Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and PPS School Counseling Credential Partnership, M.A.

MFT Program Director: Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D. PPS Program Director: David Weber, Psy.D. Visalia
MFT Program Director: Autumn Lindberg, M.A. Visalia

Overview

Candidates successfully completing both programs, an M.A. in MFT as well as a PPS school counseling credential, will produce MFT/PPS professionals who are knowledgeable and skilled in the implementation of developmental school counseling and guidance programs that include mental health wraparound services for the school student population. A PPS professional with MFT license will enable schools to provide services for their students without having to contract out for mental health services. For a complete overview of the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, refer to FPU Biblical Seminary section of the catalog.

Accreditation

State of California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, California 95814-4213

Admissions Requirements

Completion of a Master of Arts in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy program. In addition, applicants must provide a passing score on the CBEST.

Program Student Learning Outcomes MA/MFT:

1. Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus in Christian community.
2. Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective.
3. Interpret diverse cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches.
4. Practice leadership skills in marriage, family and child counseling.

Program Student Learning Outcomes PPS:

1. Counseling and Intervention.
   1. Applying individual counseling methods and techniques.
   2. Applying small-group counseling methods and techniques.
   3. Applying conflict resolution techniques.
   4. Assisting students in personal growth and development.
   5. Advising students about academic concerns.
   6. Assisting students with appropriate educational and career planning.
2. Consultation and Collaboration
   1. Working effectively with a diversity of individual students, faculty, administrators and staff on behalf of students.
   2. Recognizing and using the expertise of others.
   3. Applying leadership in large-group (classroom) guidance.
   4. Understanding classroom instructional practices.
   5. Consulting with parents.
   6. Collaborating with school and outside professionals to meet student needs.
3. Assessment
   1. Explain assessments and interpret results to pupils, teachers, administrators, parents and others.
   2. Using assessment methods (e.g., career, college entrance, CAHSEE, CST, CELDT, etc.) and information appropriately for personal, educational and career decision making.
   3. Using a variety of assessment strategies (school district student information systems, GE accommodations, SST data reviews, reviewing transcripts, grades, CST, etc.) to identify students at risk.
4. Program Development
   1. Collecting and analyzing student data.
   2. Developing interventions and school programs based upon assessed student needs.
   3. Identifying areas of improvement of an existing school counseling program.
   4. Developing, implementing and evaluating components of a school counseling and guidance program.
5. Leadership and Diversity
   1. Using the institution's policies and procedures.
   2. Adhering to ethical standards and practices.
   3. Being sensitive to the effect of one's own values and biases on the manner of providing services to the school community.
   4. Understanding and working effectively with individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
   5. Exercising perseverance and follow through.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno and Visalia Campus.

Program Length/Semester Starts

The MFT program has open enrollment in the fall semester of each year. MFT courses are developmentally sequenced and so it is recommended they be taken in a prescribed order. PPS school courses are prescribed and sequenced.