Course Descriptions
Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy
BIB5000 Foundational Principles in Bible Survey (3)
This course is designed to introduce the student to a survey of the flow and the content of the beliefs, traditions and history of the Hebrew People as seen in the Old Testament literature and of Christians as seen in the New Testament literature. For certain students, the course is a Prerequisite for the Master of Arts degree BIB5000. For others, the course is an M.A. elective.
BIB6120 Dynamics of Christian Community & Ministry (3)
This course analyzes the nature of the Kingdom of God; biblical and contemporary images of the church and their impact on “community;” the priesthood of all believers; foundations for servant leadership; love and grace as a foundation for the Kingdom community; and the dynamic role of the Holy Spirit in kingdom communities.
CNS5010 Foundational Principles in Marriage and Family Therapy (3)
This course covers the basic terminology and categories of abnormal behavior. The student is introduced to the theoretical foundations of Family Systems Theory, Behavioral, Humanistic, Existential, and Psychoanalytic Theory.
CNS5120 Professional Ethics and Law* (3)
This course elaborates the ethical, legal, and moral responsibilities and obligations of counselors as it applies to psychotherapy. Emphasis will be placed on the ethical standards as defined by CAMFT and AAMFT.
CNS5130 Research Methodology* (3)
This course acquaints the student with various experimental designs, statistical procedures, conclusions and limitations of research procedures. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical and practical applications of research methods of psychotherapy, and the existing body of research in marriage and family therapy.
CNS 5200 Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment (1)
This course covers all of the topics critical t the assessment and treatment of substance use and abuse. Essential information on all facets of alcohol and substance abuse/dependency assessment and treatment will be discussed.
CNS5300 Crisis Interventions (3)
This course explores the nature of crisis and the distinctive psychodynamics involved in ministering to persons in the midst of crisis.
CNS5990 Professional Development Seminar (3)
This course focuses on developing personal and professional competence related to working in the field of marriage and family therapy. Emphasis is on the development of the therapist and the structure of the therapeutic process.
CNS6100 Developmental Care and Human Development* (3)
Biological, psychological, and social influences on the individual, marriage, family, and social groups are examined. The changes that occur across the lifespan are discussed and elaborated. Required for Licensure.
CNS6110 Personal and Professional Communication* (3)
An introduction to verbal, non-verbal, cultural, and familial aspects of communication that are fundamental to interviewing and psychotherapy of individual, couples and families. Emphasis is placed on identifying the functional/dysfunctional patterns of communication of an individual, marital couple, or family.
CNS6125 Multicultural Issues in Psychotherapy (3)
This course is a study of various cultural and ethnic groups. Emphasis is placed on exploring the effects of therapeutic interventions on culturally distinct populations. Examines diversity within the family including issues of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, gender-role, sexual orientation, and social class as well as same gender abuse dynamics.
CNS6130 Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy* (3)
The various theories of marriage and family therapy are introduced and surveyed including the psychodynamic, relational, systems, communicational, structural, and crisis intervention approaches. Also focuses on family systems theory and its unique theoretical and epistemological assumptions.
CNS6140 Group Therapy (3)
This course provides students with the theory and technique of group psychotherapy. Students will learn the stages of group dynamics, the curative factors of group therapy, and the various types of group treatment. Psychological risks of group therapy, and ethical issues involved in conducting group psychotherapy will be explored.
CNS6150 Approaches to the Treatment of Children* (3)
This course examines the components of effective child psychotherapy. Emphasis is placed on the process of diagnosis, dynamics, and treatment of children and adolescents. The central focus of this course is the affective, behavioral, and cognitive approaches to treatment. The course also exposes students to working with child abuse and family violence.
CNS6180 Psychopathology* (3)
The theories and causations of psychopathology are explored, including biological, social, psychological, and familial influences. Emphasis is placed both on individual orientation to diagnosis, as well as the diagnosis of types of dysfunctional family systems.
CNS6190 MFT Assessment (3)
This course introduces the major assessment techniques in MFT clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on the clinical interview, intellectual, personality and couple and family assessment techniques, and clinical case report writing.
CNS6300 Counseling Older Adults and Families (2)
This course examines the theory and application of assessment and intervention techniques with older adults and their families.
CNS6350 Approaches Treatment of Couples (2)
This course examines components of effective premarital and marital psychotherapy. Emphasis is placed on sociology and intervention theories of marital and related interventions for dealing with a variety of couples. Course includes assessment and intervention strategies of spouse and partner abuse.
CNS6400 Psychopharmacology* (3)
This course is an introduction to the theory and rationale of psychotropic medication and its effects on affect and behavior. Includes cellular dynamics, neurotransmitters as well as chemical properties of medication.
CNS6801 Supervised Practicum* (3)
This course offers supervised therapy experience in applied psychotherapeutic techniques, assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of premarital, family, and child relationship dysfunctions. Prerequisites: CNS5120, CNS5990, CNS6110, CNS6130 and CNS6180. International students must meet current TOEFL standard before registering for this course.
CNS6900 Seminar in Advanced Topics in MFT (1-3)
This seminar covers various topic of interest to the advanced student in the MFT program.
CNS6920 Comprehensive Case Presentation (1)
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to enroll in this project course.
CNS6930 Special Research Topic (1, 2, or 3)
Advanced supervised individual study or research on a special problem or in a selected area.
CNS6990 EMDR Training Seminar (3)
This course provides theory and training in a technique of therapy involving rapid eye movement research. EMDR has been widely publicized as effective in treating various trauma victims. This course is EMDRIA approved. Prerequisite: Second year students only.
CNS6995 Advanced Professional Development* (1)
Practical application and supervision of basic counseling skills. This course focuses on the development of basic clinical skills essential to psychotherapy. Emphasis is on the continued development of the therapist and the structure of the therapeutic process. Successful completion of this course will determine trainee status.
