Master of arts (MA)
Industry highlights
Employment of mental health counselors is expected to grow by 36 percent from 2010 to 2020.US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Program overview
The program is offered in-person in Kalamazoo; however, there are some courses that are offered online. The program is offered in a hybrid format in Grand Rapids which means there are several courses offered online and some courses meet in-person.
You love helping others realize their full potential and are ready to reach your own. With a Master of Arts degree in counselor education—clinical mental health counseling from Western Michigan University, your career advancement is in your own hands.
Upon completing the program at WMU, you will have completed the academic requirements for the LLPC in Michigan. Graduates must apply for the limited license and complete other requirements such as a criminal background check. The limited license professional counselor (LLPC) credential from the state of Michigan allows graduates to start practicing under supervision in a variety of fields.
Join us for a virtual information session to learn more.
Why clinical mental health counseling at Western Michigan University?
- The clinical mental health counseling program offered by the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology at WMU allows you to specialize and makes you marketable in a variety of fields.
- The program incorporates coursework in research methods, group dynamics, tests and measurement, counseling theory and techniques, professional issues and ethics, multicultural counseling, lifespan development, career development, psychopathology, causes of substance abuse, recovery oriented systems of care and foundations of clinical mental health counseling.
- This master's degree goes beyond other programs by giving you knowledge to be successful across disciplines.
- Program is offered in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids to provide flexibility for students.
- We are the only institution in the U.S. that includes an optional co-curricular designation known as the WMU Signature. Pathways include: Teaching & Student Success, Leadership, Health & Wellbeing, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice, and more!
CACREP accredited
The clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and related Educational Programs as a community counseling program. Not only will your experience as a graduate student be valued by employers, your degree will be well recognized and highly commended.
Who should apply?
Anyone with a strong undergraduate academic career (3.0 or higher cumulative GPA) in psychology or a related field is encouraged to apply.
Career opportunities
Graduates in this program will be prepared to work in a variety of professional counseling settings. The program meets the educational requirements for licensed professional settings including substance abuse, career counseling, multicultural affairs, and a variety of other traditional counseling settings.
Cost & Funding
- Tuition and fees
- Cost of attendance
- Scholarships
- Assistantships
- Grants
- Loans
- Employer-paid tuition
- Military and veterans
Helpful links
- College of Education and Human Development
- International Admissions and Services
- Graduate College
- Office of Military and Veterans Affairs
- Visit Campus
Accreditation
Faculty
