Online Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)
Build Skills Toward a Rewarding Career of Serving Others
Graduate Ready for Certification
3 In-Demand Specializations
High Job Growth
Learn More Today
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- Duration 3.5 years
- Cost per Credit $991
- Credit Hours 60
Program Benefits
- Ranked one of the Top 10 Best Online Master’s In School Counseling programs for 2023 by Forbes.1
- No on-campus residency
- Hands-on learning approach
- Internships and practicums provide real-world settings
- Fosters cultural competence to better serve the needs of diverse communities
Choose How You’ll Serve – Three In-Demand Specializations
Become a leader in your field and a champion for justice. Through flexible online courses that don’t require any on-campus residencies, master the skills you need to develop your counseling career. Choose from three specializations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Become a clinical mental health counselor and support clients of all ages and cultures as they overcome emotional health challenges. Work in government and non-government facilities, private practice, inpatient or outpatient agencies, and community organizations.
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling: Serve individuals with disabilities facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges. Learn how to serve as a source of expertise, personal support, and guidance to individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance their quality of life and empower their independence.
- School Counseling: Help students of all ages get the most from their education by assessing and finding solutions to common behavioral and learning problems, promoting psychological health, and implementing effective career development planning.
Career Outlook: A Life of Rewarding Service
More than 41 million U.S. adults sought counseling from a mental health professional in 2020,2 and the demand is only growing. In fact, the number of mental health counseling positions is projected to rise 23% by 2030.1
With each of our three specializations preparing you for certification in your area of expertise, you’ll be equipped to meet this great need and serve those who need your help most.
Careers in CounselingRepresentation Matters
As a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, OLLU has one of the highest percentages of Hispanic student enrollment in the nation and has been ranked as a Top 100 Producer of Graduate Degrees among minorities by Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine.
Our Master of Arts in Counseling program strives to cultivate a greater number of counselors who share the cultural identities of the diverse communities they serve.
Learn MoreCACREP Accreditation Decision Pending (Self-study Submitted)
The MAC Program recently submitted their self-study to be considered for CACREP accreditation (June 2024). After submission, the accreditation timeline is beyond the control of the program. CACREP states that the accreditation process typically takes 18 months from program submission to accreditation decision, however this timeline is not guaranteed. Although we feel quite confident in our program’s readiness for CACREP accreditation, we must reiterate that submission of the self-study does not guarantee the MAC program will be granted accreditation. If accredited, all students who graduated 18 months prior to the official CACREP accreditation date are granted CACREP graduate status. The faculty and staff of the counseling program at Our Lady of the Lake University are committed to achieving CACREP accreditation and will continue to communicate updates with students.
Curriculum: Foundational Knowledge, Real-World Skills
Our experienced faculty deliver courses that combine foundational knowledge with practical, real-world skills. Over your time in the online program, you’ll also prepare for focus-specific licensure or certification, including LPC, CRC, or school counselor certification.
Requirements for certification may vary by state and specialization.
Review CurriculumProgram Objectives
Make continuous efforts to attract, enroll, and retain a diverse group of
students and to create and support an inclusive learning community.
Evaluated by: Student Demographic Data, Admissions, Retention, & Completion Data, & Alumni Surveys
Provide counselors-in-training with learning experiences that build
knowledge and skills in the eight core areas designated by CACREP and
their chosen specialization:
- (a) professional counseling orientation and ethical practice;
- (b) social and cultural diversity;
- (c) human growth and development;
- (d) career development;
- (e) counseling and helping relationships;
- (f) group counseling and group work;
- (g) assessment and testing;
- (h) research and program evaluation; and
- (i) Clinical Mental Health, Clinical Rehabilitation, or School Counseling
Evaluated by: Aggregate student assessment data measuring Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) / Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Develop and graduate competent counselor candidates that demonstrate
the knowledge, skills, and disposition expected of professional counselors
(according to student’s respective specialization area).
