Professional Counseling/Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling Program (BS/MA)

The BS/MA Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling program is a 5-year program that will allow students obtain both a Bachelor of Science in Professional Counseling and Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling. This program will provide training that will give entry level qualifications for opportunities within marriage, couple and family counseling, eligibility to apply for state licensure in PA (Licensed Professional Counselor), and professional certification. For this degree, graduates will also be prepared to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Although not yet accredited through CACREP, the structure and content of the MA in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling program is aligned with the CACREP 2016 Standards.

In a 4+1 program, students work toward the completion of an undergraduate degree while also pursuing a Master’s degree.  Graduate-level courses taken during undergraduate studies fulfill both undergraduate elective requirements and graduate program requirements.  In the 4+1 program, students are dual-enrolled in LBC and Capital Seminary and Graduate School.

Degree: Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling

Majors: Biblical Studies, Professional Counseling, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling

Major Mission: The program will provide training that will give entry level qualifications for opportunities in marriage, couple & family counseling field, eligibility to apply for state licensure in PA (Licensed Professional Counselor), and professional certifications.

Major Outcomes - Students will:

1. 1. Recognize the history, development, legislation, government policy, ethics, professional identity development of counselors within the context of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

   2. Evaluate family phenomenology, family of origin theories, models, techniques, and interventions related to marriage, couple, and family counseling, in order to foster family wellness through a biblical perspective.

   3. Learn the application of theories and models in developing case conceptualization, etiology, treatment planning, diagnostic process, and referral within family systems and dynamics.

   4.  Comprehend assessments, including diagnostic interviews, genograms, family mapping, mental diagnostic status examinations, symptom inventories, and psychoeducational and personality assessments.

   5. Develop an understanding of scholarly literature and its application of the structures of marriage, couples, and families, within the realms of human sexuality and its effect on couple and family functioning, aging and intergenerational influences, immigration, and related family concerns.

   6. Enhance skills necessary to conduct competent cultural treatment relevant to marriage, couple, and family functioning, at various delivery modalities within the continuum of care.

   7. Understand the etiology of trauma and crisis as well as the impact of interpersonal violence, mental health, and addiction on marriages, couples, and families.

   8. Acquire strategies for interfacing with the legal system while understanding ethical principles and application to prospective marriage, couple, and family counseling.

   9. Demonstrate understanding regarding the impact of life, gender roles, career, unemployment, under-employment, and changes in socioeconomic standing on marriages, couples, and families.

   10. Synthesize information and knowledge into practice through supervised counseling experiences.

 Additional Requirements needed for Pennsylvania Licensure

Program Purpose and Goals: 

The Educational Philosophy of the BS/MA Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling Program is:

1. To provide clinical training such that students are well-versed in research-based theoretical orientations and able to articulate and apply such views.
2. To provide ample clinical experiences (in vivo and case study) such that students are able to grasp and deliver individual psychotherapy.
3. To provide a framework of learning that promotes critical thinking so that students are able to demonstrate professional evaluation of theoretical content in light of a biblical worldview.
4. To provide robust clinical supervision for students as they practice/apply clinical skills taught in the classroom. 

Provide experiences in which students can transition their knowledge of scholarly publications and foundational, research-based clinical theories into future research endeavors.

Program Requirements:

All the students pursuing 4+1 counseling program are initially accepted into the BS Professional Counseling program. After meeting the admissions criteria mentioned below the students are required to apply for the 4+1 program. Below is the information regarding the admissions criteria, application process, application deadline and admission interview information.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

 

1. Completed or registered for PCN 123 Introduction to the Counseling Profession, PCN 122 Group Experience, PCN 201 Systems of Counseling I, PCN 212 Systems of Counseling II.
2. Completed or transferred a total of 46 or more credits.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 and professional GPA of 3.00.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

Purpose Statement: Submit a 1-2 page, APA formatted, double spaced statement indicating why you wish to be admitted to the 4+1 Bachelor/Master’s Program. Be sure to address personal strengths and what you have heard others say about you as they relate to your desire to seek employment in the counseling profession.

 

Writing Sample Paper: Submit a research paper you have written in APA format, from one of the following courses: PCN 122, PCN 123, PCN 201, PCN 212. The writing sample should demonstrate your aptitude for graduate level scholarly writing.  Ensure that your writing sample includes the following:

• Between 500 and 1000 words
• Accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ideas are well organized and adequately address the question posed.
• Support from the professional literature formatted in correct APA style.

