Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Theology with Specialization in ...

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in APPLIED THEOLOGY
With SPECIALIZATION in FORMATIVE COUNSELING
Course Description
The ladderized program Doctor of Philosophy (specializing in Formative Counseling)
intends to serve the following clientele: religious education teachers/catechists, campus
ministers, counselors/catechists, counselors/spiritual directors, seminary formators, and
formators in religious life. It provides formators with a venue for an advanced learning and
understanding of the processes as well as demands of formative spiritual guidance within the
religious life aided by advanced psychological tools in counselling and relevant interventions.
Formative counseling/ spiritual direction as a field of professional work blend religious
education, theology, scripture, and spirituality with guidance and counseling. It is grounded on
formative spirituality, a holistic approach to the arts and sciences, which includes the arts,
theology, scripture, physical and social science education, guidance and counseling.
Distinguished from mainstream counselling psychology, formative counselees /directees in this
discipline are led to a deep and authentic awareness of themselves in relation to the Divine,
other persons, and the physical universe.
Course Requirements
To finish the program the student has to complete a total of 94 academic units
distributed in two components: the Masters level courses leading to a Masters degree in
Applied Theology (with concentration in Formative Counseling) and, the Doctoral Level courses
leading to a PhD in Applied Theology (specializing in Formative Counseling). The Masters level
constitutes 44 units representing basic and major academic courses. The doctorate component
comprises 50 units representing basic, major and elective courses. The heavy academic load is
also the result of governmental requirements relating to the licensing and practice of
counselling which renders the student eligible for public practice after the Board examination.
On top of these course requirements, the dissertation writing course is given 12 units.
Non-Course Requirement
The student, upon completion of the Masters level courses (30 units), must undergo a
written comprehensive exams in five areas (Scriptures, Moral Theology, Liturgy and Sacraments,
Religious Education, and Dogma or Systematic Theology). After the course and non-course
requirements are completed and passed, the student may now request for university
certification indicating completion of the basic requirements for the degree Master of
Philosophy in Applied Theology with specialization in Formative Counseling (Non-Thesis). The
completion of this non-course requirement will allow the student to take the PhD level
academic requirements in formative counseling. Upon completion of the PhD-level academic
courses, the student shall then take the second and final comprehensive exams prior to
dissertation writing. After passing the PhD level comprehensive exams the student shall then be
allowed to enrol in a 12-unit dissertation writing course the following term.
1

FIRST COMPONENT: MASTERS LEVEL COURSES
[Leading to an Masters in APPLIED THEOLOGY
With SPECIALIZATION in Formative Counseling]
BASIC COURSES
18 UNITS
Foundations of Applied Theology I: Basic Realities and Process (APT101M )
3 units
Within the framework of the mutual interaction between the Judaeo-Christian Tradition and
contemporary human experience, the fundamental notions of Revelation and Faith shall be dealt with.
The process of “doing theology”, particularly with cultural resources, will be explained and illustrated.
Trends in Biblical Studies: OT (APT201M )
3 units
A survey of the contemporary trends in the study of the bible in the area of the New Testament. The
course is an updated overview of scholarly findings on the subject and their relevance to
contemporary issues.
Trends Biblical Studies: NT
(APT202M)
3 units
A survey of the contemporary trends in the study of the bible in the area of the New Testament. The
course is an updated overview of scholarly findings on the subject and their relevance to
contemporary issues.
Doing Christology in a Cultural Context (APT204M)
3 units
The present-day understanding of the identity and the significance of Jesus is no longer confined to
Western philosophical categories. Following the general renewal in theology inspired by Vatican II,
various approaches to Christology have been developed. One of these, the cultural approach, seeks to
inculturate the Christian Faith in Jesus Christ in the different cultures of peoples. The course first
analyzes the first disciples’ experience of Jesus in order to ascertain the theological and hermeneutical
principles involved in it and to indicate the various stages the experience underwent. Knowledge of
these principles and stages will then provide guidance in articulating a “Christology” utilizing local
cultural categories.
Foundations of Moral Life
(APT206M)
3 units
This course covers various moral problems in the contemporary world and the challenges they pose.
However, a specific slant is given to Asian context. The course will provide occasions to apply the
moral principles in the fundamental moral theology in its various fields: sexual, medical and social
issues. It will concentrate on analysis of the different moral cases and the proper pastoral paths
possible for the cases.
A Lay – Centered Church
3 units
(APT203M)
2

