M.A. in Human Services – Human Services Counseling

A review of human services fields and career identities.  The impact of worldviews on the relationship between human service workers and those they serve is examined.  Attention is given to ethical, spiritual, and other considerations for those seeking to be effective change agents for the good of others.

Consists of carefully selected topics/findings drawn from the behavioral sciences that can provide a valuable knowledge base for those working in the human services fields. It will draw from the psychological research on the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional bases of behavior, theories of counseling, motivation research, and other behavioral science fields.

Provides an overview of professional ethics for human services fields. A brief survey of the professional codes in the mental health fields and other relevant guidance in applied ethics pertinent to human services work and roles.  Cross-listed with PAC 505.

Pragmatic and psychospiritual components related to the organization, administration and operation of counseling related services within the context of the local church and other ministry environments. Examines the practical application of ministry oriented counseling for commonly addressed problems. Addresses various legal, ethical and liability issues, and discusses specific treatment issues. Consideration to thorough assessment and referral functions in each of these areas. Examines the impact of small group ministry.  Cross-listed with MHPS 613 and PAC 513.

A survey and experiential application of interviewing, reflective listening and helping skills. Techniques and practices derived from professional counseling and other human service fields will be covered with an emphasis on demonstrations, modeling, practice and evaluation.  Cross-listed with PAC 524.

Continuing experiential application of significant personality theories and practice of more advanced counseling skills. Overview of the techniques and practices derived from the major psychotherapeutic systems relevant to these more advanced skills. Emphasis on the demonstration, modeling, practice and evaluation of these core skills and techniques.  Prerequisite:  HSC 524.  Cross-listed with MHPS 625.

Overview of various marriage and adult relationships. In depth analysis of one’s own marriage and/or family of origin will facilitate deeper understanding. Examine topics on systems theory, life span dynamics, and selected issues associated with marriage counseling such as premarital counseling, marriage enrichment, human sexuality, and divorce/remarriage. Presents a multicultural focus as it pertains to marriage, adult relationships and ministry.  Cross-listed with MHPS 624 and PAC 544.

Overview of various child, adolescent, and parental relationships and the theological considerations in addressing these relationships.  Examines developmentally appropriate approaches and effective strategies for counseling children and adolescents in both individual and group settings as well as topics relating to systems theory, the family life cycle, parenting, blended families, and resources to aid the family.  Relevant ethical and legal considerations also discussed.  Presents a multicultural focus as it pertains to children adolescents, and ministry.  Cross-listed with MHPS 646.

Conceptual and practical overview of group dynamics including the role of group leadership, tools for forming a group and orientation of members. Emphasis will be given to leadership techniques used at various stages of the group process as well as applicable ethical issues. Participate in a small group experience to promote self-awareness, develop interpersonal and facilitator skills and explore biblical principles relevant to group dynamics.  Cross-listed with MHPS 652.

Introduction to basic lay counseling intervention strategies, techniques, and supportive care-giving activities.  Examines such topics as conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation, anger management, mentoring, grief counseling, and solution-focused interventions.  Presents a multicultural focus as it relates to intervention strategies and ministry.

Continuation of Models & Strategies with more advanced lay counseling intervention strategies, techniques, and supportive care-giving activities.  Examines such topics as models of inner healing and forgiveness, critical incidents and crisis counseling, community trauma and disaster, chaplaincy issues, and stress/burnout issues.  Presents a multicultural focus as it relates to intervention strategies and ministry.  Cross-listed with PAC 561 and MHPS 761.

Provides an introduction to the importance of cultural awareness and the presence/influence of cultural and individual diversity. Also, students gain an overview of social theories and social justice. Attention is given to support the development of multicultural skills with a broad range of focus and application across varied settings.  Cross-listed with PAC 570.

Combines reflection and analysis of an applied field experience with course-based discussion of the integration of Christianity and human service work. Students must obtain a total of 150 hours of pre-approved on-site experience, including 50 contact hours in human services work with identifiable client/participants.  Must be taken after students have completed 10 credits towards their degree.  Extends over the full semester to ensure adequate time for students to gain training hours.  Cross-listed with PAC 596 and MHPS 696.

An  online  two-credit  course  designed  to  help  acclimate students to Regent University and online learning. It will provide the knowledge, resources and essential skills needed for success  at  the  graduate  level. Topics  include  academic  writing,  online  learning,  information  literacy,  and  advising  and support services. It may be required for some students as a condition of admission, and may substitute for UNIV LIB Information Research and Resources and/or ENGL 500 Graduate Academic Writing Seminar.

In this exploding age of information, it is the objective of the library faculty to prepare graduates to be on the cutting edge of information technology. Information literacy is the ability to effectively access information for problem solving and decision-making; thus, the knowledge and abilities you glean from this course will open doors to lifelong learning. It is imperative for graduate study research. Since the information learned in this course is a vital foundation for all other coursework, its completion is required within the first semester of study. The course takes approximately ten hours to complete.