Spring Arbor University Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Spring Arbor University (SAU) offers a fully online master of arts in counseling (MAC) program with three CACREP-accredited concentrations for students seeking professional counseling careers in faith-based or secular settings. The options include a 62-credit clinical mental health counseling concentration, a 62-credit school counseling concentration, and a 71-credit dual clinical mental health and school counseling concentration. Rooted in a Christian perspective, the program blends clinical training, multiculturalism, ethics, and faith integration to prepare counselors for community service and diverse client needs.
All concentrations share 41 foundation credits covering core counseling skills, plus a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, supervised in appropriate settings to meet CACREP standards. Common foundation courses include theories of counseling; legal issues and ethics in counseling; social and cultural diversity; clinical psychopathology; counseling techniques; group process and counseling; and career counseling and consulting. Students develop professional identity, multicultural competence, human growth knowledge, assessment skills, and research abilities.
The clinical mental health counseling concentration prepares students for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure and for work in mental health settings, clinics, agencies, churches, or private practice. It adds 12 concentration credits, including required courses like addictions and marriage & family counseling: planning, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, plus electives and practicum or internship specific to clinical mental health. Graduates apply as Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) first, then complete supervised hours and exams.
The school counseling concentration equips students for K-12 school counselor licensure or endorsement in Michigan, suitable for certified teachers or non-teachers. It includes 12 concentration credits with required courses such as introduction to classroom dynamics; development and administration of school counseling programs; and mental health within the schools, plus electives and a school-specific practicum or internship. Counselors serve in districts, career centers, or intermediate school districts.
The dual clinical mental health and school counseling concentration combines both for broader experience and flexibility, preparing for LPC and school counseling licensure. It requires 15 concentration credits, including addictions; marriage & family counseling: planning, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment; introduction to classroom dynamics; development and administration of school counseling programs; and mental health within the schools. Students complete expanded practicum and internships across both settings.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA for at least the last two years of that bachelor’s degree. Admission to all MAC concentrations requires a writing assessment showing proficient computer, reading, and writing skills, a completed Misdemeanor and Felony Disclosure Form, and a current resume or vita with volunteer or professional counseling-related experience. Applicants from any undergraduate discipline may apply, though counseling, psychology, or related fields provide the best preparation. The program welcomes diverse backgrounds to support its inclusive Christian mission.
Spring Arbor University is a private Free Methodist university located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). With over 150 years of Christ-centered education, SAU serves a global network of over 40,000 graduates through flexible programs. The MAC program, including all concentrations, is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
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MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MA in Counseling – Dual Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling
MA in Counseling – School Counseling
106 E. Main St.Spring Arbor, Michigan
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
62
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as few as 2 to 2.5 years full-time and 3 to 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
62
$687.00
$42,594.00
$687.00
$42,594.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
71
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as few as 3 years full-time or 3.5 years to 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
71
$687.00
$48,777.00
$687.00
$48,777.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
62
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as few as 2 to 2.5 years full-time and 3 to 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
62
$687.00
$42,594.00
$687.00
$42,594.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.