
Master of Arts in Counseling
Make an Impact in the Mental Health Field
City University of Seattle’s Masters of Art in Counseling (MAC) has consistently examined social justice issues as they relate to the overall mental well-being of people from all backgrounds. Race, poverty, social injustices, gender issues, sexuality, immigration status, and differences in morality and belief systems; all of these factors are taken into consideration in all course work and are of a particular focus in our training courses. It is the belief of the MAC that social justice issues must be addressed if one is to address the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. We provide opportunities for our students to be involved in these social justice issues.
Coupled with the above, using a practitioner-scholar model, the MAC program trains well-rounded clinical mental health counselors (CMHC), professional school counselors (PSC), and marriage, couple, & family counselors (MCFC) for the realities of day-to-day practice within a diverse world.
The MAC program emphasizes practical application of theory, development of case conceptualization skills, ethical awareness, appreciation of diversity, and self-awareness. You will be introduced to a broad range of clinical issues through a breadth of coursework delivered by practitioner faculty. Supported clinical experiences focus on the delivery of clinical services and assist students to develop a coherent theoretical and ethical framework for practice.
Some classes meet in person on Saturdays. Please speak with an advisor for current schedules.
City University of Seattle's MAC program emphasizes practical application of theory, development of case conceptualization skills, ethical awareness, appreciation of diversity, and self-awareness. You will be introduced to a broad range of clinical issues through a breadth of coursework delivered by practitioner faculty. Supported clinical experiences focus on the delivery of clinical services and assist students to develop a coherent theoretical and ethical framework for practice.
CACREP Accredited Tracks*
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State
- Professional School Counseling – Meets the educational requirements for the School Counselor K-12 credential in Washington State
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – Meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State
*Tracks are contingent on applications and enrollments into the respective specialty areas that substantiate a cohort model of learning.
Note: Licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Students who relocate to another state during their enrollment may or may not satisfy the eligibility criteria to obtain a professional license or certification in that state. If a student is located outside of the State of Washington, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in your home state before beginning an academic program outside of your state. CityU has provided the following link to the American Counseling Association's licensure requirements by state.
MAC Program Learning Outcomes
Throughout the master’s degree in counseling program, you’ll learn:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice: Demonstrates understanding and applies professional ethical standards including clear and appropriate relationships with clients, colleagues, and the community.
- Social and Cultural Diversity: Collaborates with people of diverse ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual identity, physical ability, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status through a lens of social justice and advocacy.
- Human Growth and Development: Develops understanding and awareness into what impacts personal development through a lens of resiliency and wellness for clients across the lifespan.
- Career Development: Demonstrates knowledge and working application of career development in counseling practice.
- Counseling and Helping Relationships: Establishes and maintains effective counseling relationships and employs theoretically grounded counseling techniques.
- Group Counseling and Group Work: Applies methods, skills, and other group approaches in a multicultural society using theories of group counseling, principles of group dynamics, facilitation styles, and direct experiences.
- Assessment and Testing: Gathers information to assess needs and next steps in the counseling process, including assessment for suicide/homicide risk and reporting requirements for abuse/ neglect of vulnerable populations.
- Research and Program Evaluation: Locates resources and critically evaluates research related to core areas of counseling to incorporate into clinical practice.
- Social Justice: Demonstrates systemic understanding of the role of counselors in promoting social justice for the well-being of the greater community.
Specialty Areas
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Applies counseling theory to client presenting problems and diagnoses, including co-occurring disorders, with appropriate theoretical-based treatment planning and interventions for projected outcomes.
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling: Applies family systems theory to client(s) presenting problems and diagnoses.
- Professional School Counseling: Demonstrates understanding and application of collaborative work with school and community resources to implement a K-12 comprehensive counseling program.
Program Resources
The following resources are available:
- 2022-2023 MAC Student Handbook*
- Program Outcome Report
- MAC Program Faculty
- Program Admissions Requirements
- Comprehensive Assessment Plan Report
- CityU Supervision Training for Site Supervisors [DC4]
- Personal Counseling Referrals for Students
- Competitive MAC Candidates
*The institutional media accurately describe the academic unit, the core counselor education program faculty, and each program and specialty area offered, including admissions criteria, accreditation status, methods of instruction, minimum degree requirements, matriculation requirements, and financial aid information.
Fall 2023 Application Schedule:
Application Deadline | February 1st |
Application Review | February 10th-21st |
In-Person Interviews | February 27th |
Virtual Interviews | March 1st-10th |
Final Reviews | March 10th-15th |
Acceptance Notifications Sent | Week of March 20th |
For full course descriptions please refer to the current catalog.
