M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
Restoring Foundations for Couples and Families
Strong family structures lead to stronger communities. Are you called to help mend this critical fabric of society? Regent’s CACREP-accredited Master in Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, offered online or on-campus, can equip you for a fulfilling career in counseling. Prepare for your Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure with the program. Advance as an advocate, community leader, and highly trained, compassionate therapist to children, adolescents, and adults seeking tools for mental and emotional health that leads to healthier relationships.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure
The M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling leads to the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure. Establish your reputation as a licensed therapist and make a positive impact on families. With Regent’s CACREP program, some graduates are able to work toward becoming dually licensed as mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in their state, including Virginia.
Intimate Learning Environment
Network, build relationships with, and get feedback from a challenging core of fellow students and professors. Be mentored by core faculty that are trained as marriage and family therapists in evidenced based practices.
Hands-On Clinical Experience
Apply what you learn from your rigorous coursework through qualified real-world fieldwork.
Make a Lasting Difference
Join a respected network of Regent marriage and family therapists dedicated to the integration of science and faith.
Courses are taught from a Christian worldview by renowned faculty in Virginia Beach and beyond.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
Through this master’s in marriage, couple & family counseling degree, you can:
- Integrate systematic research and theories to improve understanding of family systems and dynamics.
- Apply techniques and interventions to treat individuals, couples, and families from a systems perspective.
- Prepare for real-world clinical practice in community agencies and settings.
Career Opportunities
- Public Agencies
- Private Practices
- Mental Health Facilities
- Church Counseling Centers
Application Deadlines
Spring: November 1
Cohorts are online only.
Fall: June 1
Cohorts are both online and on-campus.
Important Note: If admitted to an online program, you will be required to attend and successfully complete two on-campus, one-week residencies during the course of the program. These residencies are held in January and August.
Prerequisites
Master's applicants must:
- Hold a B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited college or university. Desirable degrees include those in counseling, psychology or related human behavioral fields. Other degree fields will also be considered.
- Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework.
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Complete an Admissions Questionnaire
Please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This enables you to demonstrate your interest in the field of counseling. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an admissions counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.
Step 4: Submit Your Resume
Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your professional experiences, any research or academic projects you have completed, and includes three references with contact information. References should be able to address questions related to character, as well as your interpersonal and relational skills. The resume should also include thorough job descriptions of each position held. Please upload your document to regent.edu/items.
Step 5: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Step 6: Faculty Interview
Interviews for all licensure programs are by invitation only after review of the completed application. These required interviews are conducted online, and you must have both a webcam and microphone to participate. Your admissions counselor will provide information regarding interview days/times for you to register once your file is complete.
Applicants invited to the virtual interview should keep in mind that an interview does not assure admission. The School of Psychology & Counseling reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion whether a candidate is suitable for admission to the licensure program.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
State | Licensing Agency | Meets Education Requirements |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy 60 Commerce Street Suite 1440 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-395-7455 jackistateboards@gmail.com mft.alabama.gov | Yes |
Alaska | Alaska Department of Commerce – Board of Marital & Family Therapy PO Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811 (907) 465-2550 boardofmaritalandfamilytherapy@alaska.gov commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofMaritalFamilyTherapy.aspx | No |
Arizona | Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners 1740 W Adams St #3600 Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542-1882 information@azbbhe.us azbbhe.us/node/838 | No |
Arkansas | Arkansas State Board of Examiners in Counseling 101 East Capitol, Suite 202 Little Rock, AR 72201 501-683-5800 healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-state-board-of-examiners-in-counseling | Yes |
California | California Board of Behavioral Sciences 1625 N Market Blvd., Suite S-200 Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 574-7830 bbs.ca.gov/applicants/lmft.html | Yes |
Colorado | Colorado Board of Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202 303-894-7800 dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us dpo.colorado.gov/MarriageFamilyTherapy/LawsRulesPolicies | Yes |
Connecticut | Connecticut Department of Public Health PO Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 (860) 509-7603 dph.counselorsteam@ct.gov portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing–Investigations/MFT/Marital-and-Family-Therapist-Licensure-Requirements | Yes |
Delaware | Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals Cannon Building, Suite 203 861 Silver Lake Blvd. Dover, DE 19904 (302) 744-4500 customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov dpr.delaware.gov/boards/profcounselors/marriage_newlicense | Yes |
