Transform Lives. Make a Difference.
If you're driven by a passion for aiding others and intrigued by the complexities of mental health, a career in counseling could be your calling. Our online Master of Arts in Counseling is designed for adult learners like you, combining flexibility, expertise, and a Christian perspective to prepare you for a fulfilling career in counseling.
Tailor your education to your career goals with specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or opt for a General Counseling track for a customizable experience.
Our 60-credit hour online master's in counseling curriculum aligns with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards set by the Mississippi LPC Board for Licensure, providing the necessary coursework to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Mississippi. Additionally, Belhaven University will be eligible to apply for CACREP accreditation prior to the first cohort graduating.
Join us and embark on a transformative educational experience that will empower you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Why You'll Love Counseling at Belhaven
Expert Faculty
Learn from seasoned professionals who blend psychological expertise with Christian principles to offer a holistic approach to counseling education.
Rewarding Mission Driven Career
Belhaven University aims to lead in training compassionate Christian counselors committed to serving others. Our program equips students to become skilled helpers, problem-solvers, communicators, and future leaders in mental health care.
Flexible Learning Options
Our program accommodates your busy schedule with a mix of online and synchronous coursework and two brief residency requirements, ensuring accessibility without compromising quality.
High Demand Jobs
With nearly half of Americans facing mental health issues, there's a pressing need for more counselors. Professionals with a master's degree in counseling are in high demand and poised to make a profound impact in today's world.
18% Growth
Mental Health Counselors through 2032 according to BLS.
42,000 Job Openings
For substance abuse, behavioral disorders & mental health counselors through 2032 according to BLS.
3 Specializations
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and General Counseling
LPC Licensure
Curriculum aligns with standards set by the Mississippi LPC Board for Licensure
What Can you Do with a Counseling degree?
One of the key advantages of this masters in counseling program is its versatility. Graduates have the opportunity to specialize in various areas, each offering unique work environments, salary prospects, and client demographics.
- Mental Health Counseling
- Couples and Family Counseling
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- Community Counseling
- Trauma Counseling
- Career Counseling
Masters in Counseling: Curriculum
Top 5 Reasons to Consider a Masters in Counseling
- Growing Demand: Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in counseling jobs over the next several years.
- Versatility: Specialize in various areas, depending on your interests and career goals.
- Personal Fulfillment: Enjoy a rewarding career that offers the satisfaction of helping others navigate through difficult times, achieve personal growth, and improve their overall well-being.
- Make a Positive Impact: Make a meaningful difference in people's lives by providing support, guidance, and therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups facing various challenges.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, enabling you to stay up-to-date with the latest research, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices in the field.
Masters in Counseling: What You Need to Know
With primarily online coursework and two short residencies, we make earning your degree while maintaining your career easier without compromising quality. While internships are vital, our structure seeks minimal disruption to your work schedule.
Begin your journey with a week-long residency on our vibrant Belhaven University campus in Jackson, Mississippi. A second residency occurs in your second year, further enriching your experience. These residencies provide valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and personal interaction with professors, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Apart from the week-long residency each year, enjoy a convenient seven-week online or synchronous format for your coursework. On occasion, you will be able to engage directly with professors through live Zoom sessions, balancing academic rigor with your busy schedule.
- To enter this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college. A 3.0 cumulative GPA from undergraduate work is required for admission. You may also be admitted by showing nine hours of graduate work with a “B” or better in each course.
- A bachelor’s degree or a minor in the field of psychology or other related fields of study is not required.
- The GRE will not be required for admission into the counseling program.
Applying for admission to Belhaven’s online graduate programs is quick and easy. When you have all your supporting documentation ready, just complete and submit our online application form.
These rates are for August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.
| Program | Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Counseling | $615 |
| Active Military Discount, Graduate Program | $375 |
| 20% Discount: Military Spouse/Veteran/First Responder | $492 |
* Military/first responder benefits cannot be combined with any other institutional scholarships or discounts.
Visit the Scholarships, Tuition & Fees page to view other fees as well as the cost estimate calculator.
Mississippi Licensure Requirements
The state requires a 60 hours master’s degree that is Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or CACREP equivalent. The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) is a CACREP equivalent. Graduates of the MAC program are eligible to apply for provisional licensure in professional counseling. Graduates with an Associates Licensed Counselor license can practice counseling in Mississippi under an approved supervisor.
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Mississippi, you must also:
- Pass the NCE exam
- Submit a Declaration of Practice
- Complete a background check with fingerprints
- Submit a recent passport-style photo
- Pay a $50 application fee
- Be 21 years of age
You can renew your LPC license online. The renewal period is May 1–June 30. You must report your continuing education hours from your CE Broker account during this time. You must also submit the Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination with each renewal.
A new counseling program can apply for CACREP accreditation once it has established its curriculum and is ready to demonstrate compliance with CACREP standards, typically when the program is nearing the completion of its first cohort of students; this means they should have students close to graduating so an on-site visit can be conducted to assess their progress against the accreditation criteria.
View the Professional Licensure Programs page for more information since the professional licensure requirements vary from state to state.
Why Trust Belhaven With Your Future?
Our quality is recognized by SACSCOC, which grants our institutional accreditation and authority to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral-level degrees. Plus, we’re consistently recognized by organizations like U.S. News & World Report for our academic excellence, commitment to community service, expert faculty, and overall value.
Meet Our Chair
Contact Us
Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5