Master of Arts in Counseling

Counselor of the Year. Dean of a top notch graduate school. These are just a few of the accomplishments of our counseling graduates. We want you to join them as our next success story.

With a Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University, you can help others work through their challenges and reach a healthier state of mind. Our program will educate you in areas from group counseling and substance abuse treatment to marriage and family therapy. Our goal is for you to be a well-rounded professional through the experiences you will gain in the classroom and the community. What makes our program unique? Read on.

• 2 degree options: Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling
• A certificate in Counseling from a Christian Perspective
• Non-cohort based course delivery, meaning a flexible schedule at your own pace
• Traditional and career track admission giving students more than one way to be admitted
• 2 convenient locations: Lenoir-Rhyne in Hickory and the Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville

Curriculum Snapshot

Take the program at your own pace, whether that is part time or full tilt. Here are some highlights of what you need to know:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 61 credit hours
• School Counseling: 52 credit hours
• Flexible format for classes being either in the evening, on weekends, or hybrid (half online, half in class) formats
• At the end of the program, you'll be prepared for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or School Counselor

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The skinny on the program

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Curriculum Overview

School Counseling: 51 credits
COU 505    Counseling Theories
COU 510    Introduction and Foundation of School Counseling
COU 515    Advanced School Counseling and Practicum
COU 524    Psychological and Educational Testing and Appraisal
COU 525    Professional and Ethical Issues
COU 530    Counseling Techniques and Practicum
COU 535    Diversity Issues for Helping Professionals
COU 540    Group Counseling Theory and Practice
COU 545    Career Counseling and Practicum
COU 550    Psychopathology, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
COU 555    Consultation Process, Crisis Intervention and Practicum
COU 590    School Internship I
COU 591    School Internship II
EDU 500    Quantitative Methods
EDU 505    Research Methodology and Practicum
EDU 506    Child, Individual, and Family Development
                  Emphasis course (selected under advisement)

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 60 credits
COU 505    Counseling Theories
COU 520    Mental Health Methods, Interventions and Issues
COU 525    Professional and Ethical Issues
COU 530    Counseling Techniques and Practicum
COU 540    Group Counseling Theory and Practice
COU 545    Career Counseling and Practicum
COU 555    Consultation Process, Crisis Intervention and Practicum
EDU 505    Research Methodology and Practicum
EDU 506    Child, Individual, and Family Development
EDU 500    Quantitative Methods
COU 524    Psychological and Educational Testing and Appraisal
COU 535    Diversity Issues for Helping Professionals
COU 551    Psychopathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
COU 573    Substance Abuse Counseling |
COU 560    Foundations of Marriage and Family Counseling
COU 592    Mental Health Internship I (300 hours)
COU 593    Mental Health Internship II (300 hours) 
                  Emphasis Courses (selected under advisement)

Community Counseling with School Licensure: 60 credits
COU 505    Counseling Theories
COU 510    Introduction and Foundation of School Counseling
COU 515    Advanced School Counseling and Practicum
COU 520    Mental Health Methods, Interventions, and Issues
COU 525    Professional and Ethical Issues
COU 530    Counseling Techniques and Practicum
COU 540    Group Counseling Theory and Practice
COU 545    Career Counseling and Practicum
COU 555    Consultation Process, Crisis Intervention, and Practicum
EDU 505    Research Methodology and Practicum
EDU 506    Child, Individual, and Family Development
EDU 500    Quantitative Methods
COU 524    Psychological and Educational Testing and Appraisal
COU 535    Diversity Issues for Helping Professionals
COU 551    Psychopathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
COU 590    School Internship I (300 hours)
COU 592    Mental Health Internship I (300 hours)