The course is a historical, scriptural and systematic study of the role of the laity in the Church. The
course attempts to find a way to give dignity to ordinary Christians who represent ninety-nine percent
of the Church. It will also experiment on possible avenues open to lay people to exercise creative
ministries in the church. Furthermore, the course is a journey to self-discovery. It allows participants
to discover their gifts and talents that are beneficial in a lay-centered church. In addition, this course is
also a journey to spirituality.
MAJOR COURSES
26 UNITS
Formative Counseling / Spiritual Direction (APT602M)
4 units
This course will stress formative spirituality: the blending of psychology, culture, theology, and
religious experience. It will emphasize the blending of formative counseling / spiritual direction and
can be helpful for religious educators, guidance counselors, and formation personnel in Religious Life,
seminaries and societies of Apostolic Life.
Personality Theories (APT603M)
3 units
This course will examine the different theories of personality presented by different authors. It seeks
to discover what these theories have to offer for better understanding the uniqueness and the
plurality of personalities. It will necessarily include biographies, basic terms and concepts, assessment
methods and therapies, and references to further reading.
Techniques of Formative Counseling and Spiritual Accompaniment (APT604M)
3 units
Formators learn various psycho-spiritual approaches and techniques in formative counseling
and spiritual accompaniment. It seeks to help develop the qualities and skill of an effective cojourneyer
and spiritual accompanier.
History of Christian Spirituality (REV605M)
3 units
This course will present a history of the various kinds of Christian Spirituality developments from
the time of Jesus Christ to the present. A formative approach will be used in this course.
Assessment Tools in Formative Counseling (APT606M)
4 units
Formative study of the different assessment tools, including standardized tests for formative
counseling. It equips formators with skills to select, administer, score, interpret and evaluate
these measures for better accompaniment.
Formative Career Development and Counseling (APT608M)
3 units
Formators learn to examine the different career development theories and their use in
understanding the individual’s personal and career decision-making and discernment.
Foundations of Guidance, Formative Counseling and Spirituality
3 units
(APT610M)
3

Formators understand the concepts, principles, and practices of guidance and formative
counseling and spirituality.
Formative Group Process and Counseling (APT612M)
3 units
Formators learn the theoretical and experiential understanding of the group, purpose,
development, dynamics and group formative counseling methods and skills. Formators are
exposed to various group activities / exercise to learn how to become effective members and
facilitators of group.
Comprehensive Exam, (Masters level) non-course requirement
---0o0---
SECOND COMPONENT: DOCTORAL LEVEL COURSES
[Leading to the degree PhD in APPLIED THEOLOGY
With SPECIALIZATION in FORMATIVE COUNSELING]
BASIC COURSES
6 UNITS
Methods of Interpreting the Bible
(APT101P)
3 units
An exposition, illustration and critical analysis of the various exegetical methods used in
interpreting the Bible today.
Philosophy and Psychology of Religious Development and Values Formation (REV538P)
3 units
A study of schools of philosophy and psychology in their theories regarding religious
development and values formation. Specifically the psychological theories of Erikson, Kohlberg,
Hall and Fowler vis a vis Filipino culture, Psychology and Philosophical orientations will be
explored.
MAJOR COURSES
23 UNITS
Psycho-Spiritual Approaches to Formative Counseling, Psychotherapy and Spiritual
Accompaniment (APT321P)
4 units
Formators make an in-depth study of major theoretical counseling, psychotherapy, and using
spiritual accompaniment using the psycho-spiritual approach. Ethical considerations are
highlighted in the professional practice of accompaniment.
Advanced Personality Theory and Spirituality (APT322P)
3 units
Formators explore the development of personality and spirituality using the theoretical and
empirical approaches. The socio-cultural aspect of personality in the context of formative
counseling and spiritual direction is considered.
4

