Master of Arts in Counseling | Jessup University

COUNSELING

Master of Arts (MAC)

The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program features a practitioner/scholar model that merges biblical faith integration and academic excellence. You will apply clinical skills, intervention techniques, and train under the direct supervision of practicing mental health professionals while learning about counseling theory and Christian theology. As a MAC graduate, you will recognize the impact of spiritual beliefs on the counselors’ worldview and understand how to engage them in an ethical and professional manner. This program meets the requirements for licensure outlined by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) and the Washington State Department of Health. At Multnomah, you don’t have to choose between professional, skilled training and fostering deep spiritual resources to better care for patients.

Pending Approval for Veterans Education Benefits in Portland, OR.

60 UNITS

30 MONTHS

PORTLAND CAMPUS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

This program strives to create a Christ-centered community where students can excel as professional clinicians. Core values are infused throughout the program (SHAPE): Spiritual integration (S), Healing presence (H), Advocacy and diversity (A), Professional identity (P), Educational excellence (E). As a MAC student, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from and bond with your peers in our small, community-oriented program while you gain the in-depth knowledge and firsthand experience you need to excel as a licensed counselor.

The MAC program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in clinical mental health counseling. CACREP Accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. The student, as a consumer, can be assured that appropriate knowledge and skill areas are included and that the program is stable, professionally and financially, preparing the student for state licensure, employment in the field, or further education in a doctoral program.

Admissions Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university—Official Transcripts Required
GPA: minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Applicants with an undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0 are welcome to apply; a petition letter to waive the 3.0 GPA minimum requirement is required and to be 2 pages or less double spaced. Please include an explanation of your undergraduate GPA and how you plan to be academically successful in graduate school.)
Resume
Two reference letters from academic or employment sources.
Personal Essay of faith development and interest in pursuing Psychology (maximum 3 pages double spaced)
Maximum 2-minute video using the following prompts:
- 1. Introduce yourself and share your reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling at the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University.
- 2. Share something unique about yourself that you believe will be a valuable addition to our program and the field of counseling psychology.
- 3. Submit video to: macpapplication@jessup.edu.
Oral interview if requested

Program Courses (60 units):

COU500 | Professional Orientation
COU515 | Spiritual Formation & Integration
COU520 | Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling
COU525 | Foundational Counseling Skills
COU535 | Religion, Spirituality & Counseling
COU555 | Diagnosis & Psychopathology
COU560 | Counseling Theory
COU575 | Research I
COU620 | Advanced Counseling Skills & Treatment Planning
COU640 | Group Dynamics and Counseling
COU643 | Social & Cultural Diversity
COU650 | Couples, Families and Other Systems
COU653 | Human Growth and Development
COU655 | Addictions (Treatment)
COU657 | Research II
COU660 | Tests and Appraisal in Counseling
COU662 | Neurobiology & Psychopharmacology
COU665 | Trauma
COU680 | Lifestyle, Career, and Advocacy
COU595 | Pre-Practicum
COU545 | Practicum
COU605 | Clinical Internship I
COU645 | Clinical Internship II
COU690 | Integ Case Conceptualization & Comp Oral Exam
Counseling Electives

To view all courses and course descriptions, please see our current Academic Catalog.

The MAC program is offered in a cohort format with 8‐25 students in each cohort. Students may opt for a high or low residency cohort.

High residency students typically meet one evening a week on‐campus from 6‐9 pm, with Friday/Saturday classes one or two times a semester. Students in this track may have the option to complete a trauma specialty and can complete the program requirements in a little more than two years, attending classes year‐round and allowing sufficient time to complete practicum and internship, personal growth requirements, and the oral exam. View the high residency course layout.
Low residency students typically meet one evening a week on Zoom for a shorter time period with a variety of asynchronous course requirements each week (in addition to typical reading and writing homework). Students in this track may have the option to complete an addictions specialty and can complete the program requirements in three years, attending classes year‐round at a slightly slower pace and still completing other requirements.

All students have additional weekly attendance required during Practicum and Internship.

The MAC program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling programs have been approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists as meeting the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Jessup University Multnomah Accreditation and License Matrix

Kristi Cash White, Ph.D.

Program Director
Assistant Professor, School of Psychology

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. — Proverbs 20:5

FACULTY

Jessup's dedicated community of faculty, both full-time and adjunct, are here to walk alongside you, equipping you with the knowledge and values you'll need to establish a meaningful career, grow spiritually, and succeed in all areas of your life. Learn more about our full-time faculty.

Kristi Cash White, Ph.D.

Program Director; Assistant Professor - School of Psychology

Find Your Major

Complete the following free assessment to match your academic goals, interests, and personality with Jessup majors.

Start the Assessment

JESSUP NEWS & STORIES

In Search of a Better Life – Isabella Carreiro

ISABELLA CARREIRO Many Jessup students overcome significant obstacles in their pursuit of Christian higher education and Isabella Carreiro is no exception. Originally from Sao Paulo,…