District of Columbia | DC Department of Health – Board of Marriage and Family Therapy 899 North Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 (877) 672-2174 dcbomft@dc.gov dchealth.dc.gov/service/marriage-and-family-therapy-licensing | Yes |
Florida | Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-08 Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850) 488-0595 floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov | Yes |
Georgia | Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 (478) 207-2440 sos.ga.gov/board-professional-counselors-social-workers-and-marriage-family-therapists | Yes |
Hawaii | Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing Division PO Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 (808) 586-3000 pvl@dcca.hawaii.gov cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/marriage | No |
Idaho | Idaho Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720 (208) 334-3233 cou@dopl.idaho.gov dopl.idaho.gov/cou | Yes |
Illinois | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation 320 W. Washington, 3rd Floor Springfield, IL 62786 1-800-560-6420 idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/marrfamtherapy.html | Yes |
Indiana | Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board 402 W Washington St W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-2960 pla8@pla.in.gov in.gov/pla/professions/behavioral-health-and-human-services/behavioral-health-and-human-services-licensing-information | Yes |
Iowa | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing – Board of Behavioral Science 6200 Park Avenue Suite 100 Des Moines, IA 50321 515-281-0254 plpublic@idph.iowa.gov dial.iowa.gov/how-do-i-permanent-marriage-family-therapist | Yes |
Kansas | Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board 700 S.W. Harrison St, Ste 420 Topeka, KS 66603 785-296-3240 bsrb@ks.gov ksbsrb.ks.gov/professions/marriage-family-therapists | No |
Kentucky | Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists 500 Mero Street Frankfort, KY 40601 502-782-8809 mft@ky.gov mft.ky.gov | Yes |
Louisiana | Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave North, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70816 225-295-8444 lpcboard@lpcboard.org lpcboard.org | Yes |
Maine | Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure 35 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 624-8623 counsel.board@maine.gov maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/board-of-counseling-professionals-licensure/licensing-and-forms | Yes |
Maryland | Maryland Department of Health – Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists 4201 Patterson Avenue, Suite 316 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-764-4732 health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/marriagetherapy.aspx | No |
Massachusetts | Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions 250 Washington Street Boston, MA 02108 (617) 624-6199 amh.board@mass.gov mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professions | Yes |
Michigan | Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Board of Marriage and Family Therapy PO Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909 (651) 201-2756 bpldata@michigan.gov michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/marriage | No |
Minnesota | Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy 335 Randolph Avenue, Suite 260 St. Paul, MN 55102 612-617-2220 mft.board@state.mn.us mn.gov/boards/marriage-and-family | No |
Mississippi | Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists PO Box 4508 Jackson, MS 39296 (601) 987-6806 info@swmft.ms.gov swmft.ms.gov/mft-forms-and-licensing-information | No |
Missouri | Missouri Division of Professional Regulation – State Committee of Marital & Family Therapists PO Box 1335 Jefferson City, MO 65102 573.751.0870 maritalfam@pr.mo.gov pr.mo.gov/marital.asp | Yes |
Montana | Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Board of Behavioral Health PO Box 200513 Helena, MT 59620 (406) 444-6880 dlibsdhelp@mt.gov boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/behavioral-health/license-information/licensed-marriage-and-family-therapist | Yes |
Nebraska | Nebraska Mental Health and Social Work Practice PO Box 94986 Lincoln NE 68509 (402) 471-2117 dhhs.licensure2117@nebraska.gov dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/mental-health-and-social-work-practice.aspx | Yes |
Nevada | Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors 7324 West Cheyenne, Suite #10 Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 486-7388 mftbd2@mftbd.nv.gov marriage.nv.gov/Application/MFT_Qualifications | Yes |
New Hampshire | New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice 7 Eagle Square Concord, NH 03301 1-800-735-2964 oplclicensing9@oplc.nh.gov oplc.nh.gov/applications-mental-health-practice | Yes |
New Jersey | New Jersey Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners PO Box 45007 Newark, NJ 07101 (973) 504-6415 mftinquiries@dca.njoag.gov njconsumeraffairs.gov/mft/Pages/regulations.aspx | Yes |
New Mexico | New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board PO Box 25101 Santa Fe, NM 87504 505-476-4610 counseling.board@rld.nm.gov rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/counseling-and-therapy-practice | No |
New York | New York Education Department – Office of the Professions 89 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12234 518-474-3817 op.nysed.gov/professions/marriage-and-family-therapists/license-requirements | No |
North Carolina | North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board PO Box 10912 Raleigh, NC 27605 (919) 568-3014 director@ncbmft.org ncbmft.org | Yes |
North Dakota | North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board 327 Buckskin Avenue Bismarck, ND 58503 (701) 400-2696 ndmftlb@midco.net ndmftlb.org/licensing-process-2023 | No |
Ohio | Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board 77 S High St 24th Floor, Room 2468 Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 466-0912 mft@cswb.ohio.gov cswmft.ohio.gov/get-licensed/MFTs | No |
Oklahoma | Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure 3815 N Santa Fe, Ste. 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 522-3696 info.behavioralhealth@bbhl.ok.gov oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth/academic-requirements/licensed-marital-and-family-therapist.html | No |
