Purpose and Philosophy

The Master of Arts in Counseling program provides academic preparation for the professional practice of community counseling. Completion of the program meets educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. The community counseling track is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the community track with a pastoral counseling focus is approved as a training program by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).

The Master of Arts in Counseling program provides accredited training within the context of the Mennonite tradition of mutual caring and community building that emphasizes both individual growth and just social structures. The ideals of personal and community wholeness are values grounded in the ethical contexts embodied in this faith tradition. We welcome students and faculty from other traditions who enrich our community.

We believe that individual personal worth or value to God is not dependent on the level of social or spiritual development. People are valued and accepted by God unconditionally. Within this context of grace, the goal of counseling is to promote growth, Christian discipleship, and maturity in individuals, churches, and communities.

The Master of Arts in Counseling program is committed to creating an educational environment that values relationships in community. Our mutual support and shared learning creates a place of safety for the sacred work of counseling.

Students will become knowledgeable about and committed to the ethical standards of the counseling profession, the American Counseling Association, and other professional standards which govern the practice of counseling. These are minimal standards for practice and character. Students are mentored and encouraged in the process of internalizing ethical sensitivities and practices toward their professional counselor identity.

Admission Criteria

Faculty like associate professor Dr. Annmarie Early work closely with students in order to create an educational environment that values relationships in community.

The admissions selection process is designed to identify students who have potential for completing the counseling program. Students are admitted on the basis of many different expressions of their qualities and abilities: scholastic achievement, work experience, and factors relating to character, personality, and faith.

Applicants must be a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts of credit from all colleges and universities attended and three references, two of which must be academic. Potential candidates will be invited for an interview.

Expectations include an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00, references indicating clear support for graduate work, a clear and relevant essay, and the ability to present oneself clearly and effectively in the interview. Additional factors given consideration in the admission decision include undergraduate field of study, performance in previous graduate level study, related counseling work experience, and other evidence of success in academic and professional endeavors. The admissions committee may make exceptions to admission requirements in special cases.

Program enrollment is limited to the equivalent of 15 full-time students per class. Part-time students are encouraged to apply. Part-time status is defined as taking less than nine semester hours in a semester.

New students are admitted for the fall semester. The application deadline is March 1. Applications submitted after March 1 will be processed provided there are still positions available.

A complete application includes the following:

1. A completed Master of Arts in Counseling application form.
   
   
2. A non-refundable application fee of $25.00.
   
   
3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
   
   
4. Three letters of reference (at least two of which must be academic).
   
   
5. Statement of purpose: write a narrative (1-3 pages) that describes your
   a) academic/research interest and professional goals
   b) volunteer and professional experiences, and
   c) life experiences that have influenced your view of compassionate service and social justice.
   
   
6. A current résumé.
   
   In addition to the requirements above, international applicants should submit the following
   information:
   
7. Nationality and country of birth. International applicants currently residing in the United States must indicate status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
   
   
8. A completed International Student Sponsor Agreement form.
   
   For applicants whose native language is not English:
   
9. A 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (EMU’s institutional code is 5181. Applicants who have studied and received a degree from a college or university where all instruction is in English are not required to submit TOEFL scores).

Community Counseling Track

The Master of Arts in Counseling, Community Counseling track, is a 60 semester hour program. The curriculum meets educational requirements for professional licensure in accordance with the regulations of the Virginia Board of Behavioral Sciences. The curriculum includes study in the areas of professional identity, counseling theories, group counseling, counseling techniques, abnormal behavior, appraisal, career development, human growth and development, social and cultural functions, research, social and multicultural issues, ethics, spirituality and religion, addictions, marriage and family counseling, and supervised clinical work.

To graduate, the student will have met all course requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.75, will have obtained satisfactory internship references, met program assessment criteria for competency, and obtained the formal approval of the faculty for graduation.

Full-time students should be able to complete the program in two years (the equivalent of 5 semesters of full-time study). However, many find a three year plan of study helpful to integrative learning.

Pastoral Counseling Focus

The Master of Arts in Counseling, Community/Pastoral Counseling track, is a 60 semester hour program with course work in the Community Counseling track. The focus is on development of a pastoral counseling identity through membership in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, participation in program sponsored seminars and faculty mentorship and supervision.

