Master of Arts in Counseling, MAC

The MAC program is currently being reviewed to renew the CACREP accreditation. Policies and procedures may change to meet the new CACREP standards.

MAC Program Description

The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). MAC provides comprehensive academic instruction and clinical experience for students interested in helping others in a counseling setting. This program helps students integrate professional ethics, multiculturalism, interpersonal skills, and counseling theory and practice within a Christian perspective.

The MAC program offers three concentrations. The clinical mental health counseling concentration (61 credit hours) and the school counseling concentration (61-62 credit hours), both of which include fieldwork experience consisting of a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Students interested in gaining a broader range of experiences may select a dual- concentration (69-72 credit hours), wherein they complete both concentrations and fieldwork experiences totaling 900 hours, in both a school setting and in a clinical mental health setting. Each concentration in conjunction with the MA Counseling program is CACREP accredited. A minimum of 600 hours of internship must be completed in order to meet CACREP accreditation standards.

MAC Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Arts in counseling program is to prepare graduate-level, professional counselors who are committed to excellence in community service. The counseling program provides a liberal arts education based on a Christian perspective that promotes respect for the diversity of each person as uniquely created by God. A balanced development of the individual’s spiritual, mental, physical, and social/emotional needs is encouraged based on the example of Jesus Christ, the master counselor.

MAC Faith Integration Statement

With Jesus Christ as the foundation and focus of learning and practice, the Master of Arts in counseling program encourages the development of its students toward ethical, competent, and professional practice with the individuals, families, and communities they serve. The learning regimen and educational objectives of this program are crafted with the intent of preparing the student to fully engage with the varied opportunities which exist in the field of counseling and supported by a clear and compelling Christian witness. The over-arching vision of this program incorporates a clear understanding of the identity of Jesus Christ and a desire to follow biblical mandate to imitate His life and share His witness. The foundational motivation supporting the program design and delivery comes from the admonition to honor Jesus Christ in the process.

The program strives to produce a learning environment in which students are able to gain the counseling knowledge, experience, and competence required for professional status and practice, and are supervised and supported by faculty and staff who share and demonstrate Spring Arbor University’s Christian perspective.

MAC Program Outcomes

The Master of Arts in counseling program will prepare students who can:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of how a Christian faith perspective can be integrated into their personal and professional development as counselors (Faith).
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the history, philosophy, appropriate ethical standards, and current and future trends in the counseling profession, and who use this knowledge to develop a professional counseling identity (Professional Orientation and Identity).
• Recognize, understand, and respond to multicultural issues in the context of theories of multicultural counseling, attitudes, beliefs, and acculturative experiences, relationships, social justice issues, and pluralistic trends in a multicultural society (Social and Cultural Diversity).
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of theories of human development, including normal and abnormal development across the life span, and who can use this knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate counseling interventions and programs (Human Growth and Development).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major career development theories, models, and careers assessment instruments and techniques, and who can use this knowledge to effectively assist clients in career planning and decision making in both academic and clinical environments (Career Development).
• Apply their knowledge and understanding of counseling theories, counseling techniques, a consultation framework, crisis intervention methods, and wellness and prevention approaches to work effectively with clients in a variety of modalities i.e., individual, group, family (Helping Relationships).
• Demonstrate effective group leadership techniques, based upon knowledge of group theory, dynamics, and developmental tasks with diverse clients in the clinical mental health setting or students in school setting (Group Work).
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in selecting, administering, interpreting, and reporting results of standardized and non-standardized assessments for individuals and groups while recognizing issues of diversity (Assessment).
• Read, critique, and utilize professional research literature to inform evidence-based practices with client (clinical mental health setting) or student (school setting) interventions, and for program development, evaluation, and modification (Research and Program Evaluation).
• Meet additional curricular objectives specific to their specialization area in the areas of prevention, intervention and treatment, diversity and advocacy issues, assessment, research and evaluation, and program development and management (Specific Program Area Students).

MAC Admission Requirements

The Master of Arts in counseling department is strongly committed to diversity. Members of historically underrepresented groups of all God’s peoples and all who will assist with achieving and maintaining our mission of a diverse and inclusive academic community are encouraged to apply. Applicants from a variety of undergraduate disciplines may apply to this program, although a degree in counseling, psychology, or related field may be the best preparation for the program. While the MAC program is not a biblical or Christian counseling program, curriculum is taught from a Christian perspective.

