Master of Science in Professional Counseling

College of Behavioral and Social Science | Apply Now | Request Info

Renewing of Minds
In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. At Southeastern, we take this exhortation to heart—particularly as we equip those pursing careers in mental health services. We believe that a Christian approach to therapy is a holistic approach; that is, that counselors should be concerned about a person's body, mind, and spirit. Southeastern’s Master of Science in Professional Counseling trains counselors to provide this higher degree of service.

Preparation
Our master’s program is designed for working students and recent college graduates who want to become mental health counselors. It will prepare you for the two years of supervised, post-master’s degree, work experience that Florida and other states require counselors to have before taking the state licensing exam. We’ll also equip you to take and pass Florida’s licensing exam for counseling.

Focus and Flexibility
In our Master of Science in Professional Counseling, you'll study the history of psychotherapies and the latest clinical studies in psychology. We'll approach secular scholarship, such as dream theory and the work of Freud, Jung, and others, through the critical lens of a Christian worldview. Students also will learn how counselors can collaborate with pastors and medical professionals. Classes are taught during evenings at our Lakeland, Florida, campus. Our program also is flexible; while students can complete their course work in as little as 22 months, students also can pace themselves and choose the number of courses they take each semester.

Field Experience
Hands-on fieldwork with working professionals is the crux of our degree. Students already working in human services may be able to complete their internships while taking classes in the evenings. Others may opt to focus on internships once their course work is complete. Whenever you are ready to begin applying the skills you’re acquiring, our experienced behavioral and social science faculty members will help you find a place to gain experience. For more the 20 years, they've been connecting students with human services agencies in central Florida. Southeastern's students have worked with private practice psychologists, rape and recovery centers, para-church ministries, mental health facilities, and agencies affiliated with the United Way. Southeastern’s professors are working professionals who remain active with organizations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS).

Final Steps
After Southeastern, you’ll be ready for the two years of supervised experience—and the licensing test—that Florida and other states require of graduates who want to become mental health counselors. If education is more your calling, additional classes will certify you to become a school guidance counselor. Southeastern’s Master of Science in Professional Counseling also prepares graduates for doctoral study in psychology or counseling.

To learn more about our Master of Science in Professional Counseling, click here to request more information or contact our admission counselor.

Catalog Description and Course Requirements