Do you feel drawn to helping those in distress? Do people seek you out for counsel and encouragement? The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree program at Bethel University trains learners to make a difference in people’s lives by combining mental health theory with the art of counseling.

Individuals meet the educational requirements for licensure in Minnesota as Licensed Professional Counselors (Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy) through program requirements. Additional coursework and clinical hours may lead to licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy with an application for licensure with the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy. With the Licensed Professional Counselor designation, students “are prepared to do independent counseling,” Professor Myrla Seibold explained.

Graduate Amanda Cornelius says the “program developed me professionally,
academically, and also personally. I was exposed to areas I didn’t think I would even consider, such as child and adolescent development.” The program also opened up professional opportunities, she explained. “I came into the program with a goal of college counseling in mind. I got out of it exactly what I wanted: my practicum placement turned into a job.”

Cornelius also benefited from the cohort model with the support and encouragement it offered. “For me, one of the things that made my experience is my cohort. We were all close and we were together for 3 years. We got together outside of class. I felt very blessed with that. [The importance of a] cohort was at the bottom of my list when I started, but about a year in, I said, ‘Wow, this is really a great model.’”

To learn more, call the Graduate School office at 651.635.8000 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8000.