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Required Bible and Theology Curriculum (select 6 credits)

Theology I: God and Humanity

TH 723 3 Credits

Examines the foundations of Christian theology, revelation, and Holy Scripture, the nature and work of God, and the nature of humanity and its need.

This is required. In addition, another Theology (TH), Old Testament (OT), or New Testament (NT) course must be taken. Languages and/or exegesis are excluded.

Required Cross-Cultural Counseling Curriculum (3 credits)

Counseling for the Urban Context

GCN 690 3 Credits

Overview of counseling principles and methods for the cross-cultural urban context.

Required Counseling Curriculum (42 credits)

Psychology and Theology

GCN 613 3 credits

An examination of relationships between psychology and theology, and an evaluation of underlying assumptions and purposes. Integrative approaches to various significant issues are explored with the aim of clarifying understanding of human beings. Prerequisites: 9 credits of Bible, GCN 740, GCN 741, GCN 732, GCN 745. ATS students must have 12 credits of Counseling courses including CN 610. To be taken the semester of graduation.

Measurement and Assessment

GCN 645 3 credits

A survey of basic concepts and tests used in diagnosis and treatment of individual, marriage, and family problems with selective training in the use of several major instruments. Prerequisite: GCN 825, GCN 826 and must view ?The Standard Deviants: Statistics, Parts 1,2, 3? prior to the start of the semester in which the class is taken. Testing fee of $150.

Ethics and Professional Issues

GCN 715 3 credits

An overview of the legal, ethical, and professional issues currently facing counselors. Particular attention is given to matters involving confidentiality, informed consent, conflicts of interest, counselor values, transference and countertransference issues, advertising, and potential church/state conflicts. Prerequisites: GCN 740, GCN 741. Must be taken with GCN 817.

Career Development

GCN 731 2 credits

An in-depth study of the theories, concepts, and issues regarding career counseling including an introduction to various career assessment inventories.

Counseling and Human Development

GCN 732 3 credits

An overview of the major theories, issues, and data of developmental psychology covering early childhood through late adulthood.

Theories and Foundations of Counseling

GCN 740 3 credits

An investigation of the major theories of counseling with an emphasis on integrative approaches to the helping profession.

Principles and Methods of Counseling

GCN 741 3 credits

This course introduces a variety of methods used in counseling with an emphasis on integrative approaches to the helping profession.

Theories of Personality

GCN 745 3 credits

The course explores the concepts of personality and behavior change through consideration of a variety of contemporary theories of personality development.

Marriage and Family Counseling: Foundations

GCN 815 3 credits

Examination of marriage and family systems and dynamics, including the causes of conflict and dysfunctional relational patterns, and the understanding of counseling principles and processes designed to aid the counselor in resolving conflict and in the healing of relationships.

Counseling Internship

GCN 817 9 credits

Practical counseling experience in a clinic or other community agency. There will be 1 supervisory hour for each 1.5 client contact hour. Prerequisites: GCN 645, GCN 715, GCN 740, GCN 741, GCN 745, GCN 815, GCN 825. Must be taken with GCN 715.

Psychopathology

GCN 825 3 credits

An overview of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data of psychopathology, including an introduction to the official diagnostic nomenclature.

Research Methods and Analysis

GCN 826 2 credits

A survey course of the concepts and techniques of hypothesis testing, research design and analysis used in clinical research and program evaluation.

Perspectives on Counselor Formation

GCN 827 3 credits

Focuses on the nature of spiritual formation and the various ways that Christians have sought to deepen their relationship with God, with special emphasis given to: integration of the AGSC Core Values, the nature and practice of prayer, self-understanding, educational endeavors, as well as the more intimate and in-depth process of spiritual formation.

Group Dynamics and Therapy

GCN 828 2 credits

An overview of the major theories, issues, and data of the psychology of small groups and group therapy. Topics considered include group communication, leadership, facilitation, decision making, conflict resolution, and focal group counseling. Prerequisite: GCN 740.

Domestic Abuse: Interventions and Reporting

GCN 829 3 credits

An overview of the major theories, issues, and data of the psychology of small groups and group therapy. Topics considered include group communication, leadership, facilitation, decision making, conflict resolution, and focal group counseling. Prerequisite: GCN 740.

Comprehensive Examination

GCN 900 0 credits

Students must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination in order to receive the Master of Arts degree in Counseling. There is no credit granted, but students must register and pay the appropriate examination fee during their last Spring semester prior to graduation.

Elective Counseling Curriculum (8 credits)

Crisis Counseling

GCN 816 2 credits

Consideration of crises faced by the counselor and appropriate approaches for helping those in crisis. Crises such as death, debilitating illness, illegitimate pregnancy, child and/or spouse abuse, drug abuse, suicide and accident/disaster trauma are considered.

Marriage and Family Counseling: Theories and Strategies

GCN 819 2 credits

A continuation of GCN 815 with the focus on the theoretical and practical application of therapy with married couples and families. Prerequisite: GCN 815.

Counseling Seminar

GCN 840 2 credits

This course covers topics of interest. Presentations will be made by prominent therapists/professors in the field of counseling.

Addictive Behaviors

GCN 851 2 credits

An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data in the diagnosis and treatment of addictive behaviors including psychoactive substances, sexual addictions, and other addictive behaviors that focus on objects or persons.

Anxiety and Mood Disorders

GCN 852 2 credits

An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data in the diagnosis and treatment of the anxiety and mood disorders. Prerequisite: GCN 825.

Counseling Issues and Human Sexuality

GCN 853 2 credits

An overview of physiological, psychological, and social-cultural variables associated with sexual identity, sexual behavior, and the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders.

Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence

GCN 855 2 credits

An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues and data in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders usually first evident in children and adolescents. Prerequisite: GCN 825.

Personality and Dissociative Disorders

GCN 856 2 credits

An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data in the diagnosis and treatment of personality and dissociative disorders. Prerequisite: GCN 825.