Study Master’s in Counseling in Michigan

If you are thinking about taking the next step in your education and pursuing a career in counseling, an online master’s program in Michigan could be the perfect choice for you. These programs are designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to help others, all while learning from the comfort of your own home or any other place with an internet connection.

Online counseling programs allow you to study at a pace that suits you, with the flexibility to balance your studies with other responsibilities. It’s a great way to prepare for a rewarding career in the counseling field.

Best Accredited Online Masters in Counseling Degrees in Michigan

Online Master’s in Counseling in Michigan

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online master’s in counseling in Michigan:

  • Central Michigan University
  • Spring Arbor University
  • Davenport University
  • Wayne State University
  • Butler University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Arizona State University Online
  • Capella University

Central Michigan University

Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling

If you are eager to build a career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives, the Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling program at Central Michigan University could be the right choice for you. This program is designed to help you become a skilled counselor, ready to work in schools, universities, community agencies, or even start your own practice.

The program is structured to allow you to continue working while you study, offering classes on-campus, online, or a mix of both. You can study full-time or part-time, choosing the format that suits you best.

This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). As a full-time student, you can complete this program in 2.5 years, on the other hand, if you decide to enroll as a part-time student, it will take you 3.5 years.

In this program, you will receive training that encourages you to grow both personally and professionally. You will learn how to support wellness and social justice, helping people from all walks of life meet their mental health, education, and career goals.

To graduate, you will need to earn at least 60 credit hours, studying a range of important topics such as ethics, counseling techniques, and career development. You will also get real-world experience through practical training and internships, allowing you to explore areas that interest you the most.

You will have the opportunity to choose from the following areas of study:

  • Addiction Counseling: In this concentration, you will learn about the causes of addiction and how to help people prevent and overcome it. This concentration prepares you for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan and to work in various settings, including schools and community agencies, helping individuals struggling with addiction.
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This concentration will train you to support people facing challenges like addiction, crisis, and trauma. You will learn how to work in different environments, including schools and private practices, to assist individuals in managing and overcoming their challenges. This concentration also prepares you for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan
  • School Counseling: If you want to work with young people, this concentration is for you. You will learn how to help students in schools with their academic, social, and career needs, promoting fairness and opportunities for all. This concentration is designed for students who are interested in a school counseling endorsement or school counseling licensure in Michigan.

No matter which path you choose, you will gain hands-on experience through required practical training and internships, working directly with individuals and groups to help them overcome their challenges. Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • Career Counseling
  • Professional Orientation and Ethics
  • Introduction to Counseling for Addictions
  • Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling
  • Counseling Techniques
  • Crisis and Trauma Counseling
  • Psychopathology in Counseling

Towards the end of the program, you will undertake a 100-hour clinical experience. Before starting your practicum, you need to complete the majority of your other coursework. This practicum includes 40 hours of direct interaction with clients and requires 2.5 hours of supervision each week. While your practicum site doesn’t need to align with your concentration, it is mandatory to have a site supervisor present while you are accumulating hours. Although the program will help you find suitable sites, securing a practicum site is ultimately your responsibility.

Following the successful completion of your practicum, you will progress to a 600-hour clinical internship, which entails 240 hours of face-to-face engagement with clients and a weekly 2.5 hours of supervision. This internship must be carried out at a site that is relevant to your concentration, and a supervisor must be on hand while you are working. If you are specializing in school counseling, your supervisor must be a licensed school counselor. While the program offers assistance in locating internship sites, it is your duty to secure one.

To apply for the program, you will need to provide:

  • A filled-out graduate application.
  • Transcripts from your earlier studies.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.8 in your undergraduate studies.
  • A resume or a statement about your work or volunteer experience.
  • A written statement where you talk about your career goals and how this program can help you reach them.
  • Two letters from people who can recommend you professionally, not including family or friends.

If you fulfill all the necessary criteria, you will receives an invitation from the department faculty for a mandatory virtual group interview. The interview dates will be shared beforehand to allow you to arrange your schedule accordingly.

Spring Arbor University

Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling

The CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at Spring Arbor University offers a blend of high-quality classroom training and clinical experience and aims to prepare you to work in different settings, including those that are faith-based.

The program offer a Virtual Classroom Option. This option combines online learning with face-to-face interaction. Study from home, like in an online program, while still engaging with your classmates face-to-face.

