1. What are the program’s entry dates and application deadline?
The MS in Counseling Psychology offers a rolling admission policy, and accepts students for the Fall (September), Spring (January) or Summer (May) semesters. Students may begin the program in any semester or term. Applications should be complete, with all doucments submitted, 60 days prior to the start of the semester.
2. What are the program’s pre-requisites?
Pre-requisites for the MS in Counseling Psychology with the Professional Counseling Concentration are:
Developmental Psychology or Human Behavior and the Social Environment,
Theories of Personality,
Statistical Techniques in Behavioral Science and
Bible Doctrine or a course in Systematic Theology (for the Professional Ministry concentration).
Students may complete the pre-requisites during the first two semesters while working toward their degree.
3. What is the GPA/GRE requirement?
The minimum GPA requirement is 2.75. Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for admission with the presentation of a minimum combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The GRE is not required for applicants who meet the minimum GPA requirement.
4. Will I be required to undergo therapy as part of my coursework?
Students pursuing the concentration in Professional Counseling (MFT Program) are required to complete 24 hours of individual psychotherapy or 50 hours of group psychotherapy with a licensed psychotherapist. This therapy must be conducted outside the campus community and may not include therapists who have any teaching relationship with CBU. The Professional Ministry concentration does not include this requirement.
5. Does the MS in Counseling Psychology prepare me for MFT licensure?
Yes. The Professional Counseling (MFT) concentration of the MS in Counseling Psychology is designed for candidates seeking MFT licensure. The program’s curriculum meets the academic requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) licensing as mandated by the Board of Behavioral Science.
6. Does the Professional Ministry concentration prepare me for licensure?
No. The Professional Ministry program is intended for credentialed ministers who do not plan to seek professional licensing as an MFT but who want to meet the same level of education as professional counselors.
7. Do I have to be a professional clergy in order to pursue the Professional Ministry concentration?
Students in this concentration must hold current ministerial credentials, have at least two years counseling ministry experience, or have this program serve as the educational requirement for credentialing by their respective church or denomination.
9. How does the dual degree with the MS in Counseling Psychology and MA in Counseling Ministry work?
A special complementary masters program is available to students who wish to earn both the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry. This complementary masters program prepares students for professional licensing as an MFT and counseling in the church. The coursework of the MA is altered to address the overlap between the curriculums and requires a thesis. For more information on the MA in Counseling Ministry, click here.
10. How long is the program?
The program is 60 units. The time required to complete the program varies depending on course load. Students attending full-time may finish in two years. Part-time options are available allowing up to five years for degree completion.
11. Will I need to complete a thesis or a practicum (field work)?
Students working toward their MS in Counseling Psychology with the Professional Counseling concentration are required to complete 300 hundred practicum hours in a clinical setting under on-site supervision as well as the supervision of a CBU faculty member.
12. When do classes meet?
The MS in Counseling Psychology program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults. Classes are held weeknights at 4:00 PM and at 7:00 PM. Some Saturday classes are required.
13. Is this program APA accredited?
APA accredits doctoral programs only, and does not accredit master degree programs.