Dual Degree

Master of Arts in Family Ministry and Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy (CCMF)

The dual degree program in the MAFM and the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy (MACCMF) allows students to add coursework to the MAFM that provides eligibility for licensure as a professional counselor and/or a marriage and family therapist. All prerequisites and coursework requirements for both degrees must be met. The MACCMF may only be eared at the Abilene Campus.

To enable students the opportunity to more fully integrate the two degrees, both degrees are completed simultaneously. The following is a suggested course rotation.

First YearFall Semester (9 hrs)

  • Theological Research (1 hr)
  • Preparation for Ministry (2 hrs)
  • Vocational Development/Choice (3 hrs)
  • Advanced Research Methods (3 hrs)

Spring Semester (12 hrs)

  • Bible (OT or NT), Church History, or Theology course (3 hrs)
  • Developmental Issues in Counseling Individuals and Families (3 hrs)
  • Individual Theories (3 hrs)
  • Counseling Diverse Populations (3 hrs)

May Term (3 hrs)

  • Premarital/Marital Therapy (3 hrs)

Summer 1 (3 hrs)

  • Bible (OT or NT), Church History, or Theology course (3 hrs)

Summer 2 (3 hrs)

  • Bible (OT or NT), Church History, or Theology course (3 hrs)

Second YearFall Semester (9 hours)

  • Bible (OT or NT), Church History, or Theology course (3 hrs)
  • Child and Adolescent Therapy (3 hrs)
  • Group Therapy (3 hrs)

Spring Semester (9 hrs)

  • Family Ministry in the Church (3 hrs)
  • Advanced Psychopathology I (3 hrs)
  • Bible (OT or NT), Church History, or Theology course (3 hrs)

May Term (3 hrs)

  • Individual, Family, and Group Assessment (3 hrs)

Summer 1 & 2 (3 hrs)

  • Basic Skills and Techniques in Counseling Individuals & Families (Pre-Practicum) (3 hrs)

Summer 1 (3 hrs)

  • Professional Orientation and Ethics (3 hrs)

Summer 2 (3 hrs)

  • Advanced Ethics (3 hrs)

Third YearFall Semester (10 hrs)

  • Practicum (3 hrs)
  • Theories of Marriage and Family Counseling (3 hrs)
  • Bible (OT or NT), Church History, or Theology course (3 hrs)
  • Capstone (1 hr)

Spring Semester (7 hrs)

  • Internship I (3 hrs)
  • Advanced Psychopathology II (3 hrs)
  • Capstone II (1 hr)

Summer 1 & 2 (3 hrs)

  • Internship II (3 hrs)

Summer 1 (3 hrs)

  • Addictions (3 hrs)

Summer 2 (3 hrs)

  • Advanced Human Sexuality: Disorders & Treatment (3 hrs)

Total: 86 hours for the dual degree

Refer to the Hardin-Simmons University Graduate Studies Catalog for information on prerequisites and degree requirements for the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy program.

If dual degree students wish to complete some of the MAFM at an extension site before coming to the Abilene campus, they should contact the program director about that possibility.