Faculty Reference: Request two LBC faculty members to complete the reference form and have them submit it directly to the counseling department administrative assistant.

 

Application: Turn in this application form, your purpose statement & the writing sample to department assistant through email ([e-mail]) or in person. Please turn in all these documents at the same time. If you have any questions, you can contact us at 717.560.8227.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Your completed application should be received by the Department of Counseling & Social Work Office before the below mentioned deadline into the 2^nd semester of your sophomore year. You will also be required to attend the orientation seminar before applying to the Graduate School the dates for the orientation will be available on e-campus. 

 

Term	Deadline
Fall	October 1st
Spring	Mar 1st

ADMISSION INTERVIEW

Following receipt and review of the application, purpose statement, writing sample & faculty reference our department assistant will schedule your interview with the admissions committee of counseling department. Within 15 days after the interview, admissions committee will inform their decision via email. The potential outcomes are approved, approved with provision, or denied.

Additional Information:

Candidacy Process

Upon receiving provisional acceptance to the graduate program, new BS/MA counseling students will be required to complete the following steps in order to obtain full candidacy acceptance into the graduate program. Students’ academic performance, interpersonal characteristics, and behavior are monitored throughout the program to ensure competency in preparation for the counseling profession.

1.         Complete all 1st Tier Professional Core courses (15 credits) to demonstrate academic fitness and interpersonal fitness. Students must obtain a grade of B or higher. Each student will also be rated by their professors on various interpersonal and academic performance standards via the Critical Competencies Review form in each of the Tier 1 courses.

2.         Obtain two (2) background checks are required prior to your candidacy interview and are necessary for approval for field placement. (If living or working in a different state, please review your state requirements for obtaining clearances).

•           PA Child Abuse Clearance (ACT 151)

•           PA Criminal Background Check (ACT 34)

•           Proof of completed Mandated Reporter Training

3.         Complete Personality and Career Assessment to ensure the student is at a socio-emotional and behavioral level fit for the profession.

o          MMPI-2: Before exiting the Pre-Candidacy phase, the student will need to obtain a personality evaluation, comprising of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – 2nd Edition Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF).  The student’s advisor will review the results of this assessment and discussed at the Candidacy interview.   The results of the personality evaluation may verify the student’s continuation within the program and/or evidence a need for additional counseling, or it may show evidence that another area of pursuit would be in the student’s best interest.  Failure to complete this requirement will result in the student’s inability to take additional courses.

o          16-PF: The student is also required to take the 16-Personality Factors Assessment. The assessment is reviewed with the student during the candidacy interview.  We utilize the Human Resource Development Report that will assess your personality and the associated relationship with common workplace factors to ensure that your chosen career path correlates with common counseling environments.

4.         Submit the Candidacy Application to the Counseling & Social Work department for     review.

5.         Schedule and participate in a candidacy interview. After the required assessments are completed and all materials received by the Department Assistant, the student will be allowed to schedule an appointment to be interviewed for Candidacy. This meeting is an intentional pause to assess academic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal fitness to continue in the program. During the Candidacy meeting, the student will be interviewed by the Program Director. The interview will consist of review current grades in the core courses, review of interpersonal and academic rating (via a standardized form) completed by your professors, overall program fit, and the results of the MMPI-2 and the 16 PF.

Based on the results of the Candidacy meeting, recommendations germane to findings will be generated. Examples of recommendations include but are not limited to:

•           Formal approval as socio-emotionally, academically, and behaviorally fit for advancement to Candidacy.

•           Provisionally fit for Candidacy IF various recommendations are followed

•           Temporary hiatus from additional classes until requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled.

•           Unfit for candidacy and dismissal from the program.

Upon receiving full candidacy acceptance to the MA program, students can then proceed to enroll in courses from the 2nd Tier Professional Courses.