In addition to the general admission requirements listed at the beginning of the graduate catalog, the following requirements are mandatory for acceptance into MAC program. Applicants must have:

• Successful completion of a writing assessment, demonstrating proficient computer, reading, and writing skills.
• A completed Misdemeanor and Felony Disclosure Form.
• A criminal background check will be completed prior to admission to the program, and again just prior to the Clinical Experience. To be considered for admittance into the MAC program, all Criminal Background Check results must be resolved/closed by the date of acceptance into the program. Criminal findings prior to the Clinical Experience may result in dismissal from the MAC program.
• Submission of a current resume or vita including volunteer/professional work-related experiences pertinent to the counseling field.

MAC Program Policies

In addition to the policies listed in the General Information and Academic Policies sections of this catalog, MAC program has the following policies.

Expectations of MAC Student

• Demonstrates professional ethics and personal integrity.
• Actively contributes to the learning environment of the class and takes ownership for the student’s own educational experience.
• Remains open to self-awareness, personal reflection, and personal and professional growth.
• Is receptive to feedback from other students, instructors, and site supervisor.
• Maintains a high level of respect for self and others, including using appropriate language in all verbal and written communication, tone of voice, and attitude.
• Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal interactions with site personnel, instructors, fellow students, clients, supervisor, and colleagues at clinical site.
• Refrains from the use of substances and does not come to class or clinical site under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Handles conflict in an appropriate manner.
• Takes responsibility for one’s own attitudes, thoughts, actions, and words.
• Values the client from a holistic perspective - mind, body, soul, and spirit.
• Shows effective communication skills - listening, speaking, writing.
• Manages the inherent stress of the program and demonstrates positive self-care.
• Values content of learning more than a grade point average.
• Demonstrates responsibility in completion of all course requirements.

Course Attendance

Attendance is required and considered an important aspect of student assessment in the course content and in the personal and small group relationships facilitated in the class sessions. Absence, arriving late, and/or leaving early can adversely affect the final grade. See the MAC Student Handbook for more information.

Professional Standards

A career as a professional counselor requires the individual to possess personal and professional qualities that are reflected in his or her personality, behavior, knowledge, and skills. It is our ethical responsibility to assure that our students in the MAC program possess the desired competencies necessary to provide quality services to future clients. Due to the clinical nature of this program, the professional competencies are considered academic standards. The instrument used to assess these competencies is the Professional Competencies Profile (PCP), which will be completed in designated courses and by an instructor or staff member at any time, to document concern(s) regarding a student.

Students must meet the acceptable level of professional behavior as outlined in the PCP. In addition, students must display academic integrity, meet ethical standards of the counseling profession, and abide by university expectations. Any unacceptable PCP rating (below 2.0) or violation of the aforementioned standards will be brought to the attention of program administrators of the MAC program. Intervention will be dependent on the nature and/or frequency of the infraction and may include (but not limited to) requiring academic remediation, personal counseling, academic probation, postponement of the clinical experience, or dismissal from the MAC program. Refer to the MAC Student Handbook for more information.

Eligibility for Clinical Experience

Consistent with ethical standards for counselor education programs, faculty take seriously the responsibility to place in clinical settings, students who have consistently demonstrated the personal and professional qualities necessary to be effective with clients. Each student must follow placement processes to begin the clinical component of the counseling program (CNS 658  and CNS 680A  and CNS 680B ). Students will enroll in a zero-credit course (CNS 657 ) and participate in a mandatory clinical orientation. Before beginning the clinical experience, students will verify and document (in CNS 657 ) their intended concentration for degree completion. Approval to begin the clinical experience is based on a comprehensive review of the student’s academic performance, attendance, professional competency profile evaluations, and a criminal background check. Refer to the MAC Student Handbook and the MAC Practicum and Internship Fieldwork Manual for more information.

Misdemeanor and Felony Disclosure

Due to state employment and reporting regulations, applicants must answer questions regarding past or pending misdemeanors or felonies as an adult or juvenile to assist graduate education students in complying with state employment and reporting regulations. Falsification of information will be considered fraud and grounds for denial of admission or for revoking prior admission to the University.

Students should understand that their legal status may place at risk their ability to be admitted to practicum or internship experiences, or to be licensed by certain state agencies or employed in certain capacities. SAU reserves the right to deny admission to or dismiss current students who have been convicted of a felony and/or certain other misdemeanors, or who have been required to register with certain databases such as those pertaining to sex offenses or child abuse and neglect.

Background Check

MAC students are required to complete a background check through their clinical practice sites. See the MAC Student Handbook for specific information.

