Department of Counseling
and Interpersonal Relations

The Grace College Counseling and Interpersonal Relations program offers two master's degrees for the student wanting to prepare to minister in the mental health field or the local church.

The M.A. in Counseling degree is designed to furnish a broad foundation for people entering the counseling/mental health field, full time ministry or those wishing to pursue doctoral work in counseling. This 62-hour degree features a mental health counseling emphasis, with the purpose of prepare students for future licensure in mental health counseling.

The M.A. in Interpersonal Relations degree offers training in the application of skills to assist hurting people in both ministry and secular settings. Due to the fact that this degree is 37 hours and can be completed in one year, international students and furloughed missionaries find the program is specifically suited to meet their needs.

Helping Hurting People

The goal of the 62-hour M.A. in Counseling degree is to train people who wish to enter the mental health profession by equipping them in a thoroughly Christian way. Students completing the program are prepared to do the work necessary to obtain the state License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) or to pursue further doctoral studies in counseling.

The 37-hour M.A. in Interpersonal Relations degree is designed for pastors, human resources personnel, teachers, coaches, managers, student affairs personnel in higher education settings, lay people, and others who require counseling skills in their work setings.  This degree is not intended to prepare graduates to become licensed counselors or to provide counseling services that are restricted to licensed mental health workers.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH
We are committed to scripture as the foundation of truth for considering complementary psychological truths.

PERSONAL GROWTH
Our program focuses on developing the counselor from the inside out as he/she wrestles with tough questions, personal issues and a personal relationship with God.

ABUSE AND SUFFERING
Abuse is frequently the cause of the suffering with which hurting people are burdened. Our Psychotherapy and Trauma (CPY500) course explores the issue of abuse and explores the nature and purpose of suffering.

Isaiah 61:1
“…He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners…”

CACREP ACCREDITATION
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (www.cacrep.org), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation for the M.A. in Counseling degree in Mental Health Counseling at Grace College. The Directory of CACREP Accredited Programs can be located on the CACREP website at www.cacrep.org.

MORE INFORMATION
For more information about our program, explore our website through the additional links provided or contact Cindy Sisson, Director of Graduate Recruitment, 1-800-54-GRACE ext. 6397, or email macslg@grace.edu.

Click here to arrange for a visit to campus.

Department Newsletter Winter '08