The Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I is an advanced professional degree for community organizations and church-related vocations.  This program it infuses academics and practice to prepare students for family therapy and counseling ministry.

The purposes of this program include: (1) Developing advanced knowledge and professional skills in Family Therapy;  (2) Understanding and interpreting ministry in relation to the context of Family Therapy; (3) Acquainting the student with literature, materials, and methodologies which develop leadership, teaching, and counseling skills to be used in helping relationships; (4) Guiding the student in personal reflection and growth; and (5) Providing courses necessary to be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); The Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I is designed for students who do not have a Master of Divinity in a related field. 

Students who are deficient in content courses, as identified through the Student Academic Evaluation, may be required to take leveling courses in addition to the required course work for this program.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I Program, the graduate will have:

1.      Developed knowledge and skills in therapy which can be applied in church settings or other professional settings;

2.      Developed advanced knowledge and professional skills in Family Therapy;

3.      Understood and interpreted ministry in relation to the context of Family Therapy;

4.      Become acquainted with literature, materials, and methodologies which develop leadership, teaching, and counseling skills used in helping relationships;

5.      Developed personal reflections and growth;

6.      Taken courses necessary to be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or to be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); and

7.      Been prepared to be a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).