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M.S. Counseling

A master's in counseling from a Christian perspective.

Emphases in marriage and family therapy, play therapy, and adventure therapy.

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M.S. Counseling program emphases

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Marriage & family therapy

Through the integration of classroom instruction and clinical preparation, students are exceptionally equipped for counseling careers and ministry positions as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT).

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Play therapy

An emphasis in play therapy teaches students to use a variety of play and creative arts techniques to better assist children to communicate or express their thoughts and feelings.

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Adventure therapy

Students graduate ready to use experiential therapy to promote healing, encouraging clients to reflect upon experiences using goal-based activities that provide a window into their unique mental traits and challenges. 

Earn your M.S. in Counseling

Employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. JBU's program prepares you to help meet that need.

Admissions Requirements

  • An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher (4.0=A).
  • Individual interview with a Graduate Counseling faculty member.

M.S. Requirements

  • 60 total credit hours:
    • 42 credit hours of counseling core requirements
    • 15 credit hours of clinical requirements
    • 3 credit hours in an emphasis of your choice

What to expect in the M.S. Counseling program

The Master of Science degree program in Counseling provides academic, clinical, and dispositional training related to professional counseling. This program prepares students for professional counseling careers in a variety of diverse settings. 

Experienced faculty

Our faculty are licensed counseling professionals with active clinical caseloads so they understand the demands and changing nature of being a counselor.

Multiple program locations

In-person classes can be taken in Northwest Arkansas or in Little Rock. Classes last 14-15 weeks and are held in the evenings or weekends to coordinate with your busy schedule.

Internship placement support

Unlike many other programs, JBU employs field placement directors to help students find their practicum and internship sites. We have long-standing relationships with clinics and agencies in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. 

What sets JBU apart?

JBU is the longest-standing counseling program in Arkansas and takes an integrative approach to counseling/psychology and faith/theology within a professional and ethical framework.

Counseling is a deeply personal endeavor that requires in-person, face-to-face, emotionally-connected relating. The JBU counseling faculty mirror the counseling profession with in-person training for students to best evaluate and assist their interpersonal development and effectiveness across the entire degree program.  

Request more information
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Community Counseling Clinic

JBU operates two Community Counseling Clinics (Siloam Springs & Little Rock) that provide low-cost or no-cost counseling to those in need. The clinics are training sites that allow counseling students to practice their clinical skills under the supervision of licensed faculty members.

Apply to the M.S. Counseling program
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Placement rate

100% placement rate for students in their required practicum and internships utilizing 44 clinical sites across Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

CPCE pass rate

100% of JBU's M.S. Counseling grads pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam with a passing rate 6 points higher than the national average.

Job placement

95% of our counseling graduates landed employment or were enrolled in further graduate studies within six months of graduation.

Helping the community

JBU's Community Counseling Clinic has provided over 3,000 hours of low/no-cost counseling to people in Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock.

Next steps

Choosing a graduate program is a big deal, and our staff and faculty are committed to making this process easy for you.

Admission

Our admissions team is here to navigate the application process, so you have all the information to be confident in your decision.

Financial aid

You deserve a transparent, helpful financial aid experience. We'll work with you to ensure you're taking advantage of all of your financial aid opportunities.

 

Start classes

Most JBU graduate classes happen in 8-week blocks (counseling and education have some 16-week classes). Online and face-to-face class options provide flexibility for your busy schedule. See the courses offered here. 

Why JBU?

See what our alumni have to say...

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."
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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!"
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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.”
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Frequently asked questions

Is the M.S. in Counseling an online program?
While the counseling curriculum has a few online courses (roughly 20% of the curriculum), the field of counseling is best taught face-to-face where faculty can mirror counseling techniques for students. Classes are taught in the evenings and weekends at three campus locations — Siloam Springs, Rogers and Little Rock.
Can I work while enrolled in the M.S. in Counseling degree program?

Yes! Most counseling students work while matriculating through the program. However, during the practicum and internship phase of the program, students need to commit 20+ hours per week toward the completion of their clinical hours.

What is the typical counseling class size?
Most classes are capped at 24 students, but a number of clinical courses have lower caps due to the skill-based nature of the class.
What is a typical class like?

A typical counseling class meets for 2.5 hours on a weekday evening where roughly 12-20 students interact with the latest psychological research, evidence-based practices, diverse theological values/commitments, and cultural competencies under the direction/supervision of program faculty who are also licensed clinicians.

Courses meet for 14 or 15 weeks and are highly interactive and academically rigorous. Certain courses are focused specifically on counseling skill development in preparation for Practicum/Internship courses where students are providing actual counseling to real clients.

