Counseling Ministry, MA

The Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry degree at California Baptist University is designed for ministers, professional counselors, and others interested in church based counseling ministry. Students graduating with this degree will have the academic preparation for counseling, formally and informally, in a congregational setting, and the skills to direct and coordinate a counseling ministry within a congregation. The program emphasizes a sound understanding of behavioral science and pastoral approaches to counseling combined with a thorough understanding of Theology as a Behavioral Science.

The program offers optional concentrations in Professional Ministry and Research in Counseling Ministry and can also be completed as a dual master’s degree in Counseling Ministry and Counseling Psychology. The Dual master’s program prepares students for professional licensing as an MFT and Ministry in the local Church as a Church Based Counselor.

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry Admission Requirements

Admission standards for Graduate Studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Specific application requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry are:

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)
Prerequisites (completed with a “C” or better)
- An introductory course in Anthropology, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or Sociology
- Christian Doctrine or a course in Systematic Theology
- Outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate enrollment
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
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
- 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
Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Counseling Ministry program

Program Requirements (36-50 units)

Core Requirements

Comprehensive Examination

Students graduating from the graduate program in Counseling Ministry will be required to successfully complete a seven (7) hour written comprehensive examination. Information regarding possible content and format of the examination may be obtained in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences office.

Optional Concentration Requirements

Students have the option of completing a concentration in Professional Ministry or Research in Counseling Ministry.

Professional Ministry*

* Admission into the Professional Ministry program required.

Research in Counseling Ministry

* Complete six (6) additional units of CBS 575 beyond the core requirements

Counseling Ministry Church Based Counseling Practicum

Congregational Participation Requirement

Students in the Graduate Program in Counseling Ministry at California Baptist University will be required to obtain and maintain active congregational membership and participation during the entire process of the degree. This congregation will serve, under supervision, as the approved practicum site for the student. Students may verify and document this requirement using the verification form available in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences office.

Practicum Admission

The Church Based Counseling Practicum is an integral part of the degree. The Practicum may be taken concurrently with the other courses for the degree or during the year following completion of the last course taken. See the Director for details. The degree may not be obtained without the practicum aspect and the Church Participation Requirement will not be waived. Students entering Practicum must complete the following requirements:

Applications for Practicum must be submitted before Practicum begins.
Admission to Practicum will be a faculty decision based on the evaluation of the Practicum application, and placement approval.
An interview by the Graduate Committee to further evaluate the applicant’s readiness may be required.
A written appeal process will be instituted in the event that a student is not considered ready for Practicum.

Ministry Credential and Experience Requirement

Students entering the Professional Ministry concentration should hold ministerial credentials and have at least two years counseling ministry experience. Students must verify their credential status and counseling experience status prior to admission. Those presently holding ministerial credentials with a minimum of two years ministry counseling experience should submit a copy of their credential and a resume of counseling experience. Those who do not fully meet this requirement or are in a credentialing process should see the Program Director.

Counseling Ministry Research Option

Students in the optional research thesis will be limited to twelve (12) units per semester and may not begin the thesis courses without completion of at least twenty-four (24) units and approval. Thesis students will participate each semester in a forum which will assure competency prior to beginning thesis courses. Students may be required to take additional units concurrently with thesis courses.