Total Program Credits 93
Core CACREP Areas (35 credits)
- COUN 502 Multicultural Counseling (5)
- COUN 503 Human Growth and Development (5)
- COUN 510 Professional Ethics and Law (5)
- COUN 518 Career Counseling in Clinical Settings (3)
- COUN 525 Testing and Assessment (5)
- COUN 526 Counseling Theory (5)
- COUN 527 Group Counseling (5)
Required Courses Outside of Core (36 credits)
- COUN 512 Systemic Theory: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (5)
- COUN 514 Research Methods and Statistics (5)
- COUN 537 Crisis, Grief, & Trauma Counseling (5)
- COUN 535 Introduction to Psychopathy and Psychopharmacology (5)
- COUN 532 Addictions and Co-Occurring Counseling (5)
- COUN 618 Human Sexuality (5)
- COUN 565 Introduction to the Counseling Practice (5)
- COUN 671 Capstone I (1)
Additional Required Depth Coursework (10 credits)
Choose one course from the list below:
- COUN 601 Child and Adolescent Counseling (5)
- COUN 616 Counseling Older Adults (5)
Internships/Practica (14 credits)
- COUN 623 Counseling Skills (2)
- COUN 624 Advanced Counseling Skills (2)
- COUN 575 Practicum I (2)
- COUN 577 Practicum II (2)
- COUN 673 Counseling Internship I (2)
- COUN 675 Counseling Internship II (2)
- COUN 677 Counseling Internship III (2)
Total Program Credits 93
Core CACREP Areas (35 credits)
- COUN 502 Multicultural Counseling (5)
- COUN 503 Human Growth and Development (5)
- COUN 510 Professional Ethics and Law (5)
- COUN 518 Career Counseling in Clinical Settings (3)
- COUN 525 Testing and Assessment (5)
- COUN 526 Counseling Theory (5)
- COUN 527 Group Counseling (5)
Required Courses Outside of Core (36 credits)
- COUN 512 Systemic Theory: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (5)
- COUN 514 Research Methods and Statistics (5)
- COUN 537 Crisis, Grief, & Trauma Counseling (5)
- COUN 535 Introduction to Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology (5)
- COUN 532 Addictions and Co-Occurring Counseling (5)
- COUN 618 Human Sexuality (5)
- COUN 565 Introduction to the Counseling Practice (5)
- COUN 671 Capstone I (1)
Additional Required Depth Coursework (5 credits)
- COUN 615 Couples Counseling (5)
Training Requirements (14 credits)
- COUN 623 Counseling Skills (2)
- COUN 624 Advanced Counseling Skills (2)
- COUN 575 Practicum I (2)
- COUN 577 Practicum II (2)
- COUN 673 Counseling Internship I (2)
- COUN 675 Counseling Internship II (2)
- COUN 677 Counseling Internship III (2)
Total Program Credits 93
Core CACREP Areas (35 credits)
- COUN 502 Multicultural Counseling (5)
- COUN 503 Human Growth and Development (5)
- COUN 510 Professional Ethics and Law (5)
- COUN 518 Career Counseling in Clinical Settings (3)
- COUN 525 Testing and Assessment (5)
- COUN 526 Counseling Theory (5)
- COUN 527 Group Counseling (5)
Required Courses Outside of Core (36 credits)
- COUN 512 Systemic Theory: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (5)
- COUN 514 Research Methods and Statistics (5)
- COUN 537 Crisis, Grief, & Trauma Counseling (5)
- COUN 535 Introduction to Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology (5)
- COUN 532 Addictions and Co-Occurring Counseling (5)
- COUN 618 Human Sexuality (5)
- COUN 561 Introduction to School Counseling and ASCA Model (5)
- COUN 671 Capstone I (1)
Additional Required Depth Coursework (5 credits)
- COUN 601 Child and Adolescent Counseling (5)
Training Requirements (14 credits)
- COUN 623 Counseling Skills (2)
- COUN 624 Advanced Counseling Skills (2)
- COUN 570 School Counseling Practicum (2)
- COUN 661 School Counseling Internship I (2)
- COUN 663 School Counseling Internship II (2)
- COUN 665 School Counseling Internship III (2)
- COUN 667 School Counseling Internship IV (2)
All three MAC tracks (CMHC, MCFC, & PSC) meet educational qualifications to apply for Washington state associate licensure, which is the first tier of licensure to work towards Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Those in the PSC track will also meet educational qualifications to apply for the Washington state Educational Staff Associate (ESA) credential. You’ll be qualified and trained to work in a variety of mental health settings, including:
- Nonprofit counseling agencies
- Private counseling practices
- Managed care organizations
- Correctional institutions
- Residential care facilities
- Hospitals
All three emphases in this master of arts in counseling degree program include core knowledge courses in the 8 core CACREP curriculum areas as well as their respective specialty CACREP curriculum. Courses cover a broad range of issues to prepare you for real client work, which may include:
- Counseling and assessments
- Trauma and violence counseling
- Psychopathology
- Group counseling
- Family counseling
- Couples counseling
- Counseling children and adolescents
- Counseling older adults
Networking Opportunities
At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.
Tuition Cost
Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
2023-24 Cost of Attendance (per quarter)
Living with Parent | Not Living with Parent | High-Cost Regions | |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition & Fees | See Tuition Chart | See Tuition Chart | See Tuition Chart |
Books & Supplies | $254 | $254 | $254 |
Housing & Food | $2,864 | $5,956 | $6,552 |
Transportation | $600 | $646 | $711 |
Misc./Personal | $650 | $650 | $650 |
Total | $4,368 | $7,506 | $8,166 |
Student budget values are established using student surveys, CPI index, and actual institutional expenses.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At CityU, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or finaid@cityu.edu.
Military Tuition Benefits
As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance. Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.
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WHY CHOOSE CITYU?
Founded in 1973, City University of Seattle offers over 60 on-site and online programs designed for busy working adults like you. When you enroll at CityU, you will have the support of a community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are dedicated to helping you finish your degree and reach your goals.