The purpose of the 70-hour Master of Arts in Counseling program is to prepare counselors with strong Christian philosophical foundations, counseling theory, empirically supported treatments, and clinical skills to provide services in churches, agencies, and mental health centers. The Master of Arts in Counseling degree fulfills the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in the State of Ohio, credentialing as a National Certified Counselor, and is compliant with national training standards. To enhance learning, MAC students engage in experiential, growth-oriented activities throughout their training, particularly in practicum, internship and group counseling classes. Unless approval is granted from MAC faculty, students are expected to complete 12 credits per year to stay active in the program.

Students graduating with a Master of Arts in Counseling will:

• Demonstrate personal and spiritual growth, which includes a commitment to interpersonal awareness, self-reflection and self-evaluation.

• Demonstrate competancy in the following areas: Counseling theory; Counseling techniques, skills and practice; Human growth and development; Social and cultural foundations; Group dynamics, processing and counseling; Life style and career development; Research and evaluation; Professional, legal and ethical issues; Psychopathology, prevention and treatment; Appraisal and evaluation of mental and emotional status; Diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders.

• Integrate theology and counseling, which includes theological reflection, addressing spiritual and religious themes in counseling when appropriate, and providing counseling within a Biblical context.