The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at Colorado Christian University combines rigorous coursework, experiential learning, and formative relationships into a comprehensive graduate educational experience. What sets the CCU program apart is the Christian framework that promotes study of the whole person, including the spiritual and physiological dimensions.

Objectives of the Master of Arts in Counseling Degree Program

The MAC program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become influential and effective licensed professional counselors. Throughout the program, students are challenged to take what they learn in the classroom and on field experiences, and use it to make an impact in their communities, churches, and families. Upon completion of the program, graduates are academically prepared to take the National Counselor Exam, which is the licensure exam for the state of Colorado and many other states. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) approved curriculum also prepares students to take the licensure exams for clinical mental health in many other states.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Colorado Christian University is selective. Each applicant is carefully evaluated for his or her potential as a counselor, ability to contribute to the program, and ability to contribute to the counseling profession.  In the application review process, each candidate’s professional, intellectual, and personal experience is considered in relation to the potential for successful graduate study.  After the first semester in the MAC Program, each student is again carefully reviewed by the MAC faculty and administrative team based on his or her academic work, basic skills, and professional behavior. This evaluation process is performed to fulfill our CACREP and professional gate-keeping responsibilities, and to ensure that each student is a good fit for the field of counseling. Admission requirements include:

• A completed application for admission.
• Application fee.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Program specific essays.
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. CCU requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A candidate may use the Institutional Transcript Request Form (PDF) for this purpose. A psychology undergraduate major is preferred, but not required.
• Candidate must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. A candidate with a GPA less than 3.25 must take the GRE and submit test scores to CCU. Those with a GPA above 3.25 are exempt from the GRE requirement. Scores submitted must be from within the last five (5) years. The CCU reporting code for the GRE is 4659.
• Two letters of recommendation on the form provided as a PDF from people who have known the applicant for more than one year. One must be from a current or former employer, supervisor, or professor. The other must be from a pastoral or spiritual mentor, or a professional colleague (not a relative) who has knowledge about the applicant’s character and maturity. 
• Admission interview(s) as well as any additional requests from MAC designated program personnel.
• Upon provisional acceptance into the program, the candidate must complete a Criminal Background Check on-line through Certified Background.  Enter student code: CG88. This must be completed before registering for the first class.

Transfer of Courses

In accordance with CCU’s Graduate Residency Policy, students transferring from a regionally accredited institution may transfer up to twelve (12) semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited master’s program toward the Master’s in Counseling degree, with a letter of recommendation from that program, and must complete the remaining hours at CCU.  The coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU and fulfill the CCU degree requirements for MAC. Specific courses which will not be accepted for transfer in to the MAC program include: CSL500 Counseling Skills; CSL510 Group Processing; CSL620 Counseling Services and Methods; CSL653 Internship; CSL674 Professional Orientation; CSL680 Integrative Seminar (Capstone).  

Time Limitation

Classes are held in the late afternoon, evening, weekends, or on-line, which meets the needs of working adults. The MAC program is designed to be completed within seven to eight semesters of intensive study in a “lock-step” cohort by persons who work full time and have the flexibility to be able to meet for the face-to-face classes as necessary. MAC courses are taught in a blended classroom format with face-to-face time and online assignments.  The online program will include 4-5 day intensive residential experiences on a regular basis.  Students will need to make arrangements to attend each one as scheduled and required.  

All work applied toward a master’s degree must be completed within a six-year period from the date of enrollment. After the six-year period, a MAC student who has not completed the requirements to graduate will be required to complete a Petition for Exception to Academic Policy. Continuing study is not guaranteed, and must be approved by the Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities. Students are required to adhere to the most current academic policies, fees, and tuition rates.

Students who need to step out of the cohort, and who have not attended a class for a period of 365 days, will need to reapply to the program, have an updated interview, and if accepted, will then be held to the current catalogue standards. Stepping out of the cohort will result in a delayed completion of the student’s program. Core classes in the cohort shall be taken in the student’s assigned cohort; electives may be taken at other centers.

Application Deadlines

Students may enter the program at multiple points in the academic year. For a fall semester cohort start in August, the application deadline is July 1st.  For a spring semester start in January, the application deadline is December 1st. For non-cohort starts, the completed application deadline is four weeks prior to the start date. All required documents must be received by CCU before an admission interview will be granted. Application files will be evaluated in the order received.