 

Counselor Preparation Comprehension Examination

Prior to practicum and internships, students must take the Counselor Preparation Comprehension Examination (CPCE) after completing Tier 1 and Tier 2 courses. The purpose of the exam is to assess the student’s knowledge of counseling to ensure minimum competence in the field. The CPCE will cover the eight required core areas outlined in CACREP 2016 Standards. Furthermore, the CPCE will also provide collective feedback that can be used by the program in developing/adapting curriculum. The CPCE is offered once each Spring, Summer, and Fall semester. More specifically, students can expect the exam to take place on a weekday between 5:30-10:00pm on campus.

Program Director: 

Ryan M. Kuehner Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Chair, Counseling & Social Work Dept. and M.A. in Professional Counseling Program Director)

Holding a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Kuehner considers himself fortunate to serve students as Associate Professor, Director of the M.A. Professional Counseling Program, and Chair of the Counseling & Social Work Department. Whether through ongoing research projects, student instruction and advisement, clinical practice, curriculum development, admissions management, or accreditation endeavors, Dr. Kuehner brings a wealth of scholarly and practical knowledge toward the goal of maintaining and growing premier undergraduate and graduate programs. Surrounded by extremely gifted colleagues, Dr. Kuehner is enthused to collectively forge ahead in training students in both the art and the science of professional psychotherapy undergirded by Integrationist Theory. Areas of instruction for Dr. Kuehner encompass psychopharmacology, abnormal psychology, biopsychology, professional ethics, applied counseling techniques, theories of personality, specialized therapies, and advanced applied research practicum. Dr. Kuehner has been married for 17 years; he and his wife have three children.

Faculty List:

Resident Faculty:

Ryan M. Kuehner, Ph.D.

Jon Shacklett, MA, LPC, CAADC, ACS

Melissa Boas, MEd

Praveen Rudra, MA

Adjunct and Visiting Faculty:

Arwa Nye, MEd

Brittany Ober, MA

Daniel Grubb, MA

Day Butcher, Ph.D.

Faith Ann Day, MA

James Johnson, DMin

Jonathan Reese, MA

Joshua Irvine, MA, LPC

Justin D. Charles, PsyD

Justin Steele, PsyD

Kimberly Blest, MA, LPC

Olivia Murrin, MA, LPC

Sean Dougherty, MS, MEd

Curriculum

 

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

LBC 100	Foundations Seminar	1
BIB 106	Interpreting the Bible	3
THE 105	Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies	3
LAN 101	College Composition and Research	3
PCN 122_	Group Experience & Self-Evaluation_AUD	3
PCN 123	Introduction to the Counseling Profession	3
Total Credit Hours:		16

Spring Semester

BIB 103	Creation & Covenants: OT I	3
BIB 203	Life of Christ: NT I	3
LAN 104	Public Speaking	3
SOC 101	General Psychology	3
PCN 201	Systems of Counseling I: Christian	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

CSV 201	Christian Service I	0
BIB 104	Israel's Life & Literature: OT II	3
BIB 204	Early Church: NT II	3
PHI 201	Introduction to Philosophy	3
SOC 228	Principles & Techniques of Counseling	3
PCN 212	Systems of Counseling II: Psychology	3
PCN 351	Therapy Lab I	1
Total Credit Hours:		16

Spring Semester

CSV 202	Christian Service II	0
THE 223	Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall	3
HIS ____	HIS Core (100/200 Level)	3
LIT ____	LIT Core (100/200 Level)	3
SCI ____	SCI____ Science with Lab 4 credits	4
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology	3
PCN 352	Therapy Lab II	1
PCN ____	Elective Seminar	1
Total Credit Hours:		18

Junior Year

Fall Semester

THE 224	Christian Narrative II: Redemption	3
MAT 216	Statistics for the Social Sciences	3
PCN 458	5-Year PCN Field Seminar	3
PCN ____	Elective Seminar	1
CPS 501	Orientation to Professional Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics	3
CPS 508	Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships	3
Total Credit Hours:		16

Spring Semester

BNT ____	Bible New Testament Exegetical Elective	3
THE ____	Theology Elective	3
PCN ____	Elective	1
CPS 515	Counseling Theory and Techniques	3
CPS 530	Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling	3
CPS 541	Group Counseling Leadership Skills	3
Total Credit Hours:		18

Senior Year

Fall Semester

BOT ____	Bible Old Testament Exegetical Elective	3
THE ____	Theology Elective	3
____ ____	Arts & Sciences Elective (300 Level)	3
CPS 510	Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan	3
CPS 531	Psychopathology & Counseling	3
CPS 572	Counseling Addictions	3
Total Credit Hours:		18

