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M.A. in Counseling

Graduate School of Counseling

Faith-Grounded. People-Centered. Professionally Equipped.

At Crown College, our graduate counseling programs are designed to do more than educate. You’ll be equipped to become a licensed professional counselor who serves with both clinical excellence and spiritual sensitivity. Join a community where your faith and future career come together — intentionally.

Why study Counseling at Crown?

Professional Preparation You Can Trust: Our curriculum provides comprehensive training in evidence-based counseling methods, preparing you to meet licensure requirements and succeed in a wide range of mental health settings. Join a community where your faith and future career come together — intentionally.
Faith That Informs, Not Overrides: We believe that faith and professional ethics can work hand-in-hand. Our program teaches students how to integrate Christian faith and spiritual insight thoughtfully and appropriately — whether working in a Christian practice or a secular context. You'll learn how to support the whole person in body, mind, and spirit while honoring client values and boundaries.
A Calling with Practical Impact: Whether you're walking with someone through trauma, grief, addiction, or life transitions, Crown’s graduate counseling program equips you to be a competent, compassionate, and spiritually grounded counselor who can help others find freedom, healing, and renewed hope.

Growing Field

The need for mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% by 2029, making a Master’s of Arts in Counseling degree a strategic choice with endless career opportunities.

Affordable

Graduates of Crown’s online Master of Arts in Counseling can be confident they are receiving a degree at an affordable price compared to other programs. For more information, visit our financial aid page.

Experienced Faculty Practitioners

Our program is led by individuals with excellent scholarship and experience in the profession of Counseling. Built within each course are discussion posts designed to bolster the online community and expand every student’s network.

M.A. in Counseling at Crown College

One thing that’s very important to me is to help my community grow. So not only myself and my personal development, but also to grow within the community. I think the best thing was to hear actual practical examples. A lot of the professors were counselors in the field already with years of experience, so it was great to see and hear all the examples that they had to share with us and knowledge that they shared with us. I would recommend Crown College to anyone that is looking to stretch themselves if they’re looking to grow, and if they want to get out of their own box, definitely come to Crown.

Felicia Jones

Careers

Licensed Professional Counselor

Clinical Director

Program Director

Advanced Degrees

Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Social Work

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Jim Zapf
Dean, School of Professional Studies

Dr. Troy Backhuus
Internship Coordinator + Assistant Professor, MA Counseling Program

Dr. Abby Hill
Core Counseling Faculty

Dr. Beth Gerhard-Burnham
Core Counseling Faculty

Dr. Tim Evans
Core Counseling Faculty

Dr. Tamara Watkins
Core Counseling Faculty

Accelerated Program

Students can earn their bachelor’s and master’s in 6 years rather than 7 through our accelerated Master of Arts in Counseling Program. Students can talk with an admissions counselor to learn more.

MAC Program Webpage

Download Lookbook

Preview of Courses

COU 5212 - Counseling Skills, Methods and Techniques in Helping Relationships

A broad understanding of the processes of counseling, including establishing and maintaining the counseling relationship, facilitating appropriate interventions, successful termination, interviewing techniques, goal setting, and other core helping skills. An understanding of clinical intervention methods informed by research evidence and community standards of practice.

COU 5210 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling

A broad overview of the ethical and legal issues facing counselors in current counseling practice. Topics covered include confidentiality, record keeping, reimbursement, boundary issues, informed consent, values conflicts, religious issues, and professional competence. Professional codes of ethics and legal standards will be reviewed. Professional ethics as applied to clinical practice will be emphasized.

COU 6214 - Psychopathology

An introduction to the scientific study of mental illness through a comprehensive look at the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The focus will be on the description, etiology, and methods of treatment for disorders in the DSM. Students will develop an understanding of child and adult mental disorders and psychopathology, including developmental psychopathology.

FAQs

How many credit hours is the online M.A. in Counseling degree?

We offer a 60 credit hour, Regionally-accredited, Master’s level online Counseling degree.

Will I be a licensed counselor when I graduate?

The Master of Arts in Counseling degree leads to licensure in the State of Minnesota. It may or may not meet the specific licensing requirements in other states, which, therefore, may mean additional action is needed to fulfill an individual state’s licensing requirements. There may also be state restrictions related to fully online programs. Applicants and graduates should contact their state’s licensing board to determine the requirements needed in the state in which they are seeking licensure. Once graduated, most students will complete a state-determined number of supervised practice hours and an exam prior to gaining independent licensure.  

Am I required to attend full-time, or may I go at my own pace?

The program is designed to work with your schedule. Your advisor will help you determine a course sequence that works with your circumstances.

How long will it take to complete the online M.A. in Counseling degree?

Those students who choose to attend classes full time (approximately 9 credit hours per semester) can complete the program in three years.

Can I transfer previous graduate work?

Crown does accept transfer credits from qualified schools for specific courses. Before enrolling, a transcript evaluation can be completed to determine the number of credits that will transfer.

Where can I complete my Practicum & Internship classes?

Practicum and Internship may be completed at a qualifying counseling site of the student’s choice. Students will receive approval of their Practicum and Internship sites by our Internship Coordinator who will check to determine whether the site and supervisor are qualified to provide the experience. Students choose their own site but Crown will assist as needed.

Related Programs

M.A. in Ministry Leadership
M.A. in Global Leadership
M.A. in Pastoral Counseling

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