Program Objective

This program aims at training post-M.Div. pastor to have a deeper understanding and knowledge of the complexities of Chinese marriage and family, and to increase pastoral workers' awareness of the needs of marriages and families so as to show concern and exercise appropriate actions in their ministry in accordance with biblical and theological principles.

Program Design

1. The program content is designed in accordance with recommendations given by two American accreditation institutes (CACREP & COAMFTE: MFT Education Guidelines).  With a Student Learning Outcomes education philosophy in mind, students will acquire the professional knowledge and skills through topical studies.
2. By part-time study, the program must be completed in 4 years.
3. Students need to complete 36 credits, including 150 hours of counseling practicum to be completed in one year’s time.
4. Students need to apply for and attend an interview before starting the counseling practicum.
5. During the counseling practicum, students must attend supervision sessions and being evaluated periodically.  Supervision sessions will be conducted in small groups or individually.

Credit Requirements

Prerequisite                        3 courses             
Major                                 5 courses              15 credits
Electives                            2 courses              6 credits
Counseling Practicum       3 courses              9 credits
Research Thesis                                              6 credits

Total                                                              36 credits

Prerequisite Courses

Three courses in total:
O511 Counseling Theories,
CO513 Human Growth and Development,
CO512 Family Systems / CO507 Family Systems Dynamics. 

Students are required to take the above courses if they have not taken before.

Major Courses (15 credits)

CO515 Professional Ethics in Marriage and Family Counseling
CO517 Research in Marriage and Family Counseling
CO521 Psychopathology
CO516 Integration of Theology and Psychology
CO709 Counseling and Christian Thought
CO708 Religion and Family Life

Elective Courses (6 credits)

Any CO elective courses offered

Counseling Practicum (9 credits)

CO605 Counseling Process and Techniques
CO601 Counseling Practicum I**
CO602 Counseling Practicum II**

** 150 hours in total

Research Thesis (6 credits)

With the guidance of the mentor, complete a thesis (minimum word limit: 20,000 in Chinese).

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must hold an approved Master of Divinity degree or equivalent.
2. Having extensive experience in church ministry and recommended by the affiliated church.

For application and enquiry,

email: absadmission@abs.edu
tel: (852) 3657 4731

**This program is accredited by the Asia Theological Association(ATA). Period of Accreditation: 2017-2028.