equip the student to communicate across personal and cultural barriers. 2 credits.
    • DMS 501 Thinking Theologically about Ministry Leadership 2 Ministry is built upon sound biblical, theological and cultural foundations. Each generation of the Church must understand and build on these foundations, as well as discover relevant contemporary innovations and applications. This course intends to help you integrate an understanding of the Word and the world with the development of a personal philosophy of ministry. 2 credits.
      • DMS 506 Developing Godly Leadership for the 21st Century 2 A core leadership course designed for those who intend to be future leaders of the church. This course will move from definitions to the core values of a leader; how to take ministry through a vision process, engage in strategic planning, decision-making, and implementation, build great teams, work through conflict and change, delegate tasks, and effectively mentor the next generation of leaders. Models from the corporate, political, and military worlds will be compared and contrasted with the biblical definitions and illustrations of leadership. 2 credits.
      or
      • PCW 513 Women in Leadership 2 In this course students explore four essential components of being a Christian woman in leadership: call, character, craft, and competencies. Concerning the call of a woman in leadership, attention is given to understanding and valuing what motivates a person to lead. Students learn how to define and develop Christlike character and integrity of heart in private and public arenas. The art of leadership is examined, including cycles, styles, and gender issues. The many facets of being a change agent, communicator, and mentor are investigated, and insights are gained from biblical and historical examples of women in leadership. 2 credits.
    • EMS 505 Growing Disciples Intentionally 2 Christ commands His children to love God, love people and make disciples (Matt 22:37-40, 28:16- 20). This course will examine the role of the local church and para-church organizations in facilitating, guiding, and nurturing the spiritual growth of believers from infancy through the end of life. The teaching/learning process will be evaluated primarily in terms of intentional growth outcomes in the lives of Christians at all levels of spiritual maturity. 2 credits.
    • PTS 504 Maximizing the Church's Redemptive Influence 2 This course gives attention to the essential nature and vocation of the Church as God's called people. Students are challenged to rethink the mission of the Church, moving beyond traditional assumptions, and relating the mission to a modern/post-modern context. Focus will be given to countering pluralism and the new paganism, determining a biblical strategy for accomplishing the mission, developing a social conscience, putting together a global approach to ministry, and creating the structures for achieving redemptive influence. 2 credits.
    • PTS 505 Providing Leadership in Ministry 2 This course builds on the principles of DMS 506 and applies them to the local church. The aim is to prepare pastors to be the leaders God intends for His church. Specific issues treated include pastoral self-leadership; building a leadership team; creating a healthy staff-board relationship; leading a congregation through change, crises and conflict, and the dynamics that come with growth; effective management of resourcesfrom volunteers to staff development to budgeting and expenditures; and leading the church into the future. 2 credits.

  • Option 1: Chaplaincy specialization 14

    • MFM 500 Discovering and Developing Your Ministry Potential 2 This personal assessment course uses a wide variety of tools that will enable you to gain greater insight into how your gifting, personality, passion, and background might best be matched with potential ministry opportunities. Substantial attention will also be given on how to gain maximum profit from formal and informal ministry training. An additional materials fee will be charged. This course should be taken during your first term of studies. 2 credits.
    • ICS 501 The Chaplaincy 2 In this course students are introduced to and equipped for the mission field of chaplaincy ministry. A wide range of topics is covered, from possible areas of service to various expectations placed upon military, law enforcement, and institutional chaplains. 2 credits.
    • ICS 530 Chaplaincy Practicum 1+1+1+1 An intense, guided field education experience in the student's area of ministry concentration. Veteran, career chaplains in military or institutional settings, carefully supervise the student as he/she gains expertise in the military chaplaincy or in one of the institutional chaplaincies for which the Seminary provides training. 1-4 credits.

      Select 6 credits from the courses below, or related electives with advisor approval 6

    • ICS 505 The Hospital Chaplaincy 2 The unique nature of hospital chaplaincy is investigated in this course. Attention is given to appropriate relationships with hospital staff and patients and their families, issues such as death and dying, and other features pertinent to hospital ministry. Work is done in case studies, and fieldwork is engaged in actual hospital visits. 2 credits.
    • ICS 506 The Military Chaplaincy 2 Particular attention is given to the nature and work of the military chaplaincy. Students explore expectations related to work in a multi-faith environment, and learn how the various branches of the military function relative to their chaplains. Emphasis is given to life and ministry issues (such as frequent mobility, separation from family, etc.) peculiar to persons in the military. Practical matters pertaining to such things as securing endorsement and appointment as a chaplain are also treated. 2 credits.
    • ICS 533 Clinical Pastoral Education 1-2 Approval required. 1-2 credits.
    • PTS 503 Practicing Evangelism and Apologetics 2 Strategies and programs for biblically based evangelism are explored in this course. You will develop your own skills in personal evangelism, as well as how to do evangelistic outreach through the local church. You will develop an ability to address questions about the truthfulness or believability of Christianity that often arise in evangelistic moments through a biblically based and personally relevant apologetic strategy. 2 credits.
    • PTS 505 Providing Leadership in Ministry 2 This course builds on the principles of DMS 506 and applies them to the local church. The aim is to prepare pastors to be the leaders God intends for His church. Specific issues treated include pastoral self-leadership; building a leadership team; creating a healthy staff-board relationship; leading a congregation through change, crises and conflict, and the dynamics that come with growth; effective management of resourcesfrom volunteers to staff development to budgeting and expenditures; and leading the church into the future. 2 credits.

