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The Psychology and Counseling degree is designed to provide students with a basic foundation for any kind of crisis counseling, spiritual formation, coaching, or mentoring ministry. Students may choose to build on this foundation with further education and/or training specific to an area specialization, such as the pursuit of a Master’s or Doctoral degree required to attain state licensure as a professional counselor. Upon successful completion of this program you will be prepared to either pursue further education or serve in a context that does not require licensure.
Students participate in innovative programs and experiences (internships, mentorship and enrichment training) which allow them to become State Certified as Mental Health First Aid Assessors and Behavioral Assistants.
Key elements of the program include: developing a biblical and theological framework for counseling with special emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit as the true Counselor who empowers those who would be effective helpers; acquiring the knowledge and theories that are foundational to counseling and psychology; growing in relationship with God and others; cultivating strategies and skill-sets necessary to counseling in a variety of contexts; and, exposure to various therapeutic approaches to counseling with a special emphasis on Cognitive and Family Systems theories and techniques.
Candidates are eligible to apply to the professional education semester which begins the Teacher Preparation Program when they meet all requirements outlined in Benchmark 1 and after attaining a passing score on Praxis Core examinations with passing scores as follows: Reading: 156, Math: 150, Writing: 162.
This concentration will emphasize counseling within the context of family systems and will assist students who wish to prepare to do effective ministry with couples and families. It is geared towards individuals who wish to specialize in marriage and family therapy.
This concentration is an integration of faith and psychology. It provides theoretical models and strategies that are necessary to effect change in crisis situations and will enable individuals to move forward in more functional ways. Crisis Counseling is for those who wish to become a professional Christian Counselor, Trauma and Crisis Advocate, Chaplain, or Emergency Volunteer, among other options.
In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, there is a real demand for accredited, certified Life Coaches to help people manage the many pressures of the modern world. The Pillar College concentration in Life Coaching will equip students with the proper techniques and tools utilized by professionals in this dynamic field. Students will equip students for Accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and allow them to begin a rewarding career as a Certified Life Coach.
Required Courses:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a relatively new, and innovative discipline that teaches the skills necessary to identify, understand, and respond to warning signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges. Through the Pillar College certificate program in MHFA, students will demonstrate increased confidence in their ability to help individuals in their community or church, particularly those in distress. The instruction consists of a 1-hour self-paced class, followed by a 4-hour, instructor-led class via videoconference. Students must take and pass the MHFA examination at the completion of training to receive their certification.
This concentration is in response to the growing need for Mental Health Services and for qualified individuals to respond to the urgent need. This concentration provides professional training and experiences to equip students to work without supervision as Life and Wellness Coaches. Additionally, this course will equip students for credentialing from the International Federation of Coaches (ICF).
Students in both the Traditional Program and LEAD Program are eligible to complete this concentration (LEAD students may take these courses as part of their electives or above and beyond their required coursework).
Graduates who have already earned a bachelor’s degree may take these courses separately toward a Professional Coaching Certificate through PACE (PACE pricing to be determined).
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a relatively new, and innovative discipline that teaches the skills necessary to identify, understand, and respond to warning signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges. Through the Pillar College certificate program in MHFA, students will demonstrate increased confidence in their ability to help individuals in their community or church, particularly those in distress. The instruction consists of a 1-hour self-paced class, followed by a 4-hour, instructor-led class via videoconference. Students must take and pass the MHFA examination at the completion of training to receive their certification.
