Master of Arts in
Professional Counseling
Graduate
Program Overview
Graduate School of Counseling prepares students for the specialized ministry of counseling in the contexts of clinical settings, the local church, and community or faith-based agencies.
The Graduate School of Counseling measures its educational effectiveness through a comprehensive student learning assessment program, which determines student competencies in relationship to degree program goals. The Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program (MAPC) is designed to prepare students for professional licensure in qualifying them for the specialized ministry of counseling in the contexts of clinical settings, the local church, or church-related agencies. The program enables students to thoughtfully integrate and ethically implement the most effective models and theories of counseling with a coherent Biblical/theological perspective and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's activity. Since helping hurting people is an essential element of the gospel, this program equips students to therapeutically respond to the opportunities of global diversity in facilitating healing and wholeness in all areas of life. The Master of Arts in Counseling Studies program (MCS) is designed to prepare students for non-licensed professions in which in-depth knowledge of the counseling process is needed. This might include employment in human services agencies, coordinating counseling centers, and service and leadership in the Christian church, ministries, and society.
Through the MAPC program, you can pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Oklahoma as well as the majority of other states*. The MAPC degree offers three tracks toward state licensure with additional concentration options:
- M.A. in Professional Counseling, Professional Counseling Track (in preparation for
LPC)
- with a concentration in Marital and Family Therapy
- with a concentration in Addictions Counseling
- M.A. in Professional Counseling, Marital and Family Therapy Track (in preparation
for LMFT)
- with a concentration in Addictions Counseling
- M.A. in Professional Counseling, Addictions Counseling Track (in preparation for LADC-MH)
*These degrees can meet licensure educational requirements in all states. If necessary, ORU may allow specific program modifications to ensure license eligibility. Dual licensure tracks are available.
Program Faculty
- Dr. Bill Buker, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry
- Dr. Andrea Walker, Assistant Dean for the School of Counseling
- Dr. Greg Meyer, Director of Professional Counseling
- Dr. Sandra Richardson, Professor of Professional Counseling
- Dr. Haley French, Assistant Professor of Professional Counseling
- Dr. Lucky Wakantse Odirile, Associate Professor of Counseling
- Dr. Rebecca Webster, Associate Professor of Counseling
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The Master of Arts in Professional Counseling aims to:
- Present an overview of the philosophy, history, and trends of the counseling profession, emphasizing its legal and ethical dimensions.
- Expose you to social, cultural, and religious diversity with an emphasis on the competencies conducive for effective counseling with diverse populations.
- Enable you to understand the various dimensions of human development and the impact of crisis events and addictive behaviors on that process.
- Assist you in developing their vocation and in acquiring the necessary skills to assist clients in making career decisions.
- Help you gain the necessary competencies for developing therapeutic relationships and facilitating the counseling process.
- Equip you with the knowledge and skills of group dynamics in order to facilitate group counseling.
- Train you in the art and science of assessment and diagnosis, including both theoretical and clinical (DSM-5) aspects.
- Instruct you in basic research skills and methodologies that enable you to conduct program evaluations, critique counseling research findings, and to appraise Empirically Supported Treatments (EST).
- Introduce you to various theories and models appropriate for clinical mental health counseling. (LPC)
- Immerse you in systems theory and introduce them to various models of marriage, couple, and family counseling. (MFT)
- Provide guided internship opportunities for the application of theory and practice in a professional setting.
- Engage you to integrate their spiritual/religious beliefs into an overall philosophy of counseling through theological reflection and examination of underlying assumptions.
- Integrate a biblical/theological understanding of people, the nature of change, and the activity of the Holy Spirit in counseling.
- Promote a biblical/theological understanding of the person, work, and ministry of the Holy Spirit.
- Enable you to articulate clearly their ministry/professional calling.
Reports
Please click here to review the MAPC’s Annual Report , Vital Statistics Report, and Program Evaluation for more information.
WHAT LEARNING FORMATS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROGRAM?
We offer this program in a modular or residential learning format. Our modular format combines 100% online courses with blended courses. In a blended course, you’ll complete most of the course work online while attending either a half-week or full-week of classes on our Tulsa campus.
Accreditations
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY IS ALSO ACCREDITED BY:
The Graduate School of Theology and Ministry is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). The following degree programs are approved, along with the MAPC:
- Master of Divinity
- M.A. Biblical Literature
- M.A. Theological/Historical Studies
- M.A. in Professional Counseling
- M.A. in Intercultural Studies
- M.A. in Practical Theology
- Doctor of Ministry
- Ph.D. in Theology
The Commission contact information is:
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S.
and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275 USA
Telephone: 412.788.6505
Fax: 412.788.6510
THE UNIVERSITY HOLDS MEMBERSHIPS WITH THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATIONS:
- Association of American Colleges and Universities
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
Are there scholarships available?
There are several scholarships available to students in the Graduate Program. To learn more about financial aid, click here.
CONTACT:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Phone: 918.495.6518
gradadmissions@oru.edu