The Masters in Counseling

ETF announces the launching of its new Masters programme in Counselling to begin Autumn 2011.

This unique programme integrates insights gained from the field of counselling, as well as related areas, with a Christian worldview. This perspective encourages a holistic view of the individual, and the individual within community. Lectures and practice will move the student from theory to skill development. All practices will take place under qualified supervision. The knowledge and skills developed will prepare graduates to serve along with other professionals in the field.

Most of the first year will consist of the core curriculum: Assessment skills; Cross- cultural counselling; Legal and ethical issues; Treatment and intervention theories; Psychopathology; Foundations of Christian Spirituality and Psychotherapy (Integration); and Professional Development.

Upon completion of the core curriculum, students choose from the four specializations offered: Marriage and family; Children and adolescents; Addictions; and Counselling in the church context. In the specialized courses the student develops skills and integrates theory with practice.

For the final segment of the programme students will write a thesis of 90 to 100 pages on a subject specific to the field and the specialisation chosen. Besides the above, students can opt for as many available speciality electives as they wish, taking into account that in order to graduate they must complete a minimum of 120 ECTS.

Applicants are expected to have:

• an undergraduate degree in a relevant field
• a total of 2000 hours of paid or volunteer experience in working with people. This may include Sunday school activity, day centres for after school / rehab volunteer activity, summer camps, workshops, support group involvement, etc.
• depending on previous education and experience, an applicant may be required to complete some prerequisites before entering the programme. These would include, for example, courses in psychology, sociology, human development, personality development, marriage and family, gender, Christian worldview, biblical ethics, etc., and may take up to a year to complete.
• a TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent, since coursework and literature are in English.

Note: People already working professionally in the field may not need a full degree programme, but they may augment their skills and knowledge by enrolling for individual courses.