Does the M.S. in Counseling program have CACREP accreditation?
The counseling department is in the process of applying for CACREP accreditation. Check the CACREP website for the latest updates on accredited programs.
Why is an interview required for admission?

The interview is to assess your readiness for the counseling program.

What is covered in the admissions interview?

Questions include topics such as: 

  • Future goals
  • Why you are interested in counseling
  • How your previous work has prepared you for a helping profession
  • Previous academic studies
  • Strengths and weaknesses as a helper
  • Feedback on JBU’s faith-based mission
  • Cultural differences and relationships
Do I have to be a Christian or know the Bible well to enroll in the program?

No, you do not.

Ranked #1

The Wall Street Journal: #1 college in Arkansas

U.S. News and World Reports: Top-ranked southern regional university since 2016

College Consensus: Best Online Colleges & Universities

Employers know when they see "John Brown University" on your resume, they'll be getting top talent.

Explore our graduate programs

Real-world application

Whether you're a business student developing a strategic plan or a counseling student conducting live therapy, you'll have the opportunity to apply what you're learning through hands-on experiences.

Explore our graduate programs

Engaged & experienced faculty

JBU's expert faculty will bring your coursework to life with extensive field experience and also teach you how to incorporate your faith into your work. They are invested in your success and will be a valuable resource during your time at JBU and beyond. 

Be

bold. disciplined. committed.

Study abroad opportunities

John Brown University provides students of every major with opportunities to expand their worldview through international study trips. Previous Graduate Counseling trips have visited Central America, and trips to Africa and Europe are in development. At this time, there is no Graduate Counseling trip available. The Graduate Counseling Department will post information here, in the newsletter, and on the Graduate Counseling Blackboard Page as it becomes available.

Admission requirements for counseling programs

In addition to general admission requirements, applicants to the graduate counseling programs must have:

  • An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher (4.0=A).
  • An individual interview with a Graduate Counseling faculty member (in person or via Zoom) to assess their potential success in forming counseling relationships, interpersonal effectiveness, and dispositional attributes related to the counseling profession.

*​​​​​Please note: A background check is NOT an admissions requirement for the Counseling program. However, students in the Counseling program must pass a background check before being eligible for clinical work in a Practicum/Internship or obtaining professional licensure.

Special petition for admission

You may petition for conditional admission if you do not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA qualifications. To petition, applicants should submit a letter to the graduate admissions office via email or upload it to their application portal. Please address your letter to:

Dr. Chris Hull, Program Director
JBU Graduate Counseling
2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Applicants who are granted conditional admission will be allowed to enroll in 12 credit hours of courses specified by the Counseling department. Conditionally accepted students must maintain a 3.0 GPA across the 12 credits to be given regular admissions status in the program. Students who do not have a 3.0 GPA at the end of these 12 credits will be removed from the program with the option to petition to the department chair to remain enrolled if there are extenuating circumstances.

 

Credit fulfillment track

If you hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited university but have licensure deficiencies, the credit fulfillment track will enable you to complete licensure requirements for the state of Arkansas and will be tailored to your individual needs. Practicum/internships are excluded from this option.

Academic standards

As a student in a post-master's program, you must meet the same academic standards as those pursuing graduate degrees. Post-master's programs are governed by the same policies and procedures regarding probation, dematriculation, readmission, drop/add, refunds, etc.

It is the student’s responsibility to identify the specific courses or course equivalents required for licensure or credentialing from the appropriate agency, board, or authority.

Admissions requirements

  1. Admission to JBU's Graduate School (GRE requirement waived, unless below 2.75).
  2. A minimum of a master's degree in a mental health field from a regionally accredited university.
  3. Approval from the Graduate Counseling Program Director.

Once official transcripts are reviewed, your individual deficiency plan will be created by a department faculty member.

Disqualifying Offenses for Professional Licensure

A background check is NOT an admissions requirement for DGC program admission. However, students accepted into the MS in Counseling program will have to pass a background check prior to being eligible for clinical work in Practicum/Internship or obtaining professional licensure. Each state has formally adopted a list of criminal offenses that substantially relate to the practice of behavioral health counseling and pose a reasonable threat to the public or others working in the same occupation. State licensing boards can deny the licensure application of any person with a conviction of any of these offenses according to "Licensing restrictions based on criminal records" (Senate Bill 451; 17-2-102)

The DGC Diversity Commitments (see attached document)
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John Brown University

2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500 jbuinfo@jbu.edu

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John Brown University

2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761

479-524-9500 jbuinfo@jbu.edu

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John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges 2019), JBU enrolls more than 2,100 students from 38 states and 53 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers 41 majors, with top programs including engineering, nursing, family and human services, biology, graphic design and construction management.

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