Master of Arts in Counseling - Christian and Spiritual Counseling Concentration
For curriculum and course descriptions please download a program overview.
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PYC 7320 | Christian and Faith Based Counseling (3 Credits)
The relevance of religion and spirituality in the lives of a continually increasing number of clinents seeking counseling is the inspiration for this introductory course. Psychology's origin is rooted in the word, psyche, meaning soul, and -ology meaning scientific study of. The inclusion of the soul and spirit in the mind/body connection is an under-explored area of inquiry and research. Students will learn the differentiation between religion and spirituality, using modern approaches to establish clear definitions. This course includes the study of Fowler's Six Stages of Faith Development, Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development, and the mastery of practical skills such as conceptualization and appropriate questioning, using a variety of treatment modalities. Prerequisite: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
PYC 7420 | Grief Counseling (3 Credits)
This course is an active theory, skills and discussion course for professionals heeding the call to help clients through the stages of grieving by exploring the cosmologies and theologies which relate to clients' specific cultures and beliefs about a variety of losses, choices and dilemmas. This course will engage students to explore developmental topics of understanding Self and the finality of life, "real life" situations in the grieving stages, expectations of terminal illness, and moving beyond the grief and loss, incorporating the death and dying fundamentals of Kubler-Ross. Prerequisites: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
PYC 8020 | Study of Religions: Life, Death, and Afterlife (3 Credits)
The sacred texts of the world's religions are a fascinating mix of history, advice, rules, mythology and ritual and are used for guidance, encouragement, healing and inspiration. Familiarization with these writings provides the student with a broad overview of their origin, form, and content especially as they impact the lives of their clients' beliefs in the purpose of life and the existence of an afterlife. Understand how these texts convey spiritual truth, establish a connection with the divine, and align with a life span/developmental perspective provides the groundwork for counselors to utilize skills that help clients to internally process issues that can shake their faith. Integrating hermenutical skills, to interpret and understand sacred texts through an objective, social and subjective approach, can also assist beginning counselors in their development of microskills such as reflection, attending and observing, and empathy. Prerequisites: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
PYC 8114 | Ethics in Christian and Spiritual Counseling (3 Credits) There is a growing recognition of the importance of the spiritual domain in the counseling process and the need for training materials and strategies for integrating the ASERVIC competencies into the field of counseling. The Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling are the groundwork for professionals to effectively and ethically communicate with their clients on religious and spiritual questions and issues. The competencies include such topics as: counselor self-awareness by exploring attitudes, beliefs, and personal values; various models of spiritual and/or religious development and their relationship to human development; and, diagnosis and treatment recognizing the client’s spiritual and/or religious perspectives. This course is grounded in a spiritually-based application through a multi-modal approach of theories and competency-based strategies and interventions for ethical practice – honoring the sacred in the lives of those seeking spiritual counseling. Prerequisites: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
PYC 8094 | Integration of Positive Psychology and Spirituality (3 Credits)
In a complex world, people are struggling to nurture and maintain their mental well-being, self-fulfillment and hope. Counseling practices which include positive states and traits assist a person’s spiritual belief formation regarding life and fulfillment of his/her purposes and goals in life. This course examines the relationship between religious faith and optimal psychological functioning. By the strengthening of bonds between positive psychology and the science of religion and spirituality, there is evidence that by focusing on positive emotions, an individual’s spiritual practices can influence their physiological as well as psychological wellbeing. Prerequisites: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework including PYC 7320 Christian and Faith-Based Counseling.
Core Foundation Courses
PYF 7001 | Grad Counseling Seminar in Clinical Foundations (3 Credits)
Provides an overview addressing necessary foundations in the content areas of abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and theories of personality. Introduction to APA style and format.
PYF 7132 | Counseling and the Helping Professions (3 Credits)
Examines counseling process, instruction and practice in communication skills in counseling, history, development and practice of counseling as a profession, and how and where counseling is provided.
PYF 7162 | Methods and Models of Research (3 Credits)
Examination of models of research and application of scientific methods to investigate, analyze, and develop solutions relative to current issues in the field.
PYC 7422 | Identities and Experiences (3 Credits)
Study of individual identities and experiences related to counseling clients with various backgrounds, beliefs and concerns. Includes effective counseling techniques.
PYC 7802 | Psychological Testing (3 Credits)
Examines use of standardized tests to study individuals, including test development, selection, administration and interpretation. Includes educational and mental health applications.
PYC 7822 | Life Planning and Career Development (3 Credits)
Focus on theory, research, techniques and tools in life planning, transitions and career development.
PYC 7832 | Human Growth and Development (3 Credits)
Examination of psychological, social, intellectual, and physical influences on the development of personality and behavior patterns in children, adolescents and adults.
PYC 7922 | Counseling Theories (3 Credits)
Examination of theories of personality development and therapeutic processes. Consideration of techniques for counseling applications and professional consultation.
PYC 7932 | Group Counseling and Dynamics (3 Credits)
Theories of group counseling. Includes techniques of observation, assessment and leadership in therapeutic groups.
PYF 8012 | Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling (3 Credits)
Study of ethical, legal and professional concerns in the practice of counseling.
PYC 8040 | Advanced Psychodiagnostic and Treatment Plan (3 Credits)
As a preparation of Clinical Internship, students will expand their knowledge of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic categories, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Emphasis will also be placed on the clinical interview and other initial assessment techniques, as well as skills critical to selecting and evaluating treatment options.
PYC 8112 | Theory and Techniques in Marriage & Family Counseling (3 Credits)
Examination of traditional and contemporary theories of family systems and approaches to marriage and family counseling. Prerequisite: 15 semester credit hours of PYC/PYF courses.
PYC 8142 | Introduction to Substance Abuse, Addiction and Related Disorders (3 Credits)
Introduction to patterns, causes, assessment and treatment of substance abuse and other addictive disorders.
PYF 8512 | MA Comprehensive Exam (No Credit)
PYF 8600 | Field Placement (0 Credit)
Course designed to develop counseling skills through practical application in a counseling setting. Students work under the direct supervison of an approved onsite supervisor and faculty supervisor. Classroom compenent allows student to share learning experiences from placement activities as well as gudie the integration and synthesization of learned knowledge into practical application.
PYF 8610 | Field Placement Continued (1.5 Credits)
Continuation of field placement experience.
Note:
PYF 8600, 8610 Field Placement - 9 credit hours
Students may not begin field placement until 18 credit hours have been completed, including PYC 7922 Counseling Theories, PYC 8040 Advanced Psychodiagnostics, PYF 8012 Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling and PYF 7132 Counseling and the Helping Professions. PYF 7132 and PYC 7922 must have been completed with a grade of "B" or better. Students in provisioinal or probitionary status are not eligible to begin field placement.
Students who did not meet the program prerequisite courses of abnormal psychology, developmental psychology/human development, theories of personality, or equivalents at admission may be required to complete additional coursework.
Additionally, 36 hours of Professional Growth Seminars are required for degree completion.
Full Degree Catalog