Department of Counseling

Graduates in Counseling go on to work in a variety of settings including private practices, universities, clinics, hospitals, mental health agencies, churches and schools.

Goals and Purposes

The goal of the Department of Counseling is to train students to become knowledgeable, competent, ethical professionals in their fields who are able to bring Christian ethics, values and worldview to their workplaces. To this end, our goal is to provide learning experiences that

  • include coursework that meets or exceeds the state and national standards for academic knowledge in each discipline
  • offer opportunities to develop levels of skills necessary for entering the professional arena and performing with excellence
  • emphasize critical thinking, utilization of resources, the ability to work independently and cooperatively and
  • impart the importance of professionalism, integrity, values-centered work and lifelong learning and development

Degrees in Counseling

Master's Degrees

  • On Campus
    The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling graduate program is formulated to prepare students for service as counselors in churches, counseling organizations and other environments. Clinical counseling skills are paired with biblical principles for application for individuals, families and in crisis situations. (Leads to LPC licensure.)
  • On Campus Online
    The graduate program, Master of Arts in  Clinical Mental Health Counseling, prepares students for counseling-related careers in settings such as private practices, universities, clinics and hospitals. The program offers a practicum, and detailed preparation for testing, evaluation, counseling practices and research methods. (Leads to LPC licensure.)
  • Online
    The MAHS prepares students to serve diverse populations through human service careers in social work settings such as behavioral health, community and faith-based human services, corrections, and hospital treatment settings. Specializations include marriage and family and professional life coaching, but the program does not lead to licensure.
  • On Campus Online
    The graduate program, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, is designed for those who wish to help couples and families. Students develop research-supported counseling skills which they may apply in therapeutic settings such as churches, counseling institutions and non-profit organizations. (Leads to licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist.)