Oregon | Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists 3218 Pringle Road SE, Ste. 120 Salem, OR 97302 503-378-5499 lpct.board@mhra.oregon.gov oregon.gov/oblpct/Pages/index.aspx | Yes |
Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105 (717) 783-1389 st-socialwork@pa.gov dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/default.aspx | No |
Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage/Family Therapists 3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908 401-222-5960 ridoh.covid19questions@health.ri.gov health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=228 | No |
South Carolina | South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists 110 Centerview Dr Columbia SC 29210 (803) 896-4658 contact.counselor@llr.sc.gov llr.sc.gov/cou/mftherapists.aspx | Yes |
South Dakota | South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors & Marriage and Family Therapists PO Box 340 1351 N. Harrison Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 605-224-1721 sdbce@midwestsolutionssd.com dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/counselors.aspx | Yes |
Tennessee | Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-5735 unit1hrb.health@tn.gov tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pcmft-board/pcmft-board/licensure.html | No |
Texas | Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300 Austin, TX 78701 (512) 305-7700 bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-marriage-and-family-therapists/index.html | Yes |
Utah | Utah Department of Commerce – Division of Professional Licensing PO Box 146741 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 (801) 530-6628 dopl@utah.gov dopl.utah.gov/marriage-and-family-therapy | Yes |
Vermont | Vermont Office of Professional Regulation – Allied Mental Health Board 128 State Street Montpelier, VT 05633 802-828-1505 sos.vermont.gov/allied-mental-health | No |
Virginia | Virginia Department of Health Professions – Board of Counseling Perimeter Center 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 (804) 367-4610 coun@dhp.virginia.gov dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling | Yes |
Washington | Washington Department of Health Town Center 2 111 Israel Rd. S.E. Tumwater, WA 98501 360-236-4700 hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/marriage-and-family-therapist | No |
West Virginia | West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling 815 Quarrier Street, Suite 212 Charleston, WV 25301 304-558-5494 wvbec.org/becoming-a-licensed-counselor | Yes |
Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services 4822 Madison Yards Way Madison, WI 53705 (608) 266-2112 dsps@wisconsin.gov dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/MFT/Default.aspx | No |
Wyoming | Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board 2001 Capitol Ave, Room 127 Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-3507 wyomhplb@wyo.gov mentalhealth.wyo.gov/home | Yes |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $2,085 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | Full time enrollment is required. |
Full-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $945 | 6 | $5,670 |
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $945 | 12 | $11,340 |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
Part-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $2,085 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | Full time enrollment is required. |
Full-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $900 | 6 | $5,400 |
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $900 | 12 | $10,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
The mission of the Counseling Department is to provide training in professional counseling, leadership, advocacy, and research with the integration of biblical principles consistent with professional standards of practice.
Goal A: Quality Curriculum
To deliver the high-quality education required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Student Learning Objectives:
A.1. Students will demonstrate knowledge about the profession of counseling including history, organizational structures, ethics, standards and credentialing.
A.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of social and cultural foundations to be effective in a multicultural and diverse society.
A.3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of human growth and development in order to understand the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts.
A.4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of career development and related life factors.
A.5. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in group development, dynamics, counseling theory, group counseling methods, and group work approaches.
A.6. Students will demonstrate understanding and knowledge about individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.
A.7. Students will demonstrate knowledge about various research methods and, statistical analysis, needs assessments and program evaluation.
A.8. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation processes.
Goal B: Faith Integration
To provide leadership in the integration of sound and ethical clinical practice, skills and techniques within the context of Biblically based values.
Student Learning Objectives:
B.1. Students will demonstrate professional maturity and self-awareness to work with faith-based issues that arise in counseling.
B.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills to incorporate explicit and implicit spiritual/religious counseling strategies and techniques consistent with the values and ethical principles of the profession.
Goal C: Competent Students: (Disaggregated by Program)
To graduate students who demonstrate proficient knowledge and skill in working with individuals and groups from a multicultural and pluralistic society in mental health service delivery modalities.
Student Learning Objectives:
Marriage, Couples, and Families Counseling
C.1.MCFC. Students will demonstrate knowledge in conceptualizing and implementing treatment, planning, and intervention strategies in marriage, couple, and family counseling.
C.2.MCFC. Students will demonstrate skills in clinical assessment, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention relevant to counseling couples and families.