Dual Degree: M.Div. and M.A. in Counseling

Dr. David Glanzer, professor of counseling, has been working with EMU students for more than 30 years.

A Dual Degree enables a student to earn both an M.Div. and a Master of Arts in Counseling in approximately one year less and at less cost than if the degrees were pursued separately.

Purpose/Rationale

The Dual Degree program enables a student to earn both an M.Div. through Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS) and a Master of Arts in Counseling. Graduates are enriched by the interdisciplinary character of theological/pastoral preparation in conversation with counseling disciplines; are prepared to work part-time as pastor and within another professional field in ways that enhance their economic stability and potential service to the church; are more thoroughly prepared for leadership in Christian institutions and organizations with expanded management skills and professional breadth; and are well prepared to bring a deeper spiritual and religious perspective to their work within community counseling agencies.

Academic and Administrative Matters

1. To participate in the Dual Degree Program, a student is admitted to both the Seminary’s M.Div. program and to the Master of Arts in Counseling program. Admission to one program does not in any way assure admission to the other program.
2. Students deal with the two programs separately for purposes of admission, tuition payment, financial aid, etc.
3. Academic standing in the respective programs is determined solely on the basis of work done in each program.
4. Each program is responsible for the integrity of its degree in terms of course requirements.
5. Students complete the requirements for both degrees, as specified below, in order to receive either degree in the program. If the requirements for the dual degree are not met, the requirements of each program taken separately apply.

The Seminary Associate Dean and the Master of Arts in Counseling director serve as contact persons and as advisors for students pursuing a dual degree. Eastern Mennonite Seminary would recommend that a year of seminary study come first in the sequence. The recommended design would be to take the first and final years at the Seminary.

Academic Requirements For a Dual Degree M.Div./Master of Arts in Counseling (total of 123 SH):

• Seminary M.Div. degree requires 93 SH, 75 SH core requirements and 18 SH electives.
• The Master of Arts in Counseling degree requires 57 SH which are non-negotiable and one approved 3 SH elective for a total of 60 SH.

In light of the Association of Theological Studies policy on “shared credit in degree programs,” the Seminary allows up to 30 hours to be reduced from the current M.Div. requirements for a dual M.Div./Master of Arts in Counseling degree. A student is free to take additional electives in either program. Each program currently specifies the core required courses for their respective degree programs.

M.Div: a total of 63 hours required (93 SH minus the 18 open electives and up to 12 SH from the M.Div. core). This should be doable in 2 years, including May and summers. Master of Arts in Counseling: a total of 60 SH required.

The Master of Arts in Counseling courses listed below are available for substitution for the seminary core courses (in italics) but some flexibility is allowed for negotiating substitution of another comparable course or two instead of those mentioned below in light of schedule constraints and/or individual needs.

• Professional Function, Identity and Ethics and Counseling Techniques (6 SH) can replace Formation in Personhood I & II (2 SH) and Pastoral Care (3 SH)
• Ethics in multiple classes can replace Christian Ethics (3 SH)
• Multicultural Counseling (3 SH) can replace Cross-Cultural Experience (3 SH)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer Term

Academic Probation

A student whose GPA falls below 2.75 during any given term will be placed on probation for the next term. If sufficient progress is not made to remove the probation, continuation in the program will be reviewed.

Academic Standards

The program maintains both qualitative and quantitative requirements. Daily classwork, assigned projects, research papers, tests, examinations and regular attendance form the basis of standing and credit.

Admission to Candidacy

After beginning graduate work, students apply for candidacy, a process of establishing professional goals and seeking direction for completing the program. “Admission to Candidacy” involves the successful completion of 30 hours (practicum included), a minimum of 2.75 GPA and faculty approval. The process is a prerequisite to beginning the internship.

A student who completes 30 hours of graduate work in counseling with a 2.75 GPA, but is not admitted to candidacy, is eligible to receive a Certificate in Counseling.

A student must complete the M.A. in Counseling degree within three years after admission to candidacy and within a total of six years.

Changes in Graduate School Policies and Programs

Because it is the nature of the graduate experience to obtain mastery of a chosen field, each graduate student should understand that published descriptions of degree requirements establish only minimum requirements. It is the prerogative of the counseling program to make changes in degree requirements at any time.

