Graduate Certificate Programs

The College of Biblical Studies and the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders. Ministers, associate ministers, youth ministers, family life ministers and/or elders who have interest or duties in counseling are encouraged to enroll in this certificate program. The interdisciplinary design of the certificate is reflected in a combination of graduate Bible and counseling courses. Students will gain an understanding of basic counseling skills, using scripture in counseling and specific areas of counseling that church leaders are often called upon to perform. The certificate program will give students an opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills whether for members inside the congregation or as an outreach for those in need. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders will be better prepared to meet individual and family needs of those seeking help and support within a church context. This certificate can be taken for audit or graduate credit.

Those students completing a Graduate Certificate (for credit) will be presented an official certificate when the program of study is completed.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELING FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Required Courses

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling will be offered by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field) can pursue this certificate to further strengthen and enhance their counseling skills. Master’s level counselors frequently desire to take coursework to meet continuing education requirements, to gain training in specific areas, and/or to meet professional credentialing requirements. The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling will enable them to also receive a recognized graduate certificate while pursuing these other areas of interest.

Admissions Requirements

1. Prerequisites: The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.

2. Personal essay specifying goals and how the FHU program will help meet those goals (300- 500 words).

3. Freedom from Conviction of Crimes Form.

4. Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED COUNSELING          12 HOUR

Certificate students must maintain a minimum of 3.00 GPA in FHU coursework needed for the certificate. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements. Courses must be completed within a six-year period.

Complete 12 or more hours from the following courses:

COU 525 Marriage and Family Counseling (3)

COU 550 Career Counseling (3)

COU 555 Theories of Personality (3)

COU 565 Addictions Counseling (3)

COU 570 Crisis Counseling (3)

COU 575 Agency Counseling (3)

COU 585 Psychopharmacology for Counselors (3)

COU 590 Counseling and the Law (3)

COU 599A Counseling Children and Adolescents (3)

COU 599B Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (3)

COU 599D Premarital Counseling (3)

COU 599E Grief Counseling (3)

COU 599F Counseling for Church Leaders (3)

COU 605 Internship I (6) COU 610 Internship II (6)

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING      12 HOURS

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling will be offered by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field), but who lack coursework necessary to become licensed as a professional counselor, can pursue this certificate to assist them in meeting the requirements for licensure within their respective state. The Certificate Program will give students the opportunity to strengthen and refine their skills and to obtain foundational knowledge within core counseling areas as required for state licensure.

Admissions Requirements

1. Prerequisites: The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 3.00 GPA.

2. Personal essay specifying goals and how the FHU program will help meet those goals (300- 500 words).

3. Freedom from Conviction of Crimes Form.

4. Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

Certificate students must maintain a minimum of 3.00 GPA in FHU coursework needed for the certificate. A course grade below “C” is not applicable toward meeting certificate requirements. Courses must be completed within a six-year period.

At least four (4) sections must be met to obtain the certificate:

A. Theories of Human Behavior, Learning, and Personality: COU 505 Life-Cycle Development OR 3 COU 555 Theories of Personality (3)

B. Abnormal Behavior and Psychopathology: COU 514 Psychopathology I (3)

C. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: COU 510 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)

D. Evaluation and Appraisal Procedures: COU 520 Assessment I (3)

E. Group Dynamics, Theories, and Techniques: COU 530 Group Counseling (3)

F. Counseling Techniques: COU 501 Clinical Intervention I (3)

G. Multicultural Counseling: COU 560 Counseling Diverse Populations (3)

H. Ethics: COU 535 Ethical Issues in Counseling (3)

I. Research: COU 540 Research Methods in Counseling (3)

J. Use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: COU 515 Psychopathology II (3)

K. Treatment and Treatment Planning: COU 599B Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (3)