C.3.MCFC. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities, roles, and functions of marriage, couple and family counselors/therapist in the settings in which they practice.
C.4.MCFC. Students will demonstrate skill in culturally responsive counseling and advocacy with all individuals, groups, and families.
Goal D: Professional Dispositions
To graduate students who demonstrate professional dispositions consistent with the counseling profession.
Student Learning Objectives:
D.1. Students will demonstrate professional dispositions consistent with the counseling profession.
Upcoming Residency Dates
Spring 2025:
- Residency A (On Campus) – Monday, January 6, 2025 - Friday, January 10, 2025. Residency A is scheduled for online students starting the M.A. Counseling Programs in Spring 2025.
- Residency B (On Campus) – Monday, January 6, 2025 - Friday, January 10, 2025. Residency B is for online students who started the M.A. Counseling Programs in the Spring of 2024.
Note: Pertinent residency and travel and lodging information will be emailed to students from the SPC Counseling Department after the Spring/Summer 2025 registration begins on Monday, September 30, 2024. Any questions regarding residency should be directed to Academic Services Manager, Linda Harrell at lindha5@regent.edu.
Online students in our master's counseling programs are required to participate in two week-long residencies from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Residency A provides networking and mentoring opportunities for students and facilitates discussion with faculty concerning relevant issues, course matriculation, licensure issues, and state/national exams. During Residency B, students will gain more intensive instruction in their specialty programs (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, and School Counseling.
During residency, students will begin a course that will be completed during the remainder of the fall semester. First-year students will receive an orientation to Regent and participate in sessions on graduate level writing and online learning technology. The School of Psychology & Counseling usually provides lunch and two breaks daily when courses are in session.
Students should consider the following residency costs: transportation, lodging, meals and textbooks purchased prior to residency. We discourage students from bringing their families during residency as the coursework is intensive and requires a considerable amount of study and preparation time, leaving no time for extracurricular activities.
Waiving of residency requirements will not be considered.
1. Is the GRE required if I already have a master’s degree or am enrolled in a master’s program?
The master’s level programs require an entrance exam from either the GRE or the MAT. Waivers are only considered if the applicant has completed a doctoral degree with at least a 3.5 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university or completed a Juris Doctor (J.D.) with at least a 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Am I required to attend full time or may I go at my own pace?
Students may select from one of two progressions that allows them to take classes at a pace that works best for their own personal and professional schedules.
3. How many hours do you recommend a master’s student work per week?
Due to the number of hours you will be spending in and out of class studying, we suggest you work no more than 20 hours per week. There are a number of part-time graduate assistant positions available every semester at the university that allow for flexible schedules.
4. I didn’t major in psychology at the undergraduate level, what do I need to do to make up for this?
We do not require applicants to have majored in psychology at the undergraduate level. We do feel, however, that it is beneficial for applicants to have at least nine credit hours of psychology-related coursework. If you did not major or at least minor in psychology at the undergraduate level, you may want to consider taking additional undergraduate courses. Again, this is not a prerequisite for admission. Recommended courses include: Intro to Psychology, Research Methods/ Statistics, Personality Theory, Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Test & Measurements, Social Psychology and Physiological Psychology.
5. How many applicants do you have each year and how many applicants are admitted?
Each year we admit and enroll about 60 students into the online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and 20 in the Human Services Counseling program. Last year we received over 300 applications.
6. What is the average age of the students?
The average age of the entering class of master’s student in the online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is 34. The average age of the entering class of the master’s students in the Human Services Counseling program is 40.
7. What is the path for licensure for graduates from your program?
Licensure is different in each state. However, the general standard for licensure is completion of a 60 credit hour M.A. in Counseling with a major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling or Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling. Two years of supervision (post-degree) and a state licensure exam is what most states require to become licensed as a professional counselor or its equivalent. School Counseling licensure or certification is determined by the Board of Education in most states. (Usually an M.A. in Counseling in School Counseling is sufficient.) Students should examine the requirements for licensure in the state or states they would like to practice in the future.
To review syllabi for specific courses offered within the Counseling Department please email the Academic Services Manager, Linda Harrell (lindha5@regent.edu).
- B.S. in Professional Studies – Psychology
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Human Services
- M.A. in Human Services – Addictions Counseling
- M.A. in Human Services – Christian Counseling
- M.A. in Human Services – Conflict & Mediation Ministry
- M.A. in Human Services – Human Services Counseling
- M.A. in Human Services – Marriage & Family Ministry
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Psychology
- M.S. in Psychology – Addictions
- M.S. in Psychology – Marriage & Family
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Marriage & Family Ministry
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision