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Earn a Master of Arts in Counseling at Central Seminary

English | In-Person/Online | 60 Credits

Our accredited online Master’s in Counseling program equips you to become a licensed professional counselor, ready to serve in both faith-based and secular settings.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Flexible completion. Finish in just three years while maintaining full-time employment.
  • Comprehensive curriculum. 60 credit hours includes a three-term internship for hands-on experience.
  • Dual credential opportunity. Add four courses to earn a Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy.
  • Convenient start dates. Begin your journey in January, May, or August.
  • Affordable options. Competitive tuition rates, scholarships, and payment plans are available.

Graduates are prepared to work in faith communities, non-profits, mental health clinics, or private practice. Ready to make an impact? Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward your counseling career.

We're here to answer your questions!

Why Earn Your Degree at Central Seminary

Earn a Master of Arts in Counseling (MACO) degree that combines academic excellence with practical training. At Central Seminary, you’ll gain:

  • Comprehensive knowledge. Build a strong foundation in counseling theories and modalities to inform your practice.
  • Holistic perspective. Develop expertise in mental and spiritual health for a well-rounded approach to client care.
  • Diverse focus. Train to support diverse populations with compassion and cultural competence.
  • Career opportunities. Graduates thrive in both faith-based and secular settings, including non-profits, private practice, and community mental health.
 

“[Central offers students] an integrated model that is scientifically based where we learn to use evidence-based treatments, but where our approach can also be informed by faith when appropriate.”

Steven McKee

Master of Arts in Counseling ’22

FAQs About Our Master of Arts in Counseling

Your Master’s in Counseling opens doors to impactful careers in diverse settings.

Where You Can Make a Difference:

  • Faith communities. Provide counseling in churches or faith-based organizations.
  • Private practice. Establish your own practice or join an existing one to address mental health needs.
  • Non-profit and community organization. Support individuals facing many issues including bereavement, addiction, abuse, and relational challenges.

Currently, our Master of Arts in Counseling (MACO) degree is designed to prepare graduates for licensure in Kansas and Missouri while meeting licensure requirements in many other states. Graduation and licensure depend on meeting all academic and professional criteria.

For details, consult the Central Student and MACO handbooks. Students planning to practice outside Kansas or internationally should notify the program, which will assist in evaluating state-specific educational requirements. The process of licensure can be complicated, but we are here to help!

Great counselors combine empathy, wisdom, and self-awareness to support their clients effectively.

Key Qualities of a Good Counselor are:

  • Active listening. They excel at truly hearing and understanding clients’ concerns with both head and heart.
  • Emotional intelligence. They integrate intellectual and emotional insights to provide discerning guidance.
  • Commitment to growth. They prioritize their own mental, emotional, and spiritual health to better focus on those they serve.

Good counselors balance compassion and analytical thinking to create a safe, supportive space where clients can heal and grow.

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