You can choose from three different paths: Clinical Mental Health, School Counseling, or a Dual Track which combines elements of both. Regardless of your choice, you will start with a core program of 60 credit hours. If you opt for the School Counseling or Dual Track, you will take up to three extra courses. Dual Track students will have a longer internship experience, adding about six months to their program duration.

Here’s a closer look at the tracks:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This track is geared towards helping you become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan, qualifying you to work in various settings including mental health facilities and private practices.
  • School Counseling: This path prepares you to become a licensed counselor in K-12 schools in Michigan. It also sets the foundation for you to pursue licensure as an LPC.
  • Dual Track: This option allows you to fulfill the requirements for both Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling, giving you a broad skill set and opening up a wide range of job opportunities.

During your time in the program, you will take a variety of courses that cover important topics such as:

  • Understanding Counseling and Diversity: Here you will start building your identity as a counselor, learning about the history and current practices in the field.
  • Advanced Clinical Psychopathology and Abnormal Behavior: Offering a deep dive into different disorders and the best ways to treat them.
  • Addictions: Providing a basic understanding of addiction theories and treatment methods.
  • Counseling Techniques in Multicultural Settings: Focusing on developing your counseling skills while considering different backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Developmental Issues in Counseling: Exploring human development across all ages and how it relates to counseling.
  • Career Counseling: Understanding how to help people with their career choices while considering their diverse backgrounds.
  • Crisis Intervention: Learning how to respond to various crises effectively.
  • Practicum in Counseling: A practical course where you will apply what you’ve learned in a real clinical setting.
  • Internship: A 300-hour field experience where you will apply your knowledge in settings like schools and community agencies.

If you choose the School Counseling track, you will take additional courses that cover classroom dynamics, the development and management of school counseling programs, and understanding mental health within schools.

To enroll in this program, you will need to:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a recognized college or university.
  • Submit official transcripts from all the institutions you have attended before.
  • Submit 2-3 references from professional or academic contacts.
  • Successful pass a writing assessment, demonstrating proficient computer, reading and writing skills.
  • Submit two filled-out recommendation forms (These are forms that will be provided, not letters from references).
  • A clean criminal background, verified through a background check and a completed disclosure form.

Davenport University

Master of Arts  – Mental Health Counseling

At Davenport University, you can enroll in a 60-credit Master of Arts program in mental health counseling that equips you with the necessary skills to support individuals and families facing serious challenges in life.

The program recognizes the busy lives of working adults, offering flexibility with two start dates in the fall and winter, along with the convenience of 100% online course delivery spread over 15-week periods.

This program is designed with a special focus on cultural competency, helping you to become a proficient counselor capable of serving diverse communities at a professional level. The course content and evaluations are designed o reflect the varied experiences you will encounter in the mental health profession, setting a solid foundation for your career.

To ensure you receive personalized guidance, Davenport offers a 1:1 mentorship program where you, as a new student, will be paired with a second-year student or a faculty member. This initiative allows you to start building a supportive network from day one.

Some of the courses that you will take include:

  • Introduction to Professional Counseling
  • Counseling Theory/Techniques
  • Human Development Lifespan
  • Testing Assessment Counseling
  • Psychopathology
  • Group Counseling
  • Research in Professional Counseling
  • Addictions

Upon graduating, you will be fully prepared to work with clients from all walks of life, in individual, group, or family settings. You will have a deep understanding of the ethical standards of mental health counseling and be able to apply culturally relevant theories to guide your clients effectively through various life stages and career planning.

A standout feature of this program is the hands-on experience you will gain through a 100-hour practicum in a mental health setting and a substantial 600-hour internship under the guidance of a qualified mental health provider. These practical experiences are essential in honing your skills, going beyond classroom learning to give you a taste of real-world scenarios.

It is important to note that your internship and practicum must be supervised by a mental health provider licensed by the State of Michigan Licensing Board. If you are an international student, make sure to check with your country’s mental health governing body to ensure the internship meets the necessary criteria.

Davenport University welcomes students holding a bachelor’s degree in any field. The online courses in this program will guide you in developing the advanced skills and specialized knowledge required to become a mental health counselor, focusing on promoting mental and emotional well-being through preventative measures. 

Wayne State University

Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling

If you are passionate about helping others and are considering a career in counseling, Wayne State University offers a CACREP-accredited M.A. in Counseling that might be just what you are looking for. This program is designed to give you both the academic knowledge and the practical experience you need to succeed in various counseling settings.

