2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Oct 14, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Counseling Ministry, MA and Counseling Psychology, MS


A special complementary master’s program is available to students who wish to have both the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry. The dual master’s program prepares students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) working in a clinical as well as congregational setting.

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 master’s program in Counseling Ministry and Counseling Psychology is at the discretion of the graduate faculty. Specific application requirements for the dual master’s program in Counseling Ministry and Counseling Psychology are:

  1. Grade Point Average
    • A minimum 3.0 for unconditional admission
    • Applicants with a 2.75 or lower GPA may be considered for conditional acceptance upon consideration of entire admissions application
  2. Prerequisites (completed with a “C” or better)
    • Christian Doctrine or a course in Systematic Theology
    • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the evaluated equivalency OR completion of a non-Psychology Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation - or the evaluated equivalency - and undergraduate prerequisite requirements (3-12 semester units), as determined by the Counseling Psychology program director
    • Outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate enrollment
  3. Two 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
  5. Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Counseling Ministry program and Director of the Counseling Psychology program

Program Requirements (90 units)


Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry


Master of Science in Counseling Psychology


Comprehensive Examination


Students graduating from the graduate programs in Counseling Ministry and Counseling Psychology will be required to successfully pass a comprehensive examination prior to graduation. The exam will be taken concurrent with the Practicum during the last year of the program. Students may retake the exam once to remediate any deficiency. There is a $125 fee associated with the exam administration and scoring. Information regarding content and format of the examination may be obtained from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.