Distinctives
What makes Messiah’s M.A. in counseling program unique?
Faith commitments and academic excellence
Messiah University is a nationally ranked University that effectively integrates quality academics and Christian faith. Messiah has an ongoing commitment to the integration of faith and learning—particularly as it relates to issues of justice, reconciliation, and the dignity of all people.
CACREP accredited and nationally recognized
All three of our tracks in counseling are accredited by CACREP, the national accrediting agency for graduate-level degree programs in counselor education. Messiah University is one of a handful of Christian Colleges to have this distinction. Our counseling program has earned a spot on several University rankings lists:
- Humanservicesedu.org has ranked Messiah University as a 2019-20 Most Affordable Accredited Master’s in Counseling Programs.
- Bestcolleges.com has ranked Messiah University as a 2019 Best Online Master's in Marriage & Family Counseling Programs.
- Collegechoice.net has been ranked Messiah University as a 2018 Best Online Master's In School Counseling Degrees.
Experienced counselors and excellent faculty
Messiah’s faculty are experienced counselors, engaging teachers, and accomplished scholars who encourage and mentor students as they grow in their faith, explore their profession and advance in their education and career. With a low student-faculty ratio, faculty intentionally take a personalized interest in their students throughout the program.
Online and classroom delivery
While the majority of the counseling coursework is conducted in an online format, we make every effort to personally know each of our students through personalized advising, regular synchronous sessions as part of the online courses, and a willingness on the part of the faculty to communicate regularly with students through email, Zoom, phone, or in person. We also feature one-week, on-campus sessions in July and January so that we can do the majority of each student’s counseling skill development in a face to face environment utilizing state of the art technology. Our unique delivery model allows you to take courses from anywhere in the world and to experience face-to-face interaction in a traditional classroom.
Theoretical study and practical training
The program is grounded in a strong set of core courses. In addition, students specialize in their area of focus and are provided with ample field-based experiences to practice counseling skills and to integrate professional knowledge under the supervision of an experienced counselor. Designed with individual development in mind, there are opportunities for the novice as well as advanced counselors to increase their knowledge and develop their counseling skills.
The CACREP-Messiah University distinction
Messiah University has the only online, faith-based, CACREP accredited, master’s in counseling program in Pennsylvania and one of the only CACREP accredited, online, faith-based program in marriage, couple and family counseling in the U.S.