Spring Semester

THE 320
THE ____	Theology Elective	3
____ ____	Arts & Sciences Elective (400 Level)	3
CPS 505	Research and Program Evaluation	3
CPS 583	Multicultural Foundations of Counseling	3
CPS 588	Career and Lifestyle Development	3
Total Credit Hours:		18

5th Year

Notes:

CPS 501, CPS 508, CPS 510, CPS 530, CPS 541, CPS 525, CPS 515, CPS 531, CPS 572, CPS 505, CPS 546, CPS 583, CPS 514, CPS 573, CPS 601, CPS 602, CPS 603, Counseling Elective: Graduate School Course

Electives may be taken at other times: fall semester, winter term, spring semester, or summer term.

Fall Semester

CPS 550	Family Counseling & Psychotherapy	3
CPS 601	Professional CNS Practicum	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

Spring Semester

CPS 540	Marriage Counseling & Psychotherapy	3
CPS 575	Counseling Children and Adolescents	3
CPS 602	Professional CNS Internship	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

Summer

CPS 525	Assessment Techniques in Counseling I	3
CPS 552	Marriage and Family Issues	3
CPS 603	Counseling Internship II	3

Notes:

CPS 501, CPS 505, CPS 508, CPS 510, CPS 515, CPS 525, CPS 530, CPS 531, CPS 540, CPS 541, CPS 550, CPS 552, CPS 572, CPS, CPS 575, CPS 583, CPS 588, CPS 601, CPS 602, CPS 603, Counseling Elective: Graduate School Course

Electives may be taken at other times: fall semester, winter term, spring semester, or summer

Practicum and Internships
The Practicum and Internship courses are a critical and integral component in the training of a well-equipped counselor. These courses provide students with the opportunity to utilize their classroom learning in counseling situations under the supervision of professional counselors.

Field Seminar (PCN 458)
This field experience course enables students to apply learned methodologies to real world counseling situations. Each student selects a field service site and participates in delivery of services in accordance with organization requirements. Some students encounter face to face opportunities, while others work in groups, direct care, or observation of clients.

• Prerequisites: This class should be taken the last semester of undergraduate PCN classes. 
• Hours: 50 hours total. Hours may be spent doing some administrative or research-related work with a minimum of 8 hours of supervision.
• Course delivery: Class will meet from 9-10 every Friday during the semester in addition to the required field hours. After the first class meeting, the class will divide into specialized “cohort” groups, in which students will meet as a group and conduct role-plays and textbook discussions independently during class time. The class will culminate with a presentation by graduate students in which they share with a panel faculty what they have learned in the undergraduate portion of the counseling portion. 
• Special Preparation: Students will need to find their own placement sites, preferably established before the semester begins. If students need assistance with placement, they may contact course instructor or the academic advisor.

Professional Counseling Practicum (CPS 601)
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 33 graduate credits (Tier 1 & Tier 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of the candidacy process, and passing the CPCE exam.
• Minimum of 200 hours of field experience is required to complete the practicum:
o 80 hours of direct client contact 
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 100 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings. 

Professional Counseling Internship I (CPS 602) 
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 36 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing CPS 601 Practicum. 
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
o 130 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 150 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings. 

Counseling Internship II (CPS 603)
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 39 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing CPS 601 Practicum and CPS 602 Internship I. 
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
o 130 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 150 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the class professor for each VCS to review the recordings.

 

Practicum and Internships

Practicum and Internships

The Practicum and Internship courses are a critical and integral component in the training of a well-equipped counselor. These courses provide students with the opportunity to utilize their classroom learning in counseling situations under the supervision of professional counselors.

Field Seminar (PCN 458)

This field experience course enables students to apply learned methodologies to real world counseling situations. Each student selects a field service site and participates in delivery of services in accordance with organization requirements. Some students encounter face to face opportunities, while others work in groups, direct care, or observation of clients.

