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Master of Arts in Counseling with an Emphasis in Community Counseling

The Master of Arts in Counseling with an Emphasis in Community Counseling at Webster University's Geneva campus is designed for those passionate about helping others. This program combines rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on experience to prepare students for a rewarding career as professional counselors.

Comprehensive Counseling Training in Geneva

The curriculum provides a deep understanding of diverse counseling approaches. To ensure students are clinical-ready, the program includes 700 hours of field experience, much of which can be completed at the dedicated on-campus counseling center. This center provides a safe, professional environment where counselors-in-training work under the supervision of faculty with extensive clinical experience.

A Proven Path to Professional Success

With over 25 years of program success in Geneva, Webster University has established a deep-rooted reputation for excellence. The majority of alumni are currently practicing professionals within Switzerland. The program offers a flexible format consisting of 70% in-person and 30% online classes, designed to accommodate various student needs.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Arts in Counseling with an Emphasis in Community Counseling program, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. While a degree in psychology is preferred, it's not a strict requirement. If the undergraduate degree is not in psychology, applicants must complete six prerequisite courses before starting the program.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite courses are:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Statistics
• Human Growth and Development
• Personality Theory

Applicants must also demonstrate and document English language proficiency during the admission process. Candidates who meet these criteria and demonstrate relevant prior learning or professional experience will be invited to a personal interview.

Application Process

Applying to the Master of Arts in Counseling with an Emphasis in Community Counseling program is a straightforward process. Webster University uses a rolling admissions model, allowing applicants to submit their application at any time of the year. The application process includes:

• Completing the online application
• Providing official transcripts from all previous universities attended
• Submitting letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
• Writing a personal essay outlining goals and interest in the counseling field
• Providing an updated résumé or curriculum vitae

After reviewing application materials, qualified candidates will be invited for a personal interview, which can be conducted in person or via video conference.

Curriculum and Coursework

The program consists of 16 courses: nine core courses, three core field experience courses totaling 700 internship hours, and four electives chosen from eight options. Students can begin their studies in August (Fall 1) or January (Spring 1). Full-time students take two classes per term and graduate in about two years, while part-time students take one class per term and typically finish in three to four years.

Core Courses

The curriculum consists of nine core courses (27 credit hours) that provide a comprehensive foundation in counseling theory and practice, including:

• Foundations of Counseling: The Helping Relationship
• Human Growth and Development
• Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
• Theories of Counseling
• Assessment
• Techniques of Group Counseling
• Lifestyle and Career Development
• Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice
• Research and Program Evaluation

Core Field Experience Courses

A minimum of three core field experience courses (9 credit hours) of supervised field experience is required, including:

• Counseling Learning Practicum (3 credit hours, 100 clinical hours)
• Internship 1 (3 credit hours, 300 clinical hours)
• Internship 2 (3 credit hours, 300 clinical hours)

Electives

Students work with a faculty advisor to select up to four elective courses (12 credit hours) from a list of options, such as:

• Psychopathology
• Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling
• Grief and Bereavement
• Marriage and Family
• Trauma, Crisis and Emergency Relief
• Mind and Body
• School Counseling
• Emotion-Focused Therapy

Students also have the option to complete a thesis.

Accreditation

Webster University carries full international accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MA in Counseling with an Emphasis in Community Counseling is accredited by the Swiss Association for Counseling (SGfB) at the Geneva campus. This accreditation allows master's students pursuing the degree in Geneva, Switzerland to apply for individual membership and the status of Members in Training SGfB, until receipt of their degree when they will become Active Members SGfB with the professional title "SGfB Counselor."