Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)

Program Overview

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Lakeland University's Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program prepares students for professional counseling careers in clinical mental health, school counseling, or higher education counseling and student affairs. The program emphasizes experiential learning through practica and internships, fostering ethical decision-making, effective communication, and culturally responsive practices. Graduates are equipped for licensure and certification in their chosen counseling area and have strong career prospects in a growing field.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at Lakeland University

is designed to prepare students for one of three professional counseling areas:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Meets the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) requirements for a Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• School Counseling: Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and is approved for licensure and certification as a Wisconsin School Counselor
• Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs: Meets all the standards currently endorsed by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), and professional competencies endorsed by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).

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Objectives:

• Provide students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be effective professional counselors.
• Prepare students for licensure and/or certification in their chosen counseling area.
• Foster the personal and professional growth of students in a supportive and challenging learning environment.

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Program Description:

The MAC program is a 48-60 semester-hour professional graduate training program designed to be flexible and fit the needs of working professionals. Courses can be taken in-person, online, or in a blended format. The program consists of coursework, practica, and an internship. Students can complete the program in as few as 3 years. The program utilizes an experiential learning approach, where students learn by doing. Students participate in practica and internships, where they gain hands-on experience working with clients under the supervision of experienced professionals. Throughout the program, students are challenged to reflect on their own personal and professional development, fostering strong ethical decision-making, effective communication, and culturally responsive practices.

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Outline:

The MAC program curriculum includes three core curriculum tracks:

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Core Curriculum:

• Counseling theories
• Group counseling
• Career and lifestyle development counseling
• Helping relationships
• Ethics and legal issues
• Psychopathology
• Human growth and development
• Research and assessment
• Counseling with diverse populations

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Area of Emphasis Specific Courses

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Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Focuses on assessment and diagnosis; psychopathology and therapeutic interventions; human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; group counseling and group work; career development; research and program evaluation; ethical, legal, and professional standards.

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School Counseling

Focused on developmental theories and models, career development theories; individual counseling; group and family counseling; consultation and collaboration; crisis and prevention services; ethical and legal responsibilities; assessment; research, technology, and advocacy; diversity; social-emotional learning; prevention and wellness programs; career curriculum development; career development activities and tools.

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Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs

Focused on social justice pedagogy; contemporary college student development theory; organization, administration and governance in higher education; law, ethics and policy issues in college student development; multicultural issues and higher education; assessment in student affairs.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed on their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a variety of ways, including exams, papers, presentations, practica, and internship experiences. The program uses a comprehensive assessment plan to measure student progress and ensure that students are meeting all the learning outcomes of the program.

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Teaching:

The teaching methods used in the MAC program vary depending on the course. However, instructors generally use a variety of methods such as lectures, discussions, simulations, role-playing, case studies, and presentations. The faculty is experienced in the field of counseling and bring their real-world experiences into the classroom. Many instructors hold terminal degrees and blend experiential learning with in-class instruction. The program fosters an open and supportive environment, where students are active participants in their learning process.

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Careers:

The graduates of the MAC program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including mental health agencies, schools, colleges and universities, private practices, social service agencies, and other human service organizations. The MAC program also offers preparation for further graduate work in psychology and counseling. The job outlook for professional counselors is strong, with growth expectations exceeding the national average, resulting in high demand. The need for highly skilled and knowledgeable counselors in diverse areas like clinical and mental health, school counseling, and higher education will continue to grow, offering promising professional opportunities for MAC graduates.

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Other:

• Students have the option to complete a non-degree-seeking status to strengthen an existing major, develop a new area of interest, or complete professional requirements.