Classroom and Study Time

Course schedules are planned to have 15 hours of classroom interaction between the instructor and student for each credit hour. Approximately two and one-half hours of out-of-class study are expected for each hour in class.

Completion of Course Work

Each student is expected to complete all course work on time and to the satisfaction of the instructor. Incompletes will be allowed only in cases of emergency, when circumstances beyond the control of the student prevent completion of course requirements on time. An incomplete shall be requested at least one week before the end of the term and must be approved by the instructor and the director of the program. An incomplete must be removed within six weeks after the close of the term in which it was obtained. A grade will be assigned based on the work completed.

Course Syllabi

Instructors will prepare a syllabus for each course describing its purpose, requirements and other appropriate information such as bibliography and schedule. Students may request to see course syllabi when making course selections. Such requests should be made to the program office.

The university has established the following guidelines for instructors to use in setting course requirements:

• Research and Learning Projects. Daily assignments and/or a term project are assumed. However, the ratio of such work to reading and other requirements is arranged at the discretion of the instructor. Where term projects represent 50% beyond daily requirements, a guideline is 5-7 pages of double-spaced typed text per credit hour.
• Reading. Assigned reading is expected in all courses. Where reading assignments constitute 50% of the total course requirements, the guide is 500 pages per credit hour.

Courses Taken by EMU Students at Other Schools

A student should secure advance approval from the director of the counseling program before enrolling for work in other colleges, including correspondence or extension courses, where credit is to be transferred back to EMU for graduation. The program reserves the right to limit the amount of transfer credit which may be applied to degree requirements.

Field Work and Supervision

The program requires students to complete a supervised practicum and internship. Supervision takes three forms, combining the advantages of three different learning situations: weekly individual supervision, weekly group supervision (5-6 persons) and case work. A learning atmosphere of trust and safety, wherein threat is kept to a minimum, is created. Affirmation of the student counselors’ gifts and inner resources is a model for the formative and evaluative components of supervision.

Course Load

To complete the entire degree in two academic years requires 30 SH each year. This is a full-time load, and the strong expectation is that students carrying this load will undertake very little or no additional employment.

Outcomes Assessment

The program reserves the right to require students to participate in institutional testing programs as part of ongoing assessment of student outcomes.

Student Classification

Level 1 students have earned from zero through 30 credits toward their degree. Students who have earned 31 credits toward graduation are classified as Level 2 students. These levels apply to both full-time and part-time students. Graduate special students are those who enroll in one or more courses toward the degree but who have not been formally admitted.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits may be considered for inclusion in the program of study upon the approval of the director of the program. A grade of “B” or better must be earned in courses requested for transfer credit. Courses considered for transfer credit must be applicable toward a comparable degree at the institution offering the course. Application for consideration of transfer credit taken more than five years before the date at which the student is admitted must be accompanied by substantial documentation of prior work and evidence of continued and current competence. Transfer credit taken more than ten years before the date at which the student is admitted may not be used to satisfy degree requirements. No practicum or internship credits are eligible for transfer credit. Decisions with respect to number of transfer hours accepted will be handled by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis, but normally a maximum of 12 hours of credit obtained from an accredited college or university may be applied to the degree.

Tuition Refund Policy

Students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed or otherwise cease enrollment prior to the tenth week of the semester or the tenth day of a mini-term equivalent shall receive a refund equal to the percentage of the term remaining (rounded down to the nearest 10%) and multiplied times the refundable university charges for tuition and room and board.

Aid recipients who change their course registration after the beginning of each semester must notify the financial assistance office. Enrollment status is very important to aid eligibility. Students who withdraw must also notify the financial assistance office. Financial aid refunds due to withdrawal are calculated using the percentage of term not completed as mandated by federal aid regulations. More information about aid adjustments and refunds related to changes in enrollment status may be obtained from the Financial Assistance Office.

Students who withdraw prior to the first day of classes shall receive a full refund of all payments except tuition deposits.

In certain cases there is value in advising students to register for a course in order to permit them to test their interest or to evaluate overall course load for the semester. To make this possible without financial loss to the student, a course may be dropped with full tuition refund during the designated time for adding new courses, with the recommendation of the academic advisor and approval of the respective graduate program director.

