Master of Arts in Counseling
Become a professional counselor who is caring, competent, and committed to helping others.
Waynesburg University's Master of Arts in Counseling program will prepare you for a rewarding and fulfilling career--a career that’s also projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in the next several years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Addictions Concentration was the first CACREP-accredited Addictions Counseling program in the state of Pennsylvania.
No matter which concentration you pursue, our blend of theory and clinical practice develops professionals who have the confidence and skills to work these positions as licensed counselors.
CACREP Accredited
Waynesburg University’s Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).
Program Quick Facts
BHWET Grant Opportunity for Students
Waynesburg University's graduate counseling program was awarded a four-year grant from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) to support the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Professionals. Waynesburg students can apply to receive a $10,000 stipend while completing their clinical field experience in the grant's focus area. Click here for more information.
Academic Catalog
Need to find a course description or review your degree requirements? View the current online catalog at the link below.
Concentrations
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
If you are primarily interested in helping others in community human service agencies or private practice counseling, this option is for you. Focus on the core knowledge and practice methodologies necessary to work as a mental health counselor and clinician in community agencies, or private practice. You will take core courses in counseling and in clinical mental health counseling area of specialization.
This is the most straightforward and traditional orientation used to train professional counselors, and provides all the academic requirements needed for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC).
Addictions Counseling
If you want to serve people who have identified substance use disorders or other compulsive disorders, such as gambling addiction, this option is for you. Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a wide range of addiction counseling and prevention programs as well as mental health counseling facilities. Students take core courses in counseling and in addictions counseling area of specialization. Our Addictions Concentration was the first CACREP accredited Addictions Counseling program in the state of Pennsylvania.
This concentration provides all the academic requirements needed for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC), meaning graduates have competencies to work with non-addicted populations as well as individuals with addiction. Graduates of this concentration are also prepared to meet the academic requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification, an important credential for working in the addictions field in Pennsylvania.
Additional Areas of Study
Integrated BA/MA in Counseling Program
The Integrated Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts to Master of Arts in Counseling program allows students who have completed all undergraduate general education requirements and met other academic requirements to enroll in graduate counseling courses during their undergraduate senior year.
Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Counseling
The Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Counseling is designed for professionals currently working in substance use disorder counseling or a related field, and for professionals with a master's degree in counseling who are interested in growing their expertise in the substance use disorder treatment field. This 12-credit, post-baccalaureate certificate, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), is approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) as fulfilling educational requirements towards completion of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certifications. Credits may also be transferred into the Master of Arts in Counseling program upon completion.
Certificate in Clinical Supervision
This 12-credit, non-degree, post-baccalaureate certificate is offered 100% online and can be successfully completed in as little as two semesters. Upon completion, licensed professionals will be well positioned to pursue the Center for Credentialing and Education Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential and non-licensed professionals may qualify for the Pennsylvania Certification Board's Certified Clinical Supervision (CSC) credential.
Advanced Specialty in Christian & Spiritual Counseling
Non-degree seeking
Gain the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively and ethically integrate faith with the service-focused profession of counseling. This specialty is designed to train practicing counselors, counselors-in-training (post 60 credits), educators, and other helping professionals to address issues of religion and spirituality in a variety of counseling and ministry settings including private practice, hospitals, community agencies, faith-based organizations, churches, and chaplaincies. It’s a four-course, 12-credit option that is completed in one semester and available 100% online.
Counseling Loan Repayment Initiatives
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NC-SARA
Waynesburg University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Meet the Department
Devon Bowser
Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, Program Director for the Master of Arts in Counseling, Program Director for the Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Education and Associate Professor of Counseling
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James Hepburn
Professor of Psychology
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Kelley McNichols
Assistant Program Director for the Master of Arts in Counseling and Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Education, Assistant Professor of Counseling and Grant Advisor
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Michelle Steimer
Director of Veteran and Military Student Services
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Charles Stoddard
Grant Program Manager and Training Coordinator
View BioCounseling News and Events
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Campus News
Tue, Nov 19
Waynesburg U. to utilize Alston Farm for special topics “Bees, Flowers and Society” course
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Campus News
Fri, Nov 8
Waynesburg U. Issues Call for Proposals for Regional Counseling Symposium
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Campus News
Thu, Nov 7
Dedication held at Waynesburg U. for The Baily Room
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175th Anniversary
Wed, Nov 6
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra returns to Waynesburg U. for Holiday Brass Spectacular
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