Master of Arts in Counseling

Developing Advocates for a Transformative Impact

The Master of Arts in Counseling program is DESIGNED for the working professional who seeks to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to become an exceptional professional advocate in the fields of mental and behavioral health counseling and school counseling.

You can become a compassionate, skilled clinical mental health counselor equipped to support communities or a school counselor who can respond to unique mental health challenges among youth in a complex world. The practicums and internship courses in our program involve actual counseling experiences. You will provide counseling services for real people, with real needs, as you integrate the skills and knowledge of the counseling experience at a program-appropriate field site. 

Become a self-aware, reflective counselor with sound practical, ethical, and relational skills and the personal and professional disposition necessary to work in various settings in a dynamic world with diverse individuals. Become academically prepared to seek licensure/certification. 

Get Started on your Path to Success

The Master of Arts in Counseling program features two specializations: clinical mental health and school counseling. The curriculum is designed for the working professional or the traditional undergraduate student who desires to enter the workforce with an advanced degree. 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)

Gain the professional knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to address a variety of circumstances within the clinical mental health counseling context.

School Counseling (SC)

Gain the professional knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of K-12 students.

Dual Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling - Complete all requirements for both specializations to broaden your knowledge base and scope of practice. 

ACCREDITATION

This program is aligned with the standards for the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation, which provides the highest standards in counselor education to provide quality training programs. CACREP requires programs to graduate the first cohort of students before offering accreditation. The program plans to apply for CACREP accreditation as soon as the application is allowed (once the program has produced its first graduates).

The C-SC Difference

Culver-Stockton College’s Master of Arts in Counseling offers a high-quality program in a convenient learning format taught by experienced faculty at an affordable price.

Many students opt for online learning to better balance family, employment, and other commitments. Students will have the convenience of online learning with the benefits of intensive counseling labs to develop and strengthen counseling skills. Culver-Stockton College’s program offers a low student-to-faculty ratio to promote and support the professional development of counselors-in-training intentionally. Graduates of the Culver-Stockton College Master of Arts in Counseling program will gain unique experiences to transform their careers and the lives of the clients they serve.

Mission of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program

The mission of the Culver-Stockton College Department of Counselor Education is to produce self-aware, reflective counselors with sound practical, ethical, and relational skills, a comprehensive theoretical knowledge base, a strong counselor identity, and the personal and professional dispositions necessary to work in various settings in a dynamic world with diverse individuals.

Program Goals

  • To prepare and graduate skilled, knowledgeable, self-aware, and self-reflective counselors who are academically prepared to seek licensure 
  • To continually evaluate the program curriculum, practices, and requirements to promote a comprehensive theoretical knowledge base 
  • To promote professional identity through involvement in professional organizations, attaining leadership positions, and presenting at the national, regional, and state conferences
  • To prepare professional counselors with the necessary personal and professional dispositions to work with diverse populations 

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Angel Knoverek

Dr. Angel Knoverek - Program Director Director of Counselor Education

Career Outlook The Possibilities are Endless

Clincial Mental Health Counseling Specialization

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization prepares students to become an effective mental health counselor who works with clients from a variety of backgrounds. Some counselors work with clients affected by trauma; addiction disorders; depression and anxiety; family, marriage, and couple issues; or behavioral issues in children and adolescents. The program is designed to provide the student with a wide range of intervention and diagnostic skills. Through the internship experience, students begin to specialize, choosing a placement that enhances their experience in an area of interest. Becoming a mental health practitioner allows students to make a difference in the lives of clients. 

Mental health counselor jobs may be available in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, inpatient/outpatient clinics and hospitals, detention centers, group care, research institutions, university student services, career services, and private practice. This degree meets the educational requirements as a licensed professional counselor in the states of Missouri, Illinois, and many others.

School Counseling Specialization

The School Counseling specialization prepares professionals for work in the K-12 learning environment. School counselors create comprehensive school counseling programs and are a vital part of the learning process for all students, focusing on students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development. School counselors can help children and adolescents navigate the challenges associated with being in school as well as help students process their problems and make realistic goals for their future. In addition, school counselors can help students prepare for post-graduation, including applying for colleges, finding jobs, and completing scholarship applications to fund a college education. This degree meets the educational requirements as a certified school counselor in the states of Missouri, Illinois, and many others.

Program Curriculum (60 Credit Hours)

Admission Information

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS YOUR Master of Arts in Counseling

Take the next step in your journey at Culver-Stockton College. We're here to help you get started on your degree. 

Application Due Date Document Submission Deadline Program Start
May 18, 2024 May 23, 2024 May 28, 2024
FINANCIAL AID

C-SC students can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for unsubsidized loans. Apply for Federal Aid, visit FAFSA.gov.

Interest-free payment options also are available through the college. Call 573-288-6492 for more information.

15%
discount on Graduate Degree Tuition for Alumni of Culver-Stockton College.

10%
Culver-Stockton College offers a 10% DISCOUNT toward program tuition to full-time employees at many local and regional organizations.

*Only one discount may be applied.

Your Academic Success Team

You’re never alone in your education. Learn more about the people who are here to help you take the next step in your career.

Shauna Stolte

Admission Counselor

After you express interest in our programs, our trained Admission Counselor, Shauna Stolte, is ready to help you through the application process. Shauna will also give you guidance regarding the admissions, transcripts, transfer credits, and more.
EMAIL: sstolte@culver.edu
CALL: 573-288-6462

Angela Kay

Graduate Advisor

Once you’re accepted our dedicated Online Advisor Angela Kay will assist you in applying your past educational experiences to our program and will create a unique plan of study just for you, giving you the confidence so that you register for the right classes on your academic journey. Our online advisor builds a personal connection with every student and will help you stay on track. You'll always have someone looking out for you.
EMAIL: akay@culver.edu
CALL: 573-288-6540