Community Counseling Curriculum Design

60 semester hours
The following curriculum design lists the courses, including requirements and typical electives in the sequence a full-time student would typically take them.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester
COUN 507     Professional Identity, Function & Ethics (3 hrs.)
COUN 508     Counseling Techniques (3 hrs.)
COUN 527     Psychopathology I (3 hrs.)
COUN 547     Counseling Theories (3 hrs.)

Spring Semester
COUN 528     Practicum (3 hrs.)
COUN 567     Group Counseling (3 hrs.)
COUN 587     Crisis Intervention & Trauma Healing (3 hrs.)
COUN 518     Integrated Counseling Process: Skills, Techniques, & Intervention (3 hrs.)
COUN 628     Psychopathology II (2 hrs.)

Summer Term
COUN 607     Multicultural Counseling (3 hrs.)
COUN 637     Career Development (3 hrs.)

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester
COUN 517     Human Growth and Development (3 hrs.)
COUN 537     Counseling Research & Program Evaluation (2 hrs.)
COUN 617     Child and Adolescent Counseling (3 hrs.)
COUN 627     Marriage & Family Counseling (3 hrs.)
COUN 688     Internship (3 hrs.)

Spring Semester
COUN 537     Counseling Research & Program Evaluation (2 hrs.)
COUN 557     Assessment & Evaluation Procedures (3 hrs.)
COUN 618     Professional Seminar (3 hrs.)
COUN 688     Internship (3 hrs.)
COUN 697     Addictions Counseling (3 hrs.)

ELECTIVES:
PAX 533       Analysis: Understanding Conflict (3 hrs.)
COUN 542     Psychology of Religious Experience (3 hrs.)
COUN 677     Independent Studies Arr.

COUN 507 Professional Identity, Function & Ethics 3

A process of self examination and professional development of one’s gifts and skills, ethical base, philosophical perspective and the integration of one’s faith with the role of counselor. A beginning study of the ACA code of ethics, professional identity, counselor role and the counseling process. A beginning experience of supervision and skill development.

COUN 508 Counseling Techniques 3

An intensive practical experience in counseling techniques designed to prepare the student to enter the field placement/practicum phase of the degree program. Audio, video, personal supervision, and feedback are used to help the student attain competency in the application of theory in the counseling interview and the counseling relationship. Students are involved in a supervised practicum assignment in which they enter a counseling relationship with another person. Prerequisite: COUN 507; co-requisite COUN 528.

COUN 517 Human Growth and Developmental 3

A study of life span learning and personality development with application to counseling. Both individual and family development are studied. Covers topics related to the physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of growth. Change processes, stresses accompanying change, and strategies for facilitating development will be explored. Implications of multicultural and pluralistic trends are examined.

COUN 518 Integrated Counseling Process: Skills, Techniques, & Intervention 3

This course provides an opportunity to apply counseling techniques in working with clients. Class sessions and readings will explore various ways to implement counseling techniques and utilize apropriate client interventions in clinical work. Theoretical models will provide a context from which to apply each counseling technique. Students will engage in experiential exercises, techniques based role-plays and skill enhancement group praxis. Students are encouraged to take risks and develop their personal style in applying experiential methods in treatment.

COUN 527 Psychopathology I: 3

An in-depth examination of primary mental/behavioral disorders, including considerations of their origin, treatment, and prevention. Includes an introduction to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the primary guide to diagnosis used by mental health professionals, and its use in the diagnostic process.

COUN 528 Practicum 3

An intensively supervised practical experience in a setting consistent with the student’s area of interest/specialization. The student assumes the professional role and responsibilities of a counselor under supervision by an approved professional. Minimum of 100 counseling hours. Prerequisite: COUN 507; co-requisite COUN 508.

COUN 537 Counseling Research and Program Evaluation 4

A review of the research methods used in counseling. Included are experiences in searching research literature databases, understanding basic statistics and using statistical software, planning research, and communicating research findings. The application of research strategies to program evaluation is emphasized.

COUN 542 Psychology of Religious Experience 3

A focus on the dialogue between psychology and theology as it relates to religious experience. Various religious realities such as childhood religious experience, conversion, mysticism, adult religious experience and prayer are addressed. The academic discipline of the psychology of religion is explored for relevant insights. There is also an examination of various developmental theories with respect to their application to religious experience. Students focus on a particular topic or issue for in-depth exploration.

