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174 | COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2016-2017 SEMINARY & SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN
MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELING
The CIU’s Clinical Counseling Program offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Counseling (PGCMFC)
that 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 admission requirements, applicants must complete the application process as specified
below.
*Note: Current Clinical Counseling students must go through the following PGCMFC application process after filling out the
"Add a Program" section on the "Graduate-Level Record Change" form prior to graduation to be considered for admission.
Application Process
•
Complete CIU application form and PGCMFC essays and submit application fee.
•
Completed master’s 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 Admissions. Note: Applicants who have attended an institution outside the United
States must have transcripts evaluated through World Education Services (WES). Contact CIU Admissions for
details.)
•
Submit current résumé or curriculum vitae.
•
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 Clinical Reference Form. (Additional information may be requested, such as
Professional Performance Review [CIU alumni] and/or additional reference.)
•
Sample counseling (actual or role play) video recording (10-15 min.) with self-critique of strengths and weaknesses
of session.
•
Group interview participation. See below:
Group Interview
•
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.
•
The group interview day is an intensive time for both the admission committee and applicants to learn about each
other and make decisions with regard to the fit between the applicant and the program.
•
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 program
alumni and non-program applicants. The written application deadline is mid-May and the group interview is offered at the
end of May each year.
Residency Requirements
(Prior program course credit and non-program credit transfer policy)
Alumni who have completed the Master of Arts in Counseling may apply eligible, prior program course credit from their M.A.
program towards the PGCMFC. The following courses will be considered for transfer toward the PGCMFC from another
accredited school: Family Systems Theory, Internship I and Internship II. Transfer credit must be approved by the student’s
advisor and the dean. Additional policies governing transfer credit are outlined in the Admissions section of this catalog.
Program Hours, Internship, Licensure
The PGCMFC program requires 27 credit hours for graduation. M.A. in Counseling alumni who have taken electives
consistent with the PGCMFC program, must complete at least 13 credit hours as part of the certificate.
Completion of this program requires a minimum of nine (9) graduate semester hours in clinical experience. The clinical
experience must include a minimum of six hundred (600) total hours of internship experience including individual and group