A transformational journey of discipleship focused on helping you develop vocational excellence in your current or desired context – all on your time and from wherever you are.
The Master of Arts in Counseling is an integrative academic and clinical program. Learning in the program brings together mentorship and guidance from faculty with participation in learning experiences and formation and integration groups. Concepts and knowledge will be practically applied through supervised clinical work. Graduates will be prepared to pursue^ licensure for work as qualified counselors or therapists in a variety of settings.
Students pursuing clinical work after graduation must complete additional requirements. Additional details are provided below.
By inviting Kairos to walk on this journey with you, you’re seizing a unique opportunity to integrate academic, clinical, and formational development while simultaneously preparing for work in the fields of mental health counseling and/or marriage and family therapy.
The Master of Arts in Counseling is 63 credit hours and consists of the following courses:
Orientation to the Profession (3)
Human Growth and Development (3)
Theories (3) *
Counseling Research, Statistics, and Professional Writing (3)
Appraisal, Assessment, and Diagnosis (3) *
Counseling Skills and Practice (3) *
Psychopathology (3) *
Psychopharmacology (3) *
Addictions Counseling (3) *
Consultation and Counseling for Crisis and Trauma (3) *
Marriage and Family Therapy Dynamics (3) *
Counseling Diverse Populations (3) *
Group Counseling Process and Practice (3) *
Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues (3) *
Lifestyle and Career Counseling (3)
Work with your faculty mentor to choose six courses based on your state licensure plans and requirements. A combination of practicum~ and internship courses is required.
Counseling Practicum I (3)~
Counseling Practicum II (3)
Counseling Practicum III (3)
Practicum, Internship, and Specialization, Continued
Counseling Internship I (3)
Counseling Internship II (3)
Counseling Internship III (3)
Marriage and Family Therapy (3)
Sexual Function and Systemic Sex Therapy (3)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (3)
Counseling Children and Adolescents (3)
Grief Counseling (3)
Expressive Therapies (3)
Aging and Elder Care (3)
Family Meditation and Conflict Resolution (3)
Interpersonal Neurobiology and Counseling
Practice (3)
Self-Care for Mental Health Professionals (3)
*Pre-requisites to practicum.
~Students are required to pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) before entering their first practicum. There is a cost of $150 per exam.
^Prepares students to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, Pennsylvania, and several other states. For more information about this program and licensure requirements in other states, click here.
The Master of Arts in Counseling program integrates academic, clinical, and formational development. Full-time commitment entails approximately two years and a half-years for completion.
Professional mental health practitioners are held to high standards of care and professionalism. As such, Master of Arts in Counseling students pursuing clinical work after graduation must complete additional requirements. Requirements for licensure are set forth by statutory laws and regulations and vary from state to state. Subsequent requirements include, but are not limited to, application to a state licensing regulatory board, post-graduate direct clinical hours, plan and approval of a supervisor, and successful passage of a national licensure examination. Students will create a plan for academic, clinical, and post-graduate licensure with the guidance of faculty.
Supervised Clinical Experience
Kairos University faculty work with students individually as advocates to help them meet individual state requirements for licensure and to locate approved sites for practicum and internship work, including its onsite clinics housed within Sioux Falls Psychological Services and Stronghold Counseling Services in Sioux Falls, SD, which are owned and operated by the university. Faculty receive reports from the site supervisors who oversee clinical experiences and also hear case studies in weekly peer group meetings.
In addition to meeting outcome standards set forth by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and MFT and counseling standards, all coursework in the Master of Arts in Counseling curriculum covers the following core areas: professional orientation; research and writing; assessment and diagnosis; counseling and developmental theories; abnormal human development; addictive behaviors and treatments; helping relationships; legal and ethical issues; diverse populations; relational dynamics; psychopharmacology; and clinical education.
We’d love to help you discern if this is the next best step for you. Start a conversation with us today or check out our “Discerning Your Calling” step-by-step guide.
Ready to move forward? Here are a few things you’ll need to get started (more details in the catalog).