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The Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries (MA in CM)

MA in CM Purpose

The Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries (MA in CM) is designed to develop the counseling skills of those who desire to work as lay counselors in churches, in parachurch organizations, or in an international setting where formal certification is not required.

The variety of counseling training available at Trinity requires careful assessment prior to beginning a program of study. In addition to the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries, students will also want to consider the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. The admissions staff can provide detailed information on the programs to help students select the one most appropriate for their career path.

MA in CM Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

The admission requirements for the MA in CM are those described in the Admissions section of the catalog and those specified below:

• An undergraduate major that prepares the participant for the MA in CM program.
• An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required.

MA in CM Candidacy Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts programs must be followed by achievement of candidacy for the degree. Program candidacy occurs when

• A minimum of 12 hours in the program is completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5 after admission to the program.
• All entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed.
• After a review of student files for continued progress toward meeting graduation requirements, formal action is taken by the faculty to grant candidacy for the degree.
• MA in CM candidates are required to participate in group counseling while in residence.

MA in CM Statute of Limitation

All requirements in the Master of Arts programs must be completed within five years of matriculation into the program. Petition to extend the statute of limitation may be made by a student to the Academic Exceptions Committee.

MA in CM Graduation Requirements

In addition to the General Graduation Requirements for all master’s programs, the following are required for the MA in CM:

1. Completion of all course work in the program, including required Field Education, with a minimum cumulative grade point average for program course work of 2.5, with no course work graded below a “C-” applicable to the degree. A maximum of 20 percent of course work may be completed in an independent study format (Reading, Guided Research, and Distance Education courses).
2. Successfully write the major comprehensive exam.
3. Completion of the Biblical and Theological Studies course sequences below meet the general comprehensive requirements in Old Testament, New Testament, and Systematic Theology.
4. A minimum of 42 hours of course work, at least 25 hours in counseling.
5. Complete a Master of Arts capstone project for the MA in CM which is to present an acceptable project (CO 7501) or complete a counseling practicum approved by the department.

MA in CM Concentration Curriculum

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog