The M.A. degree program in Counseling is informed by an understanding of Christian faith and mental health. We are committed to training graduate-level clinicians to be instruments of change that reflect a compassionate presence to the diverse and changing communities they will serve. Graduate students are trained in the knowledge and skills of effective counseling and ethical practice in order to seek social justice and offer hope as they serve others with integrity and humility.

Accreditation

Bethel University’s M.A. in Counseling program is accredited in Clinical Mental Health Counseling by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accreditation serves students by ensuring programs meet key standards within the counseling field, preparing students to enter the counseling field with professional preparation that is recognized across the nation.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the M.A. in Counseling Program at Bethel University will:

• Develop a professional identity as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor within the broader counseling profession.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the counseling core curriculum and specialty area of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
• Apply evidence-based practice research to the delivery and evaluation of effective counseling
• Demonstrate ethical responsiveness and ethical decision making in counseling practice.
• Develop cultural sensitivity, responsiveness, and a social justice advocacy mindset as a professional counselor.
• Develop professional sensitivity and responsiveness to religious and spiritual diversity throughout the counseling process.
• Demonstrate competencies as a professional counselor in a clinical mental health setting.

Program Design

The program is designed to be completed in three academic years (33 months), including summer sessions. Classes meet either one afternoon and evening or two evenings each week. A summer practicum, fall internship, and spring internship is required during the final year. A supportive learning community is achieved through the cohort model—a small group of students who will progress through their degree program together.

Admission Requirements

• Meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
• Submit an official transcript (U.S. schools) or NACES or AICE evaluation (international schools) showing an earned baccalaureate or higher degree, and official transcripts or NACES or AICE evaluations from all graduate schools attended. Applicants must also submit an official transcript or NACES or AICE evaluation from any school that shows completion of required program prerequisites.
• Have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree from an institutionally accredited (or internationally recognized as equivalent) institution.
• Have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale on the highest degree completed.
• Submit a written Statement of Purpose.
• Interview with program faculty and representatives upon invitation. Bethel undergraduate students or graduates who meet all of the qualifications are guaranteed an interview, but not guaranteed a seat in the program. 
• Submit 4 Admission References
  • Three professional references from supervisors and/or academics
  • One personal reference
• Have successfully completed 9 semester credits in the behavioral/social sciences from an institutionally accredited institution. Each course must have earned at least three semester credits and may have been taken at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Submit a current resume.
• Undergo a criminal background check after being invited to the program and submit results. (Certain offenses may preclude graduates from becoming licensed as a professional counselor and/or may limit clinical placement options.)

Degree Requirements

M.A. in Counseling

The required curriculum for the M.A. in Counseling comprises a 60 semester credit sequence of courses.