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O S T G R A D U A T E
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E R T I F I C A T E
I N
M
A R R I A G E
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A M I L Y
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O U N S E L I N G
The College of Counseling (COC) at Columbia International University offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage
and Family Counseling (PGCMFC) which provides advanced training in counseling with couples, families, children,
and adolescents. This advanced training and internship experience emphasizes a systems model based on a biblical
design of relationships and cultural sensitivity.
Admission
In addition to satisfying the general admissions requirements, applicants must complete the application process as
specified below.
*Note: If a current College of Counseling student was admitted to the M.A. in Counseling program prior to Fall 2012 (2008 catalog
graduates to present; Licensure Track only) and entered under the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or dual
program designation, that student is allowed to continue his or her studies into the Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage and
Family Counseling (PGCMFC) program by filling out the "Add a Program" section in the "Graduate-Level Record Change" form.
This must be done before graduation. All other current COC students must go through the following PGCMFC application after
filling out the "Add a Program" section in the "Graduate-Level Record Change" form to be considered for admission.
Application Process
1.
Complete CIU application form and PGCMFC essays and submit application fee.
2.
Completed masters program in a clinical mental health or equivalent program with a minimum 3.0 GPA
from a regionally accredited institution. (Applicants must request official transcripts from all colleges
and/or universities attended to be sent directly to CIU Graduate Admissions. Note: Applicants who have
attended an institution outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated through World Education
Services (WES). Contact CIU Graduate Admissions for details.)
3.
Submit current résumé or curriculum vitae.
4.
Clinical Readiness Reference: Present or past clinical supervisor or employer who has direct knowledge of
the applicant’s clinical work and can speak to the applicant’s clinical skill level and readiness for an
advanced training certificate program using the COC Clinical Reference Form. (Additional information may
be requested, such as Professional Performance Review [CIU alumni] and/or additional reference.)
5.
Sample counseling (actual or role play) video recording (10-15 min.) with self-critique of strengths and
weaknesses of session.
6.
Group interview participation (see below)
Group Interview
1.
Once the completed application requirements (including official transcripts) are received and reviewed, the
applicant will be notified of acceptance or denial to the group interview day. Admission will not be granted
to those who do not participate in the group interview. Special arrangements may be made for
international applicants.
2.
The group interview day is an intensive time for both the admissions committee and applicants to learn
about each other and make decisions with regard to the fit between the applicant and the program.
3.
The group interview day consists of: a) orientation information about the biblical values, professional and
Christian mission, and academic and clinical design of the program, b) basic information about curricular
requirements including internship supervision requirements, the informed consent for participation in the
program, and the experiential component of the program, and c) specific group and other activities
throughout the day to help understand the fit of each applicant’s interpersonal and clinical skills, cognitive
abilities, and ethical reasoning with the program.
Final admission decisions are based on both the application and the group interview admission process for both
COC alumni and non-COC applicants. The written application deadline is June 30th and the group interview is
offered mid-July each year.
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College of Counseling