Admission Requirements

Masters in Counseling Ministry and Counseling Psychology Dual Masters Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Admission to the dual masters program in Counseling Ministry and Counseling Psychology is at the discretion of the graduate faculty. Specific application requirements for the dual masters program in Counseling Ministry and Counseling Psychology are:

1. Grade Point Average
   • A minimum 3.0 for unconditional admission and a minimum 2.75 for conditional admission
   • Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for admission with the presentation of a minimum score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
2. Prerequisites (completed with a “C” or better)
   • An introductory course in Anthropology, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or Sociology
   • Developmental Psychology or Human Behavior and the Social Environment
   • Theories of Personality
   • Statistics
   • Christian Doctrine or a course in Systematic Theology
   • Outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate enrollment
3. Three Recommendations, completed on forms provided, from sources who can address your potential for success. It is preferred at least one recommendation be from a professor or instructor. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations
4. Comprehensive Essay of at least 500 words that includes the following:
   • Purpose for entering the program
   • Experiences that have directed your interest toward becoming a counseling minister and therapist
   • Religious background, present pattern of spiritual growth, fundamentals of personal faith and the relationship between your faith and professional goals
   • Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
   • Influences that have shaped your present values and approach to life
   • Include in your essay a response to this question: “Have you ever received psychiatric treatment or counseling, yes or no?” If yes, please provide a brief explanation
5. Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Counseling Ministry program and Director of the Counseling Psychology program