Counseling
MA
Overview of our master's in counseling program
Achieving excellence in the counseling profession demands more than traditional classroom education. Our master's in counseling program emphasizes practical, active learning—where theory meets practice. Whether you take courses in our hybrid, on-campus program or pursue our online counseling degree, you will engage directly with real individuals facing real challenges. This direct interaction allows you to apply your knowledge, immerse yourself in deep self-reflection and become the counseling professional you aspire to be for yourself and your clients.
The Central Michigan University Counseling Program has been granted accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
AT A GLANCE
How our master's in counseling advances careers
Overcoming dependence on drugs and alcohol. Navigating the struggles of growing up. Achieving wellness in the face of mental health challenges. Skilled, caring counselors hold the key to help individuals and families with these and other situations.
Our master's in counseling program gives you the experience to step into the field and start helping people right away.
Many of our students pursue their master's in counseling as they continue to work. Our flexible formats allow true balance between your career and your studies. Take online courses in real-time or at your own pace. We also have a mixed model that combines online and in-person classes in Mount Pleasant. Both part-time and full-time options are available.
Our graduate-level counseling degree has three concentration options:
- Addiction Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
Each concentration features comprehensive and practical hands-on learning opportunities. All students, including those pursuing their online counseling degree, engage directly with individuals during a compulsory practicum. You'll also complete an internship where you'll manage a client caseload, facilitate counseling groups or work with students in a K-12 setting.
Counseling MA program highlights
As a student in our counseling master's program, you will:
- Learn from the best: All of our faculty members are licensed counselors with doctoral degrees in counselor education. They'll demand your best—but when the time comes, you'll find yourself prepared to handle any situation.
- Get hands-on experience: Our on-campus Center for Community Counseling and Development is run by students in the master's of counseling program who offer in-person and remote counseling services. You can also choose to gain experience in a community agency or school setting.
- Make change as a school counselor: The master's of counseling program teaches you how to help students from kindergarten to high school with their schoolwork, emotions and future plans. You'll turn into a catalyst for change, pushing for fairness, access, accomplishment and opportunities for every student.
Master's in counseling concentrations
Addiction Counseling
Clinical Mental Health
School Counseling
Opportunities for master's in counseling graduates
When you graduate from our master's in counseling program, you'll be prepared to work as a counselor in public and private schools, higher education, community-based social service agencies, private practice and other professional settings.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| School Counselor | $61,710 |
| Family/Behavioral Therapist | $58,510 |
| Addiction Counselor | $48,520 |
A chat with the Counseling MA director
Join the director of our master's in counseling program, Dr. Sheri Pickover, as she answers common questions from people like you. She is also joined by alumni from each of the program's concentration options.
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