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Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Counseling What is Pastoral Counseling? Suggested reading in pastoral counseling Pastoral counseling is a form of therapy or counseling in which a pastoral counselor, as a representative of a religious tradition or community, uses the insights and principles of religion, theology and modern behavioral sciences in working with individuals, couples, families, groups and institutions toward the achievement of wholeness and health. An important ingredient which makes pastoral counseling different from other forms of counseling and psychotherapy is the conviction that life’s crises and transitions, as well as emotional dysfunctions, are best met by both the wisdom of religious teachings and the knowledge and skills of the human behavioral sciences such as psychiatry and psychology. Purpose of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling Degree Program The goal of this program is to assist individuals in becoming knowledgeable and competent practitioners in the counseling ministry. The degree program is designed to help candidates to achieve a personal synthesis of theological understandings of ministry and contemporary counseling theory and practice. The degree program is intended for those who plan to become full-time practitioners of the counseling ministry. The program has also been designed for those who intend to do pastoral counseling as part of a more general pastoral ministry. Prerequisites In order to qualify for admission, an applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 average. It is also expected that the applicant will already have earned at least 12 quarter credit hours in the social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology) and 12 quarter credit hours in theology or religious studies. The latter must include at least one course or the equivalent from the areas of biblical studies and moral theology. In addition, the applicant must show evidence of personal qualities requisite for a professional pastoral counselor. Application and Admission In order to apply for admission to the degree program three things are necessary: 1)
submission of an application form, which is available from the Office of
the Registrar (513-231-2223), to the Dean of the Athenaeum A student who is matriculated in the Master of Divinity program can apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling program at the completion of his second year of seminary-based study. In order to be considered for admission to this degree program, an application must be submitted either by May 1 for autumn quarter admission or by October 15 for winter quarter admission. Candidacy At the completion of 24 hours of course work in the degree program, a student’s work is reviewed. The director of the program seeks input from the faculty and conducts an interview with the student. If all is judged satisfactory (including a 3.0 average), the student is admitted as a candidate for the degree. Academic Requirements A student must obtain a minimum of 68 hours of course work to earn the degree and must have a 2.5 grade point average at the end of the first year of study for the degree, or the first 18 credits, whichever comes last, and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 at the end of each quarter thereafter. Students falling below the required average are on probation with regard to this program. More than two successive quarters on probation will necessitate faculty action for the student to continue in the program. Curriculum The curriculum of the degree program integrates academic course work in the theological, psychological and counseling disciplines by means of the required courses listed below. In addition, the professional training component emphasizes the application of theory within the context of supervised pastoral counseling experiences. This occurs in two forms: 1) two practicum courses, 2) an extensive Internship experience undertaken in a pastoral counseling placement. The basic curriculum is designed as a three-year program for full-time students (nine quarter hours per quarter), although the program may also be pursued on a part-time basis. Required and elective components are: PA 375 Career Counseling (3)PA 380 Research and Evaluation (3) PA 385 Social and Cultural Foundations (3) PA 401 Pastoral Counseling I (3) PA 402 Pastoral Counseling II (3) PA 404 Human Development and Spiritual Experience (3) PA 406 Group Process (3) PA 407 Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Pastoral Counseling (3) PA 408 Pastoral Counseling Practicum I (3) PA 409 Pastoral Counseling Practicum II (3) PA 410 Appraisal of the Individual I (3) PA 503 Theological Reflection for Pastoral Counselors (3) PA 500 Internship (3) Four Elective Courses (two in theology) (12)
Theology electives must be chosen from Athenaeum offerings in Biblical Studies, Christian Living, Historical Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies or Systematic Theology. Those seeking licensure in the State of Ohio should take Clinical Content courses as their non-theology electives. Clinical Content Courses The clinical curriculum is designed as a supplemental program for those students seeking licensure in the State of Ohio. In addition to the basic curriculum leading to the master’s degree in pastoral counseling, a student must complete a minimum of 30 quarter hours of instruction in the following areas: PA 550
Diagnosis of Mental and Emotional Disorders (4) Electives (12): Membership, Certification, Licensing Because many professional counselors seek membership in professional societies as well as professional certification and licensing, the MAPC program endeavors to assist the candidate in this pursuit. The State of Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board has approved the Athenaeum of Ohio counselor training program for the PC and PCC levels. Although the administration of the MAPC degree program can offer advice and such information as it has at its disposal, it should be understood that it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to make sure that all academic requirements for licensure have been met. To this end, it is usually best for the student to be in regular contact with the state licensing agency. |
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