COUN 547 Counseling Theories 3

An examination of the various contemporary theories and techniques of counseling. These approaches are examined critically from a faith perspective. Opportunity also is given to develop a personal counseling theoretical statement with incorporation of ethics and professional identity. Co-requisite: COUN 507.

COUN 557 Assessment and Evaluation Procedures 3

Students achieve basic understanding of assessment and evaluation procedures. Special emphasis is given to counseling decision making and treatment planning. Theoretical and applied material will be integrated so as to provide the student with an understanding of the context of assessment and evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on equipping students to understand technical terms in professional journals, test manuals, and test reports.

COUN 567 Group Counseling 3

This course will focus on the theories, dynamics, process, and practice of group counseling. Leadership styles and approaches, and a variety of types of groupwork, are studied. Experiential learning is emphasized. Prerequisite: COUN 507.

COUN 587 Crisis Intervention and Trauma Healing 3

Students gain education and limited experience in effectively dealing with clients in crisis. Specific attention will be given to assessment, identification, treatment methods, and available resources for clients in crisis. Theoretical and applied information is presented. Student’s personal response to crisis is also explored.

COUN 607 Multicultural Counseling 3

Explores theories and techniques useful to multicultural counseling. Identifies new approaches to diversity incorporating cultural dynamics of the individual and groups. The course will include self-exploration, identification of skills and study of models which expand attention to cross-cultural issues of congregations and community.

COUN 617 Child & Adolescent Counseling 3

A study of the dynamics shaping the development and behavior of children, adolescents, and families. Emphasis is on diagnosis with a framework for systematic observation and interview techniques.

COUN 618 Professional Seminar 3

This seminar course is offered in the last semester of student training in conjunction with internship. It provides an opportunity to integrate academic and applied learning in a consulatation conversation with peers and all full-time faculty. Various counseling topics will be addressed emphasizing counselor identity, professionalism and ethics. This unique context provides a bridge between academic training and professional life.

COUN 627 Marriage and Family Counseling 3

An introduction to family systems counseling as a means of providing counseling to couples and families. A variety of family systems theories and techniques are explored from a faith perspective. Students develop a genogram covering their own family experience. Various issues such as sexuality, gender, abuse, divorce, culture and ethnicity, and blended family experience will be discussed. Practical experience is a requirement for the course and ethical issues are integrated in the study.

COUN 628 Psychopathology II 2, 3

A continuation of Psychopathology I with emphasis on disorders less frequently encountered in the general practice of professional counseling. Includes an in-depth study of Axis II (Personality) Disorder and development of the integration of case-report writing, case-conceptualization, treatment planning, and intervention skills integrated with generation of clinical diagnosis.

COUN 637 Career Development 3

Students will recognize the importance and uniqueness of career counseling. Emphasis is given to developmental consideration and the role of testing. Career development counseling considers the issues of personal faith and values, Christian calling, and ethics.

COUN 677 Independent Studies Arr.

This refers to studies of specific issues or areas not covered by any of the standard offerings. These studies may be requested by the student or suggested by an instructor. Approval by the instructor and the director is required. Methodology may involve assigned readings, written reports or any other methods the supervising instructor chooses. A student should have credit for three courses, and must qualify academically for independent study in the judgment of the director before approval is granted. A limited number of hours in independent study will be applied toward a degree.

COUN 688 Internship 3

The internship experience is designed to give advanced students in counseling the opportunity to put into practice the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout their counseling program. The student may select from a variety of supervised field experiences in mental health related settings. Minimum of 600 counseling hours. Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy.

COUN 697 Addictions Counseling 3

This includes related personal, social, emotional and physiological factors in addictions. Various aspects and difficulties in the diagnosis of addiction will be studied. Treatment methods will be studied and ethical principles unique to this work will be covered.

PAX 533 Analysis: Understanding Conflict 3

This course will provide a broad introduction to the field of conflict transformation. We will be reviewing skills and concepts for responding to conflict in a variety of settings. Through readings, lecture, class discussion, and papers the course will develop awareness of individual styles of responding to conflict and increase personal skills for responding effectively to others in situations of interpersonal conflict. The student will become familiar with the basic literature available in the field and the particular understanding of conflict transformation found at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). In today’s world the skills developed are instrumental for peacebuilding venues of many types.