Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program uses group dynamics to develop a learning environment that facilitates cooperative study and group presentations. Group cohesion, student cooperation, and mutual support replace competition. Lecture is minimized and interaction among participants and the professor is encouraged. A group is formed when at least fifteen students have enrolled. Each group progresses through the course of instruction in a specific sequence while attending courses usually held once each week from 4:00-10:00 p.m.

Eighteen units of Biblical foundation studies are included in the MACP program so the Bible can be used effectively during counseling. MACP students may earn a Master of Christian Ministry (MACM) degree by taking an additional 18 units of courses from the Graduate Biblical Studies division. 

Purpose

The curriculum leading to the MACP degree is a 30-month, 78-unit course of instruction designed to prepare students for a variety of counseling settings, including, vocational counseling, church support, private practice, marriage and family therapy, child/adolescent counseling and many more forms of counseling. The MACP degree meets California requirements to sit for state and federal exams to be licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. This degree meets the prerequisite requirement for entering the Doctor of Psychology program.

Student Learning Outcomes (Program Goals)

Upon successful completion of the MACP program the student will be able to: 

1. Apply a variety of effective psychotherapeutic theories, techniques and modalities that may be utilized to improve, restore, or maintain healthy individual, couple and family relationships.
2. Be familiar with non-discrimination policies and cross cultural mores and values, including the wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds common among California’s population.
3. Demonstrate values such as integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion and Christian ethical standards of conduct throughout the academic process and counseling experiences.
4. Demonstrate the ability to advocate for clients and connect them with the recourses available in their community.
5. Bring glory to God by becoming a iblically based Christian therapist who will serve the community by utilizing psychotherapeutic techniques, assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of premarital, couple, family and child relationships.

Admission Requirements

Admission is granted only to those applicants judged to be fully qualified. Students should contact the Admissions Office for direction on how to proceed as soon as they seriously contemplate studies at SCS.

The Vice President of Student Services may admit an applicant who does not meet the criteria if other factors warrant such action. The Vice President’s judgment is final. SCS does not accept applicants without proof of legal residency. 

Applicants for admission into the MACP program must meet the following requirements.  

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree acceptable to SCS that was earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
2. Complete 6 units of undergraduate coursework that includes: 
   1. Introduction to Psychology, or its equivalent, and
   2. Abnormal Psychology that emphasizes use of the current DSM. 
    
3. Undergo specified psychological testing at personal expense.
4. Submit a brief autobiography.
5. Be interviewed and recommended by the Dean of Behavioral Sciences. 

Best Practice Seminar

One content area that is a major emphasis by the licensing board (California Board of Behavioral Sciences) is Law and Ethics. SCS offers the “Best Practice” seminar yearly that addresses this important discipline. The seminar is mandatory for all students in the MACP program and is strongly recommended for all Doctor of Psychology students. 

If a student does not meet the coursework requirement, admittance may be granted as a Special Status student. MACP courses may then be taken, but any unfulfilled admission requirements must be fulfilled before graduation.  

Prerequisites to begin as a Trainee in Practicum 

The capstone project of the MACP degree is a practicum experience where the student provides counseling at a non-profit setting under a qualified supervisor.

Prior to beginning any clinical practice, students must compete their first year of prescribed study (19 units) (CO-502, CO-610, CO-508, CO-516, CO-503, CO-504). This also includes 20 hours of individual therapy and 20 sessions of group therapy as outlined in CO-619 counseling process during their first year. Students must also have obtained liability insurance that covers the student, their counseling site and the school. This can be accomplished at a minimal cost via the school. The student must become a Member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) to purchase liability insurance and this is a minimal cost annually that is the student’s responsibility. (Contact the program coordinator for more details.)

Graduation Requirements  

Each candidate for the MACP degree must meet the following graduation requirements:  

1. Complete 60 total units of graduate level courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0, distributed as follows: 
   1. Counseling Psychology Core 43 units
   2. Counseling Practicum 9 units
   3. Specific Training for Licensure Preparation 8 units 
    
2. Complete an additional pre-requisite 18 units of master’s level biblical foundation courses. These courses may be taken prior to or concurrently with MACP studies.
3. Complete the exit Bible knowledge exam.
4. Submit a petition to graduate to the Registrar by the deadline in the Academic Calendar.
5. Settle all financial obligations to SCS.
6. Be recommended for the MACP degree by the faculty based on demonstrated moral integrity.

Curriculum

All courses are worth 3 units each unless otherwise indicated.

Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology Core - 43 units

CO-501 Counseling Theory I
CO-505 Human Growth and Development
CO-506 Counseling Techniques
CO-507 Crisis Intervention
CO-508 Psychopathology
CO-509 Premarital and Marital Counseling
CO-515 Counseling Theory II
CO-516 Law and Professional Ethics in Counseling
CO-611 Cross-cultural Mores and Values
CO-612 Approaches to the Treatment of Children
CO-608 Research and Program Evaluations
CO-621 Testing and Assessment Techniques in MFT Clinical Practice
CO-618 Group Counseling
CO-619 Counseling Process (1 unit)
CO-774 Psychopharmacology

Counseling Practicum - 9 units

CO-771 Counseling Practicum I
CO-772 Counseling Practicum II
CO-773 Counseling Practicum III

Biblical Foundations - 18 units

BC-501 Theological Foundations of Counseling
CE-508 Inductive Bible Study
PM-511 Spiritual Disciplines
TH-503 Bibliology/Hermeneutics
TH-507 Crucial Issues in Ministry
TH-612 Theology II: Anthropology, Hamartiology, Soteriology

Specific Training for Licensure Preparation - 8 units

The Board of Behavioral Science requires specific additional academic training for those applying for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

CO-613 Ethics of Sexual Care and Human Sexuality (1 unit)
CO-614 Alcohol and Substance Abuse (3 units)
CO-615 Child, Spousal, and Partner Abuse (2 units)
CO-620 Dependent Adult and Elder Care (2 units)