Master of Arts in Counseling (M.A.) Program
Program
Objectives
Western Seminary offers three counseling degree tracks through the Portland
campus: the Master of Arts in Counseling; the dual degree track of M.A. in Counseling and M.A. in Intercultural Studies; and the dual degree track of M.A. in Counseling and the M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling. In addition
to the Seminary’s general educational goals, the counseling programs endeavor to achieve the following:
1. Equip counselors for ministry in and through the church.
2. Integrate biblical and theological foundations with the insights of psychology and practical counseling strategies.
3. Promote growth in Christian maturity demonstrated through effective interpersonal relationships.
4. Prepare individuals who are seeking state licensure.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling is intended to prepare Christian counselors with the knowledge, skills, and insight needed to practice counseling in the church, non-profit organizations, clinical or school settings. Graduates of the M.A. program are educationally prepared for such vocations as church staff positions in pastoral counseling, related positions in parachurch organizations, family services, mental health clinics, residential and outpatient treatment programs, counseling centers, and public and private school counseling settings.
Western’s counseling program asserts an integrative approach which seeks to understand and explain emotional, relational, behavioral, and spiritual problems that people face in life from a thoroughly biblical world view. The counseling program places an emphasis on theological reflection and spirituality as they relate to the therapeutic process. The program also places an emphasis on marriage and family issues.
Four major areas of study are blended in the M.A. program: biblical, theological, counseling, and spiritual formation. The program combines three components. First is a quality classroom experience. A wide variety of teaching methods are utilized to assist individuals with differing learning styles. The second component is the application of the classroom education in a practical setting—the student’s internship site. Western emphasizes learning by doing. Each student spends five semesters in internship positions actually doing what they are learning. The third component is the personal examination and reflection that takes place in small group case conferences and mentoring with faculty. In these settings the student is challenged to reflect upon the practical application of theory and what meaning it has for them not only professionally, but also personally.
The M.A. in Counseling program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.
Additionally, graduates of the counseling program may choose to pursue certification as a Child Developmental Specialist in preparation for a career in School Counseling. (For additional information on licensing and/or certification requirements, consult with the Counseling Department, the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, or your local school district office.)
M.A.
in Counseling Core Outcomes
In addition to the Seminary’s general educational goals, the M.A.
in Counseling program attempts to achieve specific outcomes. For each
student, these outcomes are:
- Be a person whose godliness is worthy of being emulated by others, and whose integrity imparts credibility to his/her ministry.
- Be a person who experiences interdependency with others so that the interests of the whole group are best served.
- Know significant themes and developments within biblical history to understand the “bigger picture” of God’s redemptive program.
- Know how to utilize the fundamental principles of hermeneutics to interpret and apply biblical texts accurately
- Know the tenets of historic orthodoxy.
- Know at an introductory level assessment measures available to mental health practitioners.
- Know his/her personal strengths, weaknesses, and other elements of individuality that can help or hinder ministry effectiveness.
- Know the major theories of counseling and personality
development. - Know how to effectively integrate his/her understanding of theology, spirituality and human behavior.
- Know how to recognize and competently handle intercultural issues in counseling.
- Know how to think critically so that various truth claims can be effectively evaluated.
- Know how to build an effective therapeutic relationship.
- Know how to accurately diagnose the major mental disorders and know how to establish and implement an effective treatment plan
for each. - Know how to identify and confront ethical dilemmas.
- Know how to articulate a theology of marriage and apply theological and psychological principles in working with couples.
- Know how to build upon his/her seminary training to be a true life-long learner.
