The unique courses within the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provide students with knowledge about psychological theory, counseling techniques, and assessment to equip students to address real-world issues from a biblical worldview. Graduates of the program are academically prepared to seek state licensure or certification as a professional mental health counselor.
Degree Information for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 62-hour program that students can complete at their own pace by taking courses online and/or on campus. The degree offers comprehensive courses required by the state of Georgia for licensure. You can see our degree checklist below.
We also have a published course rotation that current students can find in the Student Resource Center classroom on BrightSpace. Students are able to choose their courses, but we highly encourage students to work with our Master’s advisor to determine what courses to take each semester.
Our courses are either eight weeks or 16 weeks in length. Our on-campus classes meet one day a week (either Monday or Tuesday). Supervision for practicum and internship may occur on Wednesday. Some online courses may include weekly virtual meetings or may occur as intensives. Intensives are 16-week courses where students meet on campus for one week (Monday-Friday) to complete class lectures. Homework assignments will be turned in online after the on-campus portion of the course concludes.
Students are able to move through the program at their own pace. If a student takes three to four courses each semester including the summer semesters, they can complete their degree in six to seven semesters (2- 2 ½ years).
In addition to completing coursework, our students must obtain six hours of documented personal counseling from a licensed professional and pass the CPCE, a test designed to help students pass the NCE that is required to pursue licensure. Students will also complete practicum and internship courses where they will accrue 600 hours of direct and indirect experience counseling at an approved site of their choice.
Possible careers
- Mental Health Counselor
- Intervention Specialist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- School Counselor
Admission Requirements
Students can enroll in the program during any semester, though we recommend that students start in the fall semester if possible. The application deadlines are as follows:
- Fall Admissions deadline: July 18
- Spring Admissions deadline: November 1
- Summer Admissions deadline: May 1
Applicants for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Applicants must submit official college transcripts and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit:
- Resume
- Two-page personal statement essay
- Two professional recommendations
- Background check
Applicants will also complete a virtual group interview with the School of Psychology Faculty that will take place after the admissions deadline has passed.
How to Apply for a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Biblical Counseling