Messiah College

Programme overview

Messiah University’s Master of Arts in Counseling is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited degree offered primarily online with optional short in-person intensives. The curriculum is available in three CACREP-aligned tracks—clinical mental health counseling, marriage, couple and family counseling, and school counseling—and is constructed to help students meet educational requirements for state licensure or certification (LPC, LMFT, or school counselor). Course delivery uses eight-week terms with one-week intensives in January and July and students may complete the program on two-, three- or four-year timelines with flexible start dates.

What you'll study

The program emphasizes integration of faith, ethical practice, and counseling skills. Students progress through online coursework, synchronous sessions, and optional on-campus skill intensives; the program includes structured tele-mental health training and field experiences supported by a national placement network. Core learning goals include personal and professional growth, leadership in counseling contexts, spiritually integrated psychotherapy training (optional), and preparation for practicum/clinical hours required for licensure pathways.

Entry requirements

Admission begins by applying to Messiah University’s graduate program in counseling. The program provides personalized faculty advising to create a plan of study and offers flexible start dates. For specific documentation and prerequisites applicants should consult Messiah’s graduate admissions information or contact the Associate Director of Enrollment for Graduate Studies & Adult Education.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work in a range of settings such as private practice, schools, ministry contexts, and community-based behavioral health. Track selection aligns training with intended credentials—clinical mental health counseling for LPC paths, marriage/couple/family counseling for LMFT paths, and the school counseling track for school counselor certification.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Messiah offers a no-fee tuition model (no additional university charges for labs, courses, services or technology). The program is eligible for federal financial aid; deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For published rates and financial aid application instructions students should consult Messiah’s graduate financial services.