Section 8: School of Human Services
This section includes important information on the programs, courses, and degrees offered through the Amridge University School of Human Services. Exceptions may be noted in the respective sections for specific programs and services specified elsewhere in this publication, noted in later editions of this publication, and/or published addenda (paper- and web-based). Also, as each degree may have its own unique admission, graduation, and related requirements, these requirements are listed with each degree. Even though the individual listing of these degree requirements may appear to be, and in some cases may be, repetitious of other degrees, the University has chosen to list all of the admissions, graduation, and other requirements under each degree for accuracy purposes [Version 1.3, Effective 9.23.2008].
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF HUMAN SERVICES
The School of Human Services at Amridge University is committed to providing excellent training in the fields of Marriage and Family
Therapy and Professional Counseling. In today’s world, it is imperative to
equip men and women to address the mental health and relational needs of
individuals, couples, families, and even communities.
Graduates of our Masters and Doctoral Programs in the School of Human Services are equipped to be leaders. Not only are they taught the relevant theories and techniques for doing counseling, they are also taught skills that will help them to become leaders in their field. Through our innovative delivery methods, our outstanding faculty, and our emphasis upon students being taught (and learning) relevant material in their field, students are given opportunities to prepare to meet the mental health, relational and human service needs in the 21st century.
We invite you to explore our Masters Programs, DMin Programs, and Ph.D. Programs in either Marriage and Family Therapy or Professional Counseling. We think that you will discover both a curriculum and faculty that will help you achieve your goals and dreams of either becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist or Professional Counselor through our Masters Programs, or building upon your experience in the field through completing one of our doctoral programs.
Dale E. Bertram, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Human Services
PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL OF HUMAN SERVICES
In keeping with the Christian heritage of Amridge University, the purpose of the School of Human Services is to prepare students for careers and professions that are dedicated to providing support and services for the well-being of individuals, family, the church, and society in the spirit of Christian services. This purpose will be accomplished by providing students with an interdisciplinary learning and serving experience with core courses and focused knowledge and skills in a major which may include, but will not be limited to family therapy and human communications.
Additionally, the University provides a program of continuing education, through the Amridge University School of Continuing Education, for those who are not pursuing degrees.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS OF THE SCHOOL OF HUMAN SERVICES
1. Each student will acquire a basic core of knowledge of psychology, family therapy, counseling, related disciplines, and practical methods as a foundation for a productive professional life.
2. Each student will develop intellectual capacities for critical thinking and problem solving, for analyzing and utilizing information, and for reasoning ethically and morally in decision making.
3. Each student will develop skills for scientific research, human relations, leadership, and oral and written communication appropriate to that student’s profession.
4. Through gaining essential knowledge, developing proper attitudes, and acquiring important skills, each student will be prepared for more advanced studies, for employment in a chosen profession, and/or for life-long learning.
5. Through developing proper attitudes and values and through acquiring skills in communication and human relations, each student will be prepared to function responsibly and effectively in the familial, social, and civic arenas of life.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SCHOOL OF HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS OF STUDY
The Amridge University School of Human Services offers programs of study at the master’s and doctoral levels. The specific programs of study include the following:
Master of Science: Pastoral Counseling
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Pastoral Counseling is a professional-level degree program. Experiences provide the foundation for psychology theory, scientific research, and clinical practice. In this context, students learn the different approaches and clinical techniques required for today's practitioners offering therapeutic services to individuals and groups. Also, an optional goal of this program is to help prepare students to be a Member Associate of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). Students graduating from the Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling degree program will be prepared to do counseling through their ministry. This program also prepares students to move to advanced studies in related fields. Students planning to pursue further graduate study beyond the M.S. in Pastoral Counseling should maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling Program, the graduate will have:
1. Learned foundations of psychological theory used in Pastoral Counseling;
2. Learned clinical techniques required for practitioners in Pastoral Counseling;
3. Been prepared to move to a higher level of studies in counseling;
4. Been prepared to be a member associate of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC); and
5. Learned to do counseling in the Christian community.
These outcomes are assessed in the Program Exit Examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the exit exam administered in the following capstone course:
FT 7372 – MFT Clinical Training II
Master of Science: Ministerial Leadership
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Ministerial Leadership is a professional-level degree designed to prepare students for work in Christian ministry with a practitioner's approach to Biblical studies. Likewise, this program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies and degree programs such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Ministerial Leadership followed by the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.).
The M.S. in Ministerial Leadership is offered through the School of Human Services. The School of Human Services seeks to prepare students for the ministerial and teaching professions and for effective voluntary Christian service through both academic and practical studies at the graduate level. Graduates of the School of Human Services are prepared to be effective Christian leaders, ministers, church leaders, teachers, and scholars who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity.
