Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) Program
Program
Objectives
Western Seminary offers the Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy program (requiring 72 hours) through the San Jose and Sacramento branch campuses. The marriage and family therapy program (MA-MFT) may be augmented by two dual-track degree options, an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy/M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling program (requiring 118 hours), and the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy/M.A. in Exegetical Theology (requiring 110 hours). (Note: The dual track degree programs require a minimum of 30 hours of course work at the San Jose campus.) In addition to the seminary’s general educational goals, the MA-MFT program endeavors to achieve the following:
- Equip marriage and family therapists and pastoral counselors for ministry in and through the Church;
- Integrate biblical and theological foundations with the insights of psychology and practical therapy/counseling strategies;
- Promote growth in Christian maturity demonstrated through effective interpersonal relationships; and
- Prepare individuals who are seeking state licensure as professional marriage and family therapists.
Program
Description
Western Seminary offers the Marital and Family Therapy program thoroughly grounded in a biblical worldview. Based on the Seminary’s Christ-centered approach, theological reflection and spirituality are viewed as significant components in the therapeutic process. In particular, the Seminary underscores the necessity for a healthy sense of self and wholeness
in Christ as vital for those desiring to counsel others in the ministry of family therapy. In the midst of their academic training, students participate in small group processing intended to foster personal exploration of their own areas of need requiring spiritual and emotional healing. The Marital and Family Therapy program combines theoretical constructs with practical
application both within the personal lives of students as well as in their future professional work as marriage and family therapists.
Three major areas of rigorous academic study are blended in the MA-MFT program: biblical, theological, and family therapy/counseling studies. In addition,
course work in character development (combining traditional classroom and small-group processes) facilitates spiritual and emotional growth.
Program
Vocational Purposes
The MA-MFT program intends to prepare Christian marital and family
therapists with the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to practice therapy in non-profit organizations or mental health clinical settings, residential and outpatient treatment programs, and counseling centers. For individuals not desiring to enter vocational marriage and family therapy, the MA-MFT program prepares individuals for church staff positions and for parachurch ministries.
The MA-MFT/MDiv in Pastoral Counseling (MDiv) dual degree track expands one’s preparation in the biblical and theological areas while adding a substantial ministerial emphasis. This track is designed to prepare individuals for such ministries as the pastorate, chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, family ministries, pastoral care and visitation, discipleship, and small group ministries.
The MA-MFT/MA in Exegetical Theology (MAET) dual degree track provides scholarly discipline and training for thorough theological/psychological research and integration as well as an academic base suitable for biblical or theological doctoral studies.
The MA-MFT program meets the educational requirements for licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Science. Both dual-track programs prepare individuals for membership in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Program
Structure
Courses are held at convenient times for working adults. The MA-MFT program is designed to be completed within three years. Courses have been strategically sequenced to maximize academic achievement, personal growth, and the integration of psychology and theology.
Admission
Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary given on pages 18-19, applicants to the marriage and family therapy program (MA-MFT) must have earned an accredited baccalaureate degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including a breadth of liberal arts. Applicants who do not meet the general academic requirements may petition the Admissions Committee for consideration.
Entering MA-MFT students are expected to bring a foundational knowledge of psychology. Proficiency in this foundational knowledge will be confirmed through a placement exam required of all incoming MA-MFT students who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology. If deficiencies are indicated, remedial work will be required. Students may satisfy these deficiencies by completing an approved course at a higher education institution or by self-study and retaking the placement exam. Students who do not satisfy proficiency requirements may be prevented from registration for CNS courses until the deficiencies are remedied.
Applications must give evidence of a vital spiritual life, personal character, interpersonal relationships, goals, motivation, and potential for future counseling ministry as fitting the program. These will include growing and nurturing relationships with people, commitment to a biblical/theological orientation to the therapeutic process, and vocational aspirations involving the care and nurture of others.
- Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy Degree Requirements
- Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy / M.Div. Dual Degree Program
- Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy / M.A.E.T. Dual Degree Program
- Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy / Addiction Studies Program
