MA Clinical Mental Health
Counseling Program

Graduate Program Overview

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Franciscan University aims to develop professionals who respect and integrate human and Christian values. The Program combines the learning of therapeutic techniques with a Christian understanding of the human person.

This program is a full-time, two-year program (including one summer semester) with the majority of classes offered during the day. However, part-time enrollment is available for individuals continuing in a professional career or assuming other responsibilities while completing the program. A total of 54 credits is necessary to complete the Master’s degree. A thesis is not required. Additional coursework is available in the Master’s Plus Program for those needing 60 semester credits for licensure requirements (LPC/LPCC) in selected states, including Ohio. The program’s curriculum is approved by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, and thus the degree that graduates of the program earn meets the educational requirements for counselor licensure.

Unique Aspects of the Program:

• Close interactions between faculty and students and faculty availability help students to feel supported throughout their academic career. 
• The cohort-style model of the program promotes collaboration among students. 
• The program is sensitive to its mission to be grounded in Christian values and offers unique courses in psychological and spiritual integration, Christian approaches to counseling, and pastoral counseling. 
• Students gain valuable field experience during practicum and internship courses.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Mission

The underlying philosophical approach in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is consistent with Franciscan University of Steubenville’s mission to promote free intellectual inquiry conducive to the development of professionals who respect and integrate human and Christian values. The program aims to provide a strong background of experiential training, knowledge, research and testing skills, and promotes an understanding of the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human development and behavior. Graduates from this program will receive the academic and experiential foundations that will enable them to specialize in a variety of counselor roles, such as community mental health counselors, pastoral counselors, drug and alcohol counselors, college counselors, and marriage and family counselors. The program has the goal of providing educational foundations that enable its graduates to enter professionally satisfying careers, serve others to the best of their abilities, and develop a capacity for intellectual, professional, and personal growth.