This program follows a hybrid format, allowing you to attend some courses online while others will be conducted in a traditional classroom setting.

In this program, you will dive deep into the theories and strategies that are essential in the counseling field. You will have the chance to learn about a wide range of topics, including how people develop over time, how to help couples strengthen their relationships, and how to support individuals dealing with addiction. Moreover, you will become well-versed in the legal and ethical aspects that are crucial in the counseling profession.

The training approach is modern, blending online and in-person classes to help you build a strong foundation while also developing your clinical skills. To graduate, you will need to complete at least 60 credit hours, which combine theoretical study with hands-on learning.

One of the highlights of this program is the opportunity to choose from six different concentrations, each tailored to a specific area of counseling. Regardless of your choice, you will gain real-world experience through a supervised practicum and an internship, where you can apply what you have learned in a practical setting.

Here are the concentrations you can choose from:

Art Therapy

This concentration is perfect if you are interested in using art to help people express themselves and work through emotional issues. You will learn how to use visual art-making to foster self-awareness and personal growth. To pursue this path, you will need credits in psychology and studio art. You will be eligible to earn both counseling (LPC) and art therapy (A.T.R.) professional credentials following graduation. The concentration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP).

Clinical Mental Health

If you choose this concentration, you will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including mental health facilities, schools, and community agencies. You will be encouraged to use your elective courses and practical experiences to specialize further in an area that interests you. After completing the program, you can apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

This path prepares you to support individuals with disabilities, focusing on helping them reintegrate into society and find employment. After graduation, you can apply for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC). You will also be eligible to apply for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.

School Counseling

If you are drawn to working in educational settings, this concentration is for you. You will learn how to support K-12 students in public or private schools, focusing on a developmental approach to counseling. After completing the program, you can become a licensed school counselor, provided you pass the necessary state examination.

Dual Concentration in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling

If you are looking to broaden your expertise and opportunities in the counseling field, you might consider pursuing a dual concentration that meets the criteria for both the Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling tracks. To fulfill the requirements of this dual concentration, you will need to complete an extended internship period, accumulating a total of 1,200 hours, which includes an additional 600 hours to the standard requirement.

Dual Concentration in School Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

This dual concentration offers the training required for both the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and School Counseling tracks. To successfully complete this dual concentration, you will undertake a total of 1,200 internship hours, which encompasses an extra 600 hours on top of the standard requirement.

Admission requirements for the program include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions where a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree was earned.
  • A personal interview with an admission committee.
  • An autobiographical statement reflecting your personal and professional history.

What is the Difference Between a Master’s in Counseling and a Master’s in Psychology?

A Masters in Counseling and a Masters in Psychology, while related, focus on different aspects of mental health and prepare students for different roles in the mental health field. Here we break down the primary differences between the two:

Masters in Counseling

  • Focus: Primarily centered on preparing students to become counselors or therapists who can provide guidance and support to individuals, groups, or families facing mental health issues, personal challenges, or developmental concerns.
  • Curriculum: The curriculum is generally more practice-oriented, focusing on developing counseling skills and techniques, understanding of various therapeutic approaches, and knowledge of ethical and legal issues in counseling.
  • Career Paths: Graduates typically pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, school counselors, or rehabilitation counselors.
  • Licensing: After completing the program, students often need to acquire licensure to practice, which involves meeting state-specific requirements, including supervised clinical experience and passing a licensure exam.

Masters in Psychology

  • Focus: This program is more research and theory-focused, providing a deeper understanding of psychological theories, principles, and the scientific methods used in the study of human behavior and mental processes.
  • Curriculum: The curriculum covers a broad range of topics in psychology, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and psychopathology. It often involves substantial coursework in research methods and statistical analysis.
  • Career Paths: Graduates can work in various roles, including research assistants, human resources specialists, or psychological assistants. They can also pursue further studies to become a licensed psychologist or a professor in psychology.
  • Licensing: While some roles may not require licensure, those aiming to become psychologists will need to pursue licensure, which generally involves obtaining a doctoral degree, followed by supervised experience and a licensing exam.

What Degree Do You Need to be a School Counselor in Michigan?

To become a school counselor in Michigan, you must earn a master’s degree. The master’s degree must be from an accredited university and cover a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate coursework in a recognized school counselor education program.

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