Counseling (MAC)
The Master of Arts in Counseling at St. Edward’s prepares you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or both, working in such settings as hospitals, residential treatment centers, nonprofit agencies and private practices.
In this program, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of people and what drives their behavior through extensive study of human growth and development, abnormal psychology, and a range of counseling theories and techniques. The MA in Counseling culminates with counseling clients in public and private organizations in the Austin area.
Master of Arts in Counseling
Overview:
In the MA in Counseling program, you’ll study the intricacies of counseling clients with personal problems, career concerns or psychological disorders and how to determine the best treatment options. And you’ll learn from mental health professionals working in the counseling field.
Career paths for graduates with post-graduate certification as an LPC or LMFT include working with adults and teens who suffer from addictions, eating disorders or depression; counseling distressed couples and families; providing counseling services within a non-profit organization; and developing your own private practice, should you wish to do so.
Course Preview:
MA in Counseling students take courses from these groups:
CORE COURSES
Students complete eight core courses that include Counseling Theories, Abnormal Human Behavior, Human Growth and Development, and Counseling Diverse Populations, among others.
CONCENTRATIONS
Students can choose to specialize as an LMFT, as an LPC, or as a combination of the two. You’ll take concentration courses for either the LPC or LMFT, or for the combined specialization.
PRACTICUM COURSES
You’ll complete Counseling Practicum courses, which require supervised field experience in your concentration.
Students have completed their practicum experience with approximately 75 organizations, including these:
- Austin Recovery Center
- Austin State Hospital
- Austin Travis Country Integral Care
- Capital Area Mental Health Center
- Catholic Family Counseling
- Hope Alliance
- Lifeworks
- SafePlace
- Seton Shoal Creek Hospital
View the Degree Plan (PDF) for sample course information for the Master of Arts in Counseling.
Opportunities
St. Edward’s University offers opportunities for professional-level research and sophisticated learning experiences that parallel the real workplace — above and beyond those required for your degree. You might choose to join a faculty-led consulting project abroad, contribute to the Sorin Oak Review (the university’s award-winning creative journal), or present your academic research at a national or international conference. These activities, and more, expand your expertise and build your credentials, preparing you to advance your career or move into a new one.