HUSSON: Graduate Programs in Education, Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION:

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master of Science in Human Relations

Master of Science in School Counseling Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling

Admissions Requirements - Counseling Programs

In cooperation with the Bangor Theological Seminary, this program prepares students to become Pastoral Counselors with the option of applying for state licensure.

A picture of an elderly couple being counseled.

Courses

Curriculum

Candidacy and Examination

The Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling offers coursework and field experiences designed to prepare students for the practice of Pastoral Counseling. Graduates of the program will have the academic preparation and field experience to apply for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential and for conditional licensure as a Pastoral Counselor in Maine. This program is offered by Husson University in cooperation with Bangor Theological Seminary.

The Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling program combines academic preparation with rich practice experiences. This program consists of a minimum of 56 credit hours of courses designed to provide students with a foundation in counseling including individual and group counseling theories and skills; ethical and professional issues; social and cultural foundations; human development; career development; assessment; and research and program evaluation. In addition, specific courses in ministry and leadership; pastoral care, theology, and psychology; grief and bereavement and marriage and family counseling; and diagnosis and treatment planning; as well as an applied internship in a pastoral counseling setting prepare students to function as clinical pastoral counselors.

The courses and programs required and suggested in the program were designed to reflect what the faculty believe represent necessary and appropriate educational experiences for Pastoral Counselors seeking national certification or state licensure as a Pastoral Counselor. The content and sequence of courses are guided by the Standards the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and the licensing requirements of the State of Maine.

Program Objectives
The Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling Program prepares graduates to function as Pastoral Counselors in the community. Students will:

Demonstrate self-awareness.
Demonstrate professional identity.
Enhance communication skills.
Demonstrate command and understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels.
Demonstrate effective techniques and skills for counseling individuals.
Understand group dynamics and develop group counseling skills.
Understand career development and develop skills in practicing career counseling.
Understand and practice individual and group approaches to assessment.
Demonstrate skills in research and program evaluation.
Integrate all aspects of functions of professional counseling, including history, theory, roles, structures, ethics, standards, and credentialing.
Understand the role and value of clinical supervision
Understand and integrate the approaches and theory involved in a pastoral approach to counseling.
Apply specific skills in grief and family counseling
Understand and apply skills of clinical diagnosis and treatment planning

Schedule
The Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling is offered year around (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) on a full-time or part-time basis. Most of the courses are offered in the later afternoon, evening, weekends, summer, and through distance technology to accommodate the needs of students.