• Prerequisites: This class should be taken the last semester of undergraduate PCN classes.
• Hours: 50 hours total. Hours may be spent doing some administrative or research-related work with a minimum of 8 hours of supervision.
• Course delivery: Class will meet from 9-10 every Friday during the semester in addition to the required field hours. After the first class meeting, the class will divide into specialized “cohort” groups, in which students will meet as a group and conduct role-plays and textbook discussions independently during class time. The class will culminate with a presentation by graduate students in which they share with a panel faculty what they have learned in the undergraduate portion of the counseling portion.
• Special Preparation: Students will need to find their own placement sites, preferably established before the semester begins. If students need assistance with placement, they may contact course instructor or the academic advisor.

Professional Counseling Practicum (CPS 601)

• May be taken after completing a minimum of 33 graduate credits (Tier 1 & Tier 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of the candidacy process, and passing the CPCE exam.
• Minimum of 200 hours of field experience is required to complete the practicum:
• 80 hours of direct client contact
• 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
• 100 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings.

 

Professional Counseling Internship I (CPS 602)

• May be taken after completing a minimum of 36 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing CPS 601 Practicum.
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings.

Counseling Internship II (CPS 603)

• May be taken after completing a minimum of 39 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing CPS 601 Practicum and CPS 602 Internship I.
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
• 130 hours of direct client contact
• 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
• 150 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)

Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the class professor for each VCS to review the recordings.

Counseling Admissions and Candidacy Process

Program Admission Criteria

The application process for the M.A counseling programs has four phases: Initial application phase (IAP), interview phase (IP; parts 1-3), preliminary acceptance phase (PAP), and candidacy phase (CP).

Initial Application Phase (IAP) requires submission of the following items:

• Online application form with $40 application fee.
• Personal statement of spiritual journey and statement of faith
• Two professional references completed online by their applicant’s supervisor(s) and their pastor
• Transcript of an accredited Bachelor’s degree (and grad. transcripts if seeking transfer credit approval).

• The TOEFL examination is required only if English is not the applicant's native language or if the applicant has not completed a degree program taught in English. TOEFL scores must be from tests administered within two years of the application deadline. The official TOEFL score report must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service.

• Individuals seeking admission to the MA program must complete each step of the application process by submitting a complete application by:

Fall Semester Start	August 1
Spring Semester Start	December 1
Summer Semester Start	April 1

To apply online, go to the following link: https://www.LBC | Capital.edu/capital/admissions/

Current LBC | CAPITAL undergraduate students who are pursuing Counseling Majors and wish to apply for the 5-year grad school program will go through a similar process the semester immediately following their completion of 45 credits. Applications for these students must be completed and submitted by:

Fall Semester Start	April 19
Spring Semester Start	November 11

Upon review of application materials, prospective students will be contacted by the Counseling Department within one week for the application interview.

IAP Grading Rubric:

20 possible points

• Professional Reference 1 completed online (max 5 points)
• Professional Reference 2 completed online (max 5 points)
• Undergraduate GPA - (max 5 points) –

4.0-3.75 = 5

3.5-3.74 = 4

3.25-3.49 = 3

3.0-3.24 = 2

2.75-2.99 = 1

• Autobiographical Statement of Faith (max 5 points)

Those accepted at this phase will be welcomed to the campus for the interview phase.

Interview Phase Part 1 (IP1):

The prospective student is invited for an on-campus interview with the admission committee. Before the meeting, the applicant is asked to type a 1-page scholarly paper using APA format in Microsoft Word reviewing articles given to them that day. Writing samples help us assess for graduate-level skills related to comprehension, adaptability, critical thinking, and scholarly writing (max 10 points).

Interview Phase Part 2 (IP2):

 After completion of the writing sample, the student has to appear before the admission committee for a face-to-face interview. During the interview process, the committee assesses interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and self-awareness (max 5 points). 

IP Grading Rubric:

15 possible points

Part 1 (max 10 points)

Part 2 (max 5 points)

-A score of 11 or higher is required for admission. Those who have met the interview criteria will be welcomed to the preliminary acceptance phase.

Preliminary Acceptance Phase (PAP):

This phase enables provisional acceptance to the graduate program. During this phase, the new MA Counseling student will need to take the following four courses:

• CPS 501: Orientation to Professional Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics
• CPS 508: Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships
• CPS 515: Counseling Theory & Techniques
• CPS 530: Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
• CPS 541: Group Counseling Leadership Skills.

