The mission of the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program is to prepare professional counselors who are committed to excellence in community service. The counseling program provides a liberal arts education based on a Christian perspective that promotes respect for the diversity of each person as uniquely created by God. A balanced development of the individual’s spiritual, mental, physical, and social needs is encouraged based on the example of Jesus Christ, the Master Counselor.

The MAC is a 48-credit hour program offered on the main campus and at several off-campus sites through School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The MAC program provides comprehensive academic instruction and clinical experience for students who are interested in understanding and helping others in a counseling setting.

The curriculum focuses on key areas of the counseling profession such as ethics, counseling theory and techniques, multiculturalism, interpersonal skills, etc. The core curriculum includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. The courses are taught from a Christian perspective.

The MAC program is designed to be completed by a cohort group that begins and ends coursework together. This group format is intended to facilitate learning and provide support for all members of the group.

Click here to view the Master of Arts in Counseling brochure [PDF].

Licensed Professional Counselor for Michigan

Within the state of Michigan, a license is required to work in any facility as a professional counselor (other than a K-12 school). Counseling in the public schools requires a school counseling license from the Michigan Department of Education.

Following completion of the MAC degree, students apply to become a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC). During this provisional licensure time period, the LLPC works under the direct supervision of a fully licensed professional counselor to complete the required 3,000 post-degree hours.

Any time after the degree is earned, students may take the national counseling exam. When the 3,000 supervised hours have been completed and the counseling exam has been passed, the LLPC may apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

NOTE: Students who are considering counseling practice in states other than Michigan are encouraged to contact the State Education Department or Board of Counseling of that state and learn about the requirements for certification and/or licensure. This should be done before enrolling in the Spring Arbor University program.

School Counseling Track

Students in the school counseling track are required to complete the following electives courses:

• CNS 673 Development & Adminstration of School Counseling Programs (3)
• CNS 683 Mental Health within the Schools (3)

Students without a teaching certificate are required to take the following course as a prerequisite to CNS 673 and CNS 683:

• CNS 643 Introduction to Classroom Dynamics