Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy/M.A. (Biblical and Theological Studies) Dual Degree

San Jose

• This dual degree program expands the studentÂ’s preparation in the biblical and theological areas. It is designed to prepare individuals for both professional counseling and such ministries as the family ministries, pastoral care, discipleship, and small group ministries. The Master of Arts in Counseling degree program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

• 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 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.

• Spiritual and personal formation studies 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.
  • SFS 501 Learning to Love God and Others 2 The theological and practical dynamics of evangelical spirituality will be examined to provide a solid foundation for rich fellowship with the Triune God and for living out of the Great Commandment. The nature of spiritual maturity will be examined (including a biblically-balanced model of priorities) and practical experiences for nurturing that maturity will be provided. 2 credits.
  • 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.

• Biblical literature studies 16

  • DBS 506 Learning to Interpret Scripture 4 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 during the first year of M.A. or M.Div. studies. 4 credits.
  • BLS 501X Interpreting the Old Testament I: Genesis to 2 Samuel 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
  • BLS 501Y Interpreting the Old Testament II: 1 Kings to Song of Solomon 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
  • BLS 502X Interpreting the Old Testament III: Isaiah to Malachi 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
  • BLS 502Y Interpreting the New Testament I: Gospels 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
  • BLS 503X Interpreting the New Testament II: Epistles 1 2 The course will focus upon Acts, Galatians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Corinthians, Romans. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
  • BLS 503Y Interpreting the New Testament III: Epistles 2 2 The course will focus upon Ephesians, Colossians, and 1 Timothy through the Revelation. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.

• Theological studies 16

  • 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.
  • THS 508 Integrating Ministry and Theology 2 Building on the exegetical, theological and ministry foundations laid in the seminary curriculum, students will build an integrative approach to such issues as women in ministry, divorce, bio-ethics, and church discipline. Students will also work toward this integration by finalizing and defending their personal doctrinal statements. Prerequisites: THS 501, 502, 503 or permission of instructor. 2 credits.
  • CHS 505X Wisdom from Church History, Part 1 2 In this course we will learn from the history of the Church from Pentecost to the Reformation. We will focus on (1) the Church’s people who, as saints and sinners, have been the flesh and blood of its history; (2) the Church’s doctrine which has developed throughout its history; (3) the Church’s writings which have exerted a tremendous impact on its history; and (4) the Church’s movements which have composed the ebb and flow, the progress and regress, of its history. We will also consider what the past can contribute to the present, seeking to learn lessons from the history of the Church for our own lives, ministries, doctrines, and churches. 2 credits
  • CHS 505Y Wisdom from Church History, Part 2 2 In this course we will learn from the history of the Church from the Reformation to the present day. We will focus on (1) the Church’s people who, as saints and sinners, have been the flesh and blood of its history; (2) the Church’s doctrine which has developed throughout its history; (3) the Church’s writings which have exerted a tremendous impact on its history; and (4) the Church’s movements which have composed the ebb and flow, the progress and regress, of its history. We will also consider what the past can contribute to the present, seeking to learn lessons from the history of the Church for our own lives, ministries, doctrines, and churches. 2

• Exegetical theological electives 18

Total Credits 118