Advanced Psychopathology
(APT323P)
3 units
Formators study the characteristics of the different psychopathologies, their etiology, prognosis
and treatment. Formators learn to make concrete plans for better accompaniment.
Assessment Tools in Counseling (APT324P)
4 units
Formators learn the different assessment tools, including standardized paper-and-pencil tests
used to assess personality, intelligence, and other psycho-spiritual variables useful in formative
counseling. Formators are equipped with skills to select, administer, score, interpret, and
evaluate these tools.
Advanced Formative Group Process and Psychotherapy (APT325P)
3 units
Formators are given the opportunity (a) to make a review and survey of the different theories
applied in group formative counseling ; (b) to experience these theories in a small growth group
in class; and (c) to facilitate a small pastoral growth group outside class. Formators learn how to
use the Structured Learning Experiences (SLE) and Process-Observation-Analysis (POA) that are
important in facilitating groups.
Advanced Formative Counseling Strategies for Self Exploration and Discovery (APT326P)
3 units
formators explore the different formative counseling strategies experientially and further
understand the person of the formators / counselor to become better counselors,
psychotherapists, and spiritual accompany-ers.
Formative Psychotherapy and Spiritual Direction Practicum / Conference (APT327P)
3 units—REQUIRED
Formators are given the opportunity for group supervision in formative psychotherapy and
spiritual accompaniment.
Pre-requisites:
Psycho-spiritual Approaches to individual Counseling, Psychotherapy and Spiritual
Accompaniment.
Assessment Tools in Counseling
Advance Psychopathology
ELECTIVE COURSES
9 UNITS
Family Dynamics and Counseling Approaches (APT450P)
3 units
Formators learn the psycho-spiritual approach to helping both developing and troubled families.
It looks into the psychodynamics of family systems, the dysfunctional manifestation of family
crises in the socio-cultural setting, and the pastoral opportunities for caring, healing, and
growth. Some diagnostic and analytic tools are explored that can be used in planning and
implementing formative counseling strategies in resolving family problems.
5

Advanced Formative Career Counseling (APT451P)
3 units
Formators learn the current research, theory and practice in formative career counseling. This
course allows the formators to examine the different formative career development theories
and their use in understanding the individual’s personal and career needs in formation.
Advanced Contemporary Issues in Formative Counseling and Spiritual Accompaniment
(APT452P)
3 units
Formators explore the contemporary issues that the psychotherapist would encounter during
therapy and spiritual accompaniment and lean to diagnose and make treatment plan.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION (PhD level), non-course requirement
DISSERTATION
12 UNITS
Requirements : 0 units
1. 20 sessions of (Persona) Individual Psychotherapy (5 Sessions per term for
approximately one hour each)
2. 20 sessions of group psychotherapy (10 sessions per term- 2 terms)
New Laws on Counseling:
1. Licensure in Guidance & Counselling (R.A. 9258)
SEC.15. Scope of Examination. – The Examination shall be in English and shall consist of a written
test covering the following subjects:
a. Philosophical, Psychological and Sociological Foundations of Guidance
b. Counselling Theories, Tools and Techniques
c. Psychological Testing
d. Organization, Administration and Supervision of Guidance Services, and Program
Development
e. Group Process
f. Career Guidance
2. Licensure in Counselling (R.A. 10029)
SEC.14 Examination Subjects for Psychologists.- The licensure examination for psychologists
shall cover the following subjects:
a. Advanced Theories of Personality
b. Advanced Abnormal Psychology
c. Advanced Psychological Assessment
d. Psychological Counselling and Psychotherapy
6