In addition to the requirement of a grade of B or higher, each student will be rated by their professors on various interpersonal and academic performance standards. The student will then meet with their academic advisor under being deemed academically and interpersonally fit to continue to the candidacy phase. Should the student not meet the above expectations, an individual remediation plan tailored to the student’s growth needs will be developed. If the student does not satisfy the requirements of the remediation plan, they will be dismissed from the program.

Candidacy Process:

In addition to the requirement of a grade of B or higher, each student will be rated by their professors on various interpersonal and academic performance standards in each of the Tier 1 courses. Students have to complete the following requirements before scheduling the candidacy meeting.

Students’ academic performance, interpersonal characteristics, and behavior are monitored throughout the program.

New students begin the program in the Preliminary Acceptance Phase (PAP). During this phase, the new MA Counseling student will need to display academic fitness and interpersonal fitness through the following four 1^st Tier courses:

• CPS 501 Orientation to Professional CNS Identity, Function, & Ethics
• CPS 508 Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships
• CPS 515 Counseling Theories and Methodologies
• CPS 530 Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
• CPS 541 Group Counseling and Leadership Skills

Students are required to earn a grade of B or higher in each of the five PAP courses. Each student will also be rated by their PAP course professors on various interpersonal and academic performance standards via the Critical Competencies Review form. The student will then meet with their academic advisor under being deemed academically and interpersonally fit to continue to the candidacy phase. Should the student not meet the above expectations, an individual remediation plan tailored to the student’s growth needs will be developed. If the student does not satisfy the requirements of the remediation plan, they will be not permitted to move forward in the program.

Students who complete the PAP portion of the program move on to the candidacy phase.

Candidacy Phase (CP)

To ensure the student’s socio-emotional and behavioral fitness for the profession, they will be required to take the MMPI-2 and the 16PF no later than the semester following approval of academic and interpersonal competence as noted above. The student will also be interviewed by a faculty member, and test results will be interpreted collaboratively by full-time faculty. Recommendations germane to findings will be generated and the advisor will meet with the student to communicate this information. Examples of recommendations include but are not limited to:

Clearances

Two (2) background checks are required prior to your candidacy interview (more information below) and are necessary for approval for field placement in an educational setting.

• PA Child Abuse Clearance (ACT 151)
• PA Criminal Background Check (ACT 34)
• Proof of completed Mandated Reporter Training

Personality and Career Assessment: These assessments are required and reviewed in order to ensure the student is at a socio-emotional and behavioral level fit for the profession.

1. MMPI-2: Before exiting the Pre-Candidacy phase, the student will need to obtain a personality evaluation, comprising of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – 2^nd Edition Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF).  The student’s advisor will review the results of this assessment and discussed at the Candidacy interview.   The results of the personality evaluation may verify the student’s continuation within the program and/or evidence a need for additional counseling, or it may show evidence that another area of pursuit would be in the student’s best interest.  Failure to complete this requirement will result in the student’s inability to take additional courses. 
2. 16-PF:  The student is also required to take the 16-Personality Factors Assessment. The assessment is reviewed with the student during the candidacy interview.  We utilize the Human Resource Development Report that will assess your personality and the associated relationship with common workplace factors to ensure that your chosen career path correlates with common counseling environments. 

After the required assessments are completed and all materials received by the Department Assistant, the student will be allowed to schedule an appointment to be interviewed for Candidacy. This meeting is an intentional pause to assess academic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal fitness to continue in the program. During the Candidacy meeting, the student will be interviewed by the Program Director. The interview will consist of review current grades in the core courses, review of interpersonal and academic rating (via a standardized form) completed by all four professors, overall program fit, and the results of the MMPI-2 and the 16 PF.

Based on the results of the Candidacy meeting, recommendations germane to findings will be generated. Examples of recommendations include but are not limited to:

• Formal approval as socio-emotionally, academically, and behaviorally fit for advancement to Candidacy.
• Provisionally fit for Candidacy IF various recommendations are followed
• Temporary hiatus from additional classes until requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled.
• Unfit for candidacy and dismissal from the program.

CPS 501, CPS 508, CPS 510, CPS 530, CPS 541, CPS 525, CPS 515, CPS 531, CPS 572, CPS 505, CPS 575, CPS 552, CPS 550, CPS 601, CPS 583, CPS 540, CPS 588, CPS 602, counseling elective: Graduate Class