Counseling
MA
Program Overview
The skills you need to thrive as a counselor aren't just learned in a classroom—they're built through experience. As a student in our counseling program, you'll practice working with real people, with real needs, all while you self-reflect and learn more about the profession.
The Central Michigan University Counseling Program has been granted accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program exceeds the requirements for all of its counseling programs (Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling) leading to licensure/ endorsement and/ or counselor licensure in professional counseling.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
Overcoming dependence on drugs and alcohol. Navigating the perils of adolescence. Achieving wellness in the face of mental health challenges.
Skilled, caring counselors hold the key to help individuals and families do that. And our counseling program gives you the experience to step into the field the day you graduate.
Our students go on to work as counselors in public and private schools; colleges and universities; community-based social service agencies; and private practice.
Many of our students complete counseling degrees while holding down jobs in schools or other institutions. The program is structured so you don't have to choose between an education and your career. We hold classes nights, live online, or asynchronously online. You can attend our Mount Pleasant campus full-time or part-time; and part-time in a hybrid, hyflex or online format throughout Michigan. Each provides extensive hands-on experience. You will work directly with individuals of all ages as part of a mandatory practicum.
Our faculty are licensed counselors, who all hold doctoral degrees in counselor education. They'll demand your best—but when the time comes for you to go on your own, you'll find yourself prepared to handle even new situations.
You will choose from three concentrations: Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or School Counseling.
Each provides extensive hands-on experience. Every counseling student works directly with individuals, as part of a mandatory practicum. You'll also complete an internship, at which you'll manage a client caseload run counseling groups.
And while you'll have the freedom to build critical on-the-job skills, our faculty and partners will be by your side to offer close supervision.
Program Highlights
As a student in our master's in counseling program, you will:
- Gain experience at our Center for Community Counseling and Development, a no-cost mental health center staffed by students in the Counseling program who provide face-to-face and telemental health counseling; or a community-based agency or school.
- The school counseling concentration will train you to assist K-12 students with their academic, social/emotional, and career development needs. You will become a systems change agent who advocates for equity, access, achievement, and opportunity for all students. The program will prepare you for employment at the elementary, middle, or high school level.
Concentrations
Addiction Counseling
Clinical Mental Health
School Counseling
Careers & Outcomes
When you graduate from our counseling master's degree program, you'll be prepared to work as counseling personnel in public and private schools, institutions of higher education, community-based social service agencies, and private practice.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| School Counselor | $60,510 |
| Family/Behavioral Therapist | $50,390 |
| Addiction Counselor | $48,520 |
