OC launches a new Master’s Degree in Human Science
Oklahoma Christian University is thrilled to announce that approval for its newest master’s program in Human Science has been granted by The Higher Learning Commission. This degree will offer two areas of emphasis for the students: Family Life Education and Marriage and Family Therapy. The two tracks will prepare graduate students for their licensing and certifications, as well as doctoral studies and the workforce.
The mission of OC’s new program is to teach interpersonal relationships and studies of families with curriculum designed to encourage learning with an atmosphere that is inclusive and challenging.
The FLE emphasis will help students become eligible for the Certified Family Life Educator credential. In this track, graduates will take on a practice to develop skills in strengthening interpersonal relationships. These students can then take the National Certification Exam, which is administered by the National Council on Family Relations.
The MFT emphasis will lead to eligibility for licensing in Oklahoma for graduate students to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. They will be trained in family systems and psychotherapy. Once equipped, these graduates will diagnose and treat various disorders within a marriage or other family systems. OC is also seeking accreditation for this track from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. That process requires two years of research and data before accreditation can begin.
OC explored options for this program for several years, led by the work of faculty such as Associate Professor of Psychology and Family Science Bobby Kern and Director of Graduate Studies Kelly Roberts. Kern and others completed a study to see how feasible it would be for students preparing to join the workforce. Roberts was recruited and joined the faculty last year to help launch the program.
Robert sees the new program as a degree that helps students and graduates bring healing to a hurting world.
“Graduate studies in human sciences prepare students for the professional world of working with people of all ages to do good things,” Roberts said. “Students will become equipped to observe, analyze, serve and influence the world around [them], developed and guided by a mission of excellence. They will co-create goals of positive change for the populations with whom they interact.”
During their time in these programs, students will also take between 39 and 51 hours of coursework, depending upon whether they choose to complete a master's thesis. Core requirements for the FLE track are 39 hours and the core MFT track hours are 45. A master's thesis will add a minimum of six additional hours to either degree plan.
As families continue to process traumatic experiences, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the human sciences field has seen a need for professionals to assist in helping families heal.
OC President John deSteiguer expressed his appreciation for the new program.
"I appreciate Drs. Bobby Kern, Tina Winn and Dr. Kelly Roberts, who have worked diligently to have the program ready to roll out upon approval," he said. "I know many people will be blessed by the professionals that will be trained here at OC to assist individuals and families in our community and abroad with mental health issues. This is great news!"
To learn more about applying to the program, visit the OC website for the new programs here.
Just last semester, OC also launched a new certificate in Trauma-Informed Family Support. Credit earned for the certificate can be applied to the new graduate degrees, too. To learn more about applying to the certificate program, visit the OC website for it online here.
Inspired by the certificate program, Roberts, Winn and Kern have also developed a seminar to help churches become more familiar with trauma-informed ministry. They welcome questions from church members and leaders interested in hosting the seminar.