Evaluated by: Site Supervisor Evaluations, Fitness-to-Practice Evaluations, Comprehensive Exam Results, & Alumni Employer Surveys
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Arts in Counseling program, in support of the mission of Our Lady of the Lake University, is to empower our graduates to serve the needs of diverse communities as ethical, reflective, and knowledgeable counselors. The program promotes a learning environment rich in appreciation for diversity, inclusiveness, social justice, and accessibility by fostering the professional, personal, and spiritual development of our students.
Available Specializations
Focus your counseling degree on the area you’re passionate about with one of three specializations. Each includes practicum and internship requirements, ensuring you learn in the real world.
Admissions Requirements
To apply for the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Our Lady of the Lake University, you’ll need to submit:
- A complete application
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and official transcripts demonstrating a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Personal statement, student acknowledgment form and questionnaire
- Résumé and reference form
- Written consent for release of test records to certification officer and program faculty
- Current teaching license and teaching service record, if applicable
Applicants who do not meet all requirements of the ideal candidate are still encouraged to apply. Each admissions decision is based on a holistic review of your application package.
Full RequirementsTuition Details
This 60-credit-hour program costs $991 per credit hour. Furthering your career with an education from OLLU is an investment in your future. Find full tuition details at the link below.
Full Tuition Details
Military Student Support
Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to support you as you balance your education with your personal and military service commitments. Our online programs offer the flexibility you need to conference with faculty members, study, and access course materials from wherever your busy life takes you. We also accept a variety of military education benefits to ensure the degree program you want is within reach.
Get SupportFaculty: Tap Into Our Wealth of Expertise
The faculty in OLLU’s MA in Counseling program are seasoned experts who have operated practices and held specialized roles.
They have real-world expertise confronting issues around mental health, eating disorders, behavioral disorders, special education, and substance abuse in residential programs, family practice, schools, group homes, treatment centers and other settings.
In your time at OLLU, you’ll have the opportunity to forge personal connections and receive one-on-one mentorship through hands-on learning.
OLLU FacultyLearning online with OLLU is just as engaging as our on-campus programs — the only difference is the flexibility to learn on your own schedule. Connect with lively discussion groups, complete your assignments and interact with your professors from wherever you prefer to work.
OLLU OnlineSeeking financial aid is a great way to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of getting your new degree — in fact, 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid to ease their transition back to school.
Explore Financial AidFrequently Asked Questions
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 855-275-1082.
- the School Counseling concentration in 3.5 years
- the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentrations in 3–3.5 years.
Total tuition estimates are as follows and do not include the cost of books and fees:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling specializations, $59,460
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling specialization: $59,460
- School Counseling specialization, $59,460
The MAC Program recently submitted their self-study to be considered for CACREP accreditation (June 2024). After submission, the accreditation timeline is beyond the control of the program. CACREP states that the accreditation process typically takes 18 months from program submission to accreditation decision, however this timeline is not guaranteed. Although we feel quite confident in our program’s readiness for CACREP accreditation, we must reiterate that submission of the self-study does not guarantee the MAC program will be granted accreditation. If accredited, all students who graduated 18 months prior to the official CACREP accreditation date are granted CACREP graduate status. The faculty and staff of the counseling program at Our Lady of the Lake University are committed to achieving CACREP accreditation and will continue to communicate updates with students.
Yes. You can choose from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling specializations.
The program requires 600 hours of internship experience and 100 hours of practicum experience for all specializations.
NOTE: Applicants seeking licensure are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license per the Texas occupations code HB 1508.
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Sources:
- Forbes.com, Top 10 Best Online Master’s In School Counseling of 2023 https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/best-online-school-counseling-degrees.
- Statista (2022 May 6). Number of U.S. Adults Who Received Mental Health Treatment or Counseling in the Past Year from 2002 to 2020, from https://www.statista.com.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022 April 18). Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, from https://www.bls.gov.