Transfer Credit Hours

In addition to the institutional transfer policies for graduate students stated earlier in this catalog, the following transfer credit policies apply to the MAC program:

• Credit hours earned in CACREP accredited programs will be considered for transfer.
• Hours from a non-CACREP accredited program will not be accepted unless:
  1. the program is in the process of seeking CACREP accreditation, and
  2. a review of the course syllabus is conducted and the CACREP standards are evident in the course. It is the responsibility of the student to provide any required syllabi.
• Transfer credits must be no more than 6 years old at the time of admission.
• Specific MAC courses do not qualify for replacement with transfer courses. See MAC Handbook for specific course titles.

Non-Program Seeking Students

Applicants wishing to be non-program seeking student status should see the Graduate Program Admissions, under Special Admissions section of this catalog. Program administrators may restrict courses available for this student status.

Special Graduation Requirements

In addition to the graduation requirements for all graduate students, MAC students must meet the following requirements to graduate with a Master of Arts in Counseling degree.

• Successful completion of a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.
• Demonstration of competencies as assessed on the Professional Competency Profile (PCP).
• Completion of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).
• Completion of five counseling sessions as a client.

Endorsement or License Recommendation

Graduation from the MAC program does not guarantee recommendation for endorsement or licensure. Any recommendation will be based on academic performance of counseling knowledge and skills, demonstration of professional competencies, and display of personal integrity. Recommendation for licensing or endorsement will be withheld for any student who has acted in a way that suggests that he or she may pose a threat to the well-being of future clients and/or the counseling profession.

Program Concentrations

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration

This concentration is designed to help students with preparation for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). LPCs may be employed in mental health settings, churches, clinics, other agencies, and/or a private practice setting. Graduates desiring to become LPCs must first apply for licensure as a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC). Then, graduates must complete the necessary post-degree clock hours supervised by a state-approved LPC supervisor and pass a licensing exam.

NOTE: Students should contact the Board of Counseling or State Education Department of their state to learn about the requirements for licensure. This should be done prior to enrolling in the MAC program.

School Counseling Concentration

The school counseling concentration is designed to assist students with preparation for becoming a K-12 licensed or endorsed school counselor in Michigan. The school counseling concentration is also intended to assist students with preparation for licensure as an LPC. Refer to the MAC Student Handbook for more information.

The school counseling concentration requires students to complete the 61-credit hour counseling curriculum that includes 9 credits (CNS 643, CNS 673 and CNS 683). Students who are certified teachers may seek to waive CNS 643 at the time of admission but must provide proof of teacher certification. CNS 643 is a prerequisite for students without a teaching certificate. However, a student who has had significant documented experience working in a school setting may petition to waive this course. If the waiver is approved in either case, the student must take an elective course to replace waived credit hours and complete the degree with the 61 credit hours required.

Current certified teachers are eligible to pursue the K-12 school counselor endorsement for their teacher certification in the state of Michigan. Non-teachers are eligible to pursue the school counseling license in the state of Michigan. Licensed or endorsed school counselors may be employed in local school districts, career centers, and/or intermediate school districts to work with K-12 students.

Dual Concentration

The dual concentration option is designed to prepare students for licensure in clinical mental health and school counseling settings for increased professional competence and vocational flexibility. Students graduating with the dual concentration may pursue the school counseling license in Michigan and/or the LPC. Refer to the MAC Student Handbook for more information.

School Counseling Clinical Experience

Students are required to complete their practicum and internship in a traditional K-12 school setting during normal school hours of the traditional school year. Students may spend a maximum of 100 secondary clock hours at an alternative high school setting. Because students will be receiving a K-12 license or endorsement, students must complete clock hours in two of three school sites (elementary school, middle school, and high school). CNS 673 and CNS 683 are prerequisites for admission to school counseling concentration clinical experience. Refer to the MAC Student Handbook and the MAC Practicum and Internship Fieldwork Manual for more information.

Michigan Test for Teacher Certification

A passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC - School Counselor 051) is required for licensure or endorsement as a school counselor. Students are encouraged to take the exam when coursework is completed and a minimum of 300 clock hours of internship are accrued. Upon graduation and after the exam is successfully completed, the student must apply to the Michigan Department of Education for the license or endorsement. The certification officer in the School of Education will be available to assist with this process.

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam

To successfully complete the requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling program, each student is required to take the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) and to pass it with minimally expected scores. This test serves as an excellent practice test for the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Students receive subject area scores as well as a composite score, indicating which subject areas require additional study. Students must obtain minimally expected scores on some of the subareas. If minimal scores are not obtained, the student will be required to either retake the exam or to complete an assignment to demonstrate mastery.

National Counselor Exam

Upon completion of the MAC program, students are encouraged to complete the National Counselor Exam (NCE) as soon as possible. Spring Arbor University may also choose to assist students with scheduling the NCE prior to graduation for our students who desire to complete this requirement while in the final weeks of the program.