  • Option 2: Pastoral care to women specialization 8

    • MFM 500 Discovering and Developing Your Ministry Potential 2 This personal assessment course uses a wide variety of tools that will enable you to gain greater insight into how your gifting, personality, passion, and background might best be matched with potential ministry opportunities. Substantial attention will also be given on how to gain maximum profit from formal and informal ministry training. An additional materials fee will be charged. This course should be taken during your first term of studies. 2 credits.
    • PCW 511 Pastoral Understanding of Women 2 This course fosters an understanding of the issues that impact effective biblical strategies for pastoral care to women. Students discover how the physiological, psychological, cultural and spiritual aspects of a woman affect good pastoral care. Featured is an understanding of seasons and transitions in life cycles against the background of societal role change for women, and the impact of physiological changes, nurturing needs and feminine perspective. Gender and cultural stereotypes are examined, and biblical strategies for developing friendships, mentor/protégé relationships, group support and other helps for shepherding women are presented. 2 credits.
    • PCW 531-534 Pastoral Care to Women Practicum 1+1+1+1

      Select 6 credits from the courses below, or related electives with advisor approval 0

    • PCW 512X Women in Pain, Part I 2 Increasing awareness of experiences that cause deep pain in women's lives enables one to offer strategic pastoral care and referral when needed. Issues discussed in this course may include breast cancer, same-sex attraction, eating disorders, sexual abuse, suicide, widowhood, post-abortion stress, pornography, domestic violence, and depression. Students learn how, from a biblical basis, to help women grieve losses, begin transition to health, and secure professional help when needed. 2 credits.
    • PCW 512Y Women in Pain, Part II 2 This course examines additional issues that generate emotional pain in women's lives. Issues discussed may include infant/child death, religious abuse, infertility, terminal illness, physical disabilities, disrupted adoptions, homelessness, and incarcerated women. Students will learn how to offer effective pastoral care and create an environment of grace and a healing community. 2 credits.
    • PCW 513 Women in Leadership 2 In this course students explore four essential components of being a Christian woman in leadership: call, character, craft, and competencies. Concerning the call of a woman in leadership, attention is given to understanding and valuing what motivates a person to lead. Students learn how to define and develop Christlike character and integrity of heart in private and public arenas. The art of leadership is examined, including cycles, styles, and gender issues. The many facets of being a change agent, communicator, and mentor are investigated, and insights are gained from biblical and historical examples of women in leadership. 2 credits.
    • PCW 514 Building Relational Ministries for Women 2 Students learn how to build and advance from vision to reality relational ministries featuring four components: cast the vision, build the team, discern the needs, and mold the ministry. The focus is on relational components, such as building and strengthening a leadership team, accurately discerning the needs of individual women and molding ministry around that unique profile while developing spiritual friendships and mentoring relationships. Students will learn how to enhance ministry effectiveness by reflecting emphasis in promotion, evaluation and celebration. 2 credits.
    • PCW 515 Develop and Deliver Life-Changing Messages 2 Learn how to prepare and deliver messages that are biblically accurate, relevant and applicable. Use homiletic principles and skills to prepare and evaluate messages. Expand ability to involve audience, to maximize visuals, to include humor, and to modify content to fit situation. Prepare to speak with clarity and passion. Explore elements of effective devotionals, special event messages, and retreat series. 2 credits.
    • PCW 521 Develop Life-Changing Bible Study Curriculum 2 Learn how to write, select and adapt Bible study curriculum for women that is biblically sound, relevant, and applicable to all arenas of a woman's life. Grow in confidence in training discussion leaders to shepherd biblically stimulating and relationally healthy small groups and curriculum-writing teams that can create materials appropriate for neighborhood and/or church-based women's Bible studies. 2 credits.

Total Credits 114

 

admissions

STUDENTS

Community

Alumni

News & Events