Graduate Counseling
One Degree. Three Emphasis Options. Endless Possibilities.
Why You Should Study Counseling at JBU.
Counseling is more than a job—it's a fulfilling vocation that gives you an opportunity to bring hope and healing to people who are hurting. JBU's M.S. in Counseling program will equip you to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arkansas. You'll receive one-on-one support from professors and will graduate feeling equipped to honor God and serve others. Learn more about the departmental mission statement and student learning outcomes.
You can choose from three emphasis options: Marriage and Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and Adventure Therapy. Those who choose to add the Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis will also be eligible for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
In JBU's Graduate Counseling program, you will gain real-world experience through your practicum requirements as you conduct live therapy sessions in JBU's Counseling Clinic. Additionally, JBU will place you in a local counseling clinic for your internship requirement.
Schedule a call with an admissions counselor or call us directly at 800-528-4723.
Have Questions About the MS in Counseling?
Fill out the form to request information!
Who is the MS in Counseling for?
Great counselors have a variety of qualities some of which are empathy, listening skills, compassion, and a desire to help people. They desire to use their skills to help others.
There is a need for counselors in various settings, such as community mental health agencies, hospitals, private practices, churches/ministries, human and social service agencies, college/student counseling centers, and addiction/substance abuse treatment centers. If you desire to work in one of these organizations, then this program is for you.
Enroll in Classes
Schedule a call with an admissions counselor to learn more about the counseling program.
Next, start your application and get accepted.
Study Counseling
To be a great counselor, you need more than just time in the classroom. You need face-to-face interaction with clients under the supervision of experienced counselors. In JBU's program, you'll conduct live therapy sessions in JBU's Community Counseling Clinic and get feedback from faculty and peers to help you become a better counselor.
Graduate
87% of JBU graduate students landed within 6 months of graduation, according to a survey conducted by the JBU Career Development Department for 2019-2020 graduates.*
*landed: employed, grad school, volunteer, or military
Program length
60 credit hours with the option to add one (or more) of our emphases for only 9-12 additional credit hours. Students typically graduate within 2.5 - 3.5 years depending on how many hours students take each semester.
Program Format
Face-to-face Counseling courses are offered in multiple locations: Little Rock, Rogers, and Siloam Springs with about one-third of the courses available online.
M.S. in Counseling Emphases
Departmental Mission Statement
The Department of Graduate Counseling provides Christ-centered counselor training that promotes personal development, academic excellence, and clinical competency.
Departmental Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Department of Graduate Counseling will demonstrate the following student learning outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of a spiritual/religious/Christian worldview as it relates to counseling practice.
- Students will identify, develop, and demonstrate personal and professional counseling dispositions.
- Students will demonstrate mastery of core counseling knowledge.
- Students will synthesize and apply core clinical skills with diverse populations and problems.
Hanna Burge '20
"I entered the program with the plans to change lives, but I ultimately ended up finding my own life within the mix. I am overall a healthier person in all areas of my life and feel confident and equipped to face challenges that come before me both as a mental health clinician and as an individual."
Betsy Dedrick '20
"I have made lifelong friendships and community connections that will serve me and my clients well in the future. The program helped me believe in myself and my ability to conquer tough goals. . . The professors are top notch and integrate faith as well as their professional experiences into the program. They walk the walk and talk the talk. Amazing, all-giving and family atmosphere offers support, understanding, and lifelong friendships!"
Kayla Plank '20
"The Counseling program at JBU is a well-rounded program where I was able to learn more about the mental health field and how to help the clients I work with. The education I received from JBU helped shape my vision of my future. The courses that were required related in all aspects of counseling & I feel like I am well prepared to conquer what my future holds."
Kelsey White '19
“I feel like this program not only helps you grow academically, but it helps you grow personally. The teachers here are very intentional about getting to know you and want to help you understand what your counseling style is, and then helping you grow in that.”
Paige Heffron '18
“Learning from a Christian perspective—and having professors and classmates who prayed for me—equipped me spiritually to serve as a school counselor,” said Paige. With internships, classes, and her position as a graduate assistant, the support the JBU community was vital to her success. Even more significant was the encouragement she received from her husband, who was also earning his graduate degree from JBU at the time. “It was challenging, but I had an end goal in mind, and the Lord constantly reminded me to cast my cares upon Him.”
