Graduate Counseling

One Degree. Three Emphases. Endless Possibilities.

Be more than a good listener: Apply Now

Why you should study Counseling at JBU

Counseling is more than a career—it's a world-changing vocation that gives you an opportunity to bring healing and hope to people who are hurting. All graduates from JBU's M.S. in Counseling program will be eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) (Professional Licensure Disclosure). You can choose from multiple emphasis options. 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).

At JBU, you'll receive one-on-one support from professors and will graduate feeling equipped to honor God and serve others. You'll gain expertise through conducting live therapy sessions in JBU's Community Counseling Clinic.

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.

Program Length

The M.S. in Counseling is a 60 credit hour program with the option to add one (or more) of our emphases for only 9-12 additional credit hours.
Degree completion time depends on if a student pursues this degree part-time or full-time.

Course Format
Face-to-face Counseling courses are offered in multiple locations: Little Rock, Rogers, and Siloam Springs. Around one-third of the courses are available online.

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M.S. in Counseling Emphases

Marriage & Family Therapy

The Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis will prepare students for successful careers as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). Through the integration of classroom instruction and clinical preparation, students are exceptionally equipped for counseling careers and ministry positions.

Play Therapy

The Play Therapy emphasis will teach students to use a variety of play and creative arts techniques to better assist children to communicate or express their thoughts and feelings.

Adventure Therapy

The Adventure Therapy emphasis will prepare students to use experiential therapy to promote healing. Adventure therapy encourages teens to reflect upon experiences using goal-based activities that provide a window into their own unique mental traits and challenges.

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 of 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.”