M.S. Counseling

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).

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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

In 2023, ninety-seven JBU counseling graduates took the National Counseling Exam (NCE) as part of the licensure process in Arkansas and 87% of these graduates passed this exam.

In 2023 there were 61 graduates from the counseling program, 97% of whom landed employment or were enrolled in further graduate studies within six months of graduation..