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Ministerial Leadership Program, the graduate will have:
1. Learned the skills necessary to work in Christian ministry;
2. Learned biblical principles necessary to practice ministry;
3. Been prepared to move to the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Ministerial Leadership which could lead to the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.); and
4. Been prepared to teach undergraduate courses on the college level in Ministerial Leadership.
These outcomes are assessed in the following courses. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the exit exam administered in the following capstone course:
LD 6385 – Ministerial Leadership
Master of Arts: Marriage and Family Therapy
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy is a professional-level degree program. Experiences provide the foundation for psychology theory, scientific research, and clinical practice. In this context, students learn the different approaches and clinical techniques required for today's practitioners offering therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families. Also, a major goal of this program is to help prepare students for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy in their resident state. Students graduating from the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree program will be prepared to do therapy in a church setting, private practice, governmental agency, and community agency. This program also prepares students for advanced studies in related fields.
Students may also consider taking additional courses for a dual certification in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Counseling. Students interested in a dual certification should consult with the Dean of the School of Human Services.
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Program, the graduate will have:
1. Developed knowledge and skills in therapy which can be applied in church settings or other professional settings;
2. Been prepared for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy;
3. Learned to practice Marriage and Family Therapy through comprehensive Clinical Training;
4. Learned to conduct himself or herself according to the Code of Ethics of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT);
5. Become more sensitive to cultural diversity needs of clients; and
6. Been prepared to advance to the Ph.D. in Family Therapy.
These outcomes are assessed in the Program Exit Examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the exit exam administered in the following capstone course:
FT 7372 – MFT Clinical Training II
Master of Arts: Professional Counseling
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Counseling is a degree program for persons who wish to become professional counselors. Experiences provide the foundation in counseling theory, scientific research, and clinical practice. In this context, students learn the different approaches and clinical techniques required for today's practitioners offering therapeutic services to individuals and groups. Also, a major goal of this program is to help prepare students for licensure in Professional Counseling in their resident state. Students who graduate from the M.A. in Professional Counseling Degree program will be prepared to do therapy in a church setting, private practice, governmental agency, and community agency. This program also prepares students for advanced studies in related fields.
Students may also consider taking additional courses for a dual certification in Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Students interested in a dual certification should consult with the Dean of the School of Human Services.
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling Program, the graduate will have:
1. Developed knowledge and skills in counseling which can be applied in church settings or other professional settings;
2. Been prepared for licensure as a Professional Counselor;
3. Been trained to practice counseling through a comprehensive clinical training program;
4. Been encouraged to conduct himself or herself according to the Code of Ethics of American Counseling Association (ACA);
5. Been abreast of the laws that govern Professional Counselors;
6. Gained knowledge and learned methods to practice the major theories used by Professional Counselors;
7. Been more sensitive to cultural diversity needs in her or his clients; and
8. Been prepared to advance to the Ph.D. in Family Therapy.
These outcomes are assessed in the Program Exit Examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the exit exam administered in the following capstone course:
PT 7372 – PC Clinical Training II
Master of Divinity: Marriage and Family Therapy
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Marriage and Family Therapy is a professional-level degree program for individuals planning to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry. A major element of this program provides students with extensive studies in the biblical text and thorough preparation in theology and various areas of practical ministry. Another major element provides students with a foundation for marriage and family therapy theory, scientific research, and clinical practice. Finally, this program also helps prepare students for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy in their resident state. Licensed MFTs will be able to do therapy with families, couples, and individuals in their ministry.
This program is the prerequisite for admission into the Doctor of Ministry Degree program.
Upon completion of the Master of Divinity in Marriage and Family Therapy Program, the graduate will have:
1. Developed knowledge and skills in therapy which can be applied in church settings or other professional settings;
2. Learned a higher professional level application of Marriage and Family Therapy;
3. Become prepared to work within the Christian community setting as a Family Minister;
4. Been prepared by taking extra courses necessary for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy; and
5. Been prepared to advance to the Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy or to the Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy.
These outcomes are assessed through a comprehensive examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade (i.e., Qualifying or Qualifying with Distinction) for the comprehensive examination given for this degree.
Master of Divinity: Professional Counseling
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Professional Counseling is a professional-level degree program for individuals planning to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry. A major element of this program provides students with extensive studies in the biblical text and thorough preparation in theology and various areas of practical ministry. Another major element provides students with a foundation for counseling theory, scientific research, and clinical practice. In this context, students learn the different approaches and clinical techniques required for today's practitioners offering therapeutic services to individuals and groups. Also, a major goal of this program is to help prepare students for licensure in Professional Counseling in their resident state. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) will be able to provide counseling to individuals and groups through their ministry.
Upon completion of the Master of Divinity in Professional Counseling program, the graduate will have:
1. Developed knowledge and skills in counseling which can be applied in church settings or other professional settings;
2. Learned a higher professional level application of Professional Counseling;
3. Become prepared to work within the Christian community setting as a Counselor;
4. Been prepared by taking extra courses necessary for licensure in Professional Counseling; and
5. Been prepared to advance to the Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy or the Doctor of Philosophy in Professional Counseling.
These outcomes are assessed through a comprehensive examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade (i.e., Qualifying or Qualifying with Distinction) for the comprehensive examination given for this degree.
Master of Divinity: Pastoral