Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited. Online.
Grace College and Theological Seminary has a rich history of offering graduate counseling degrees since 1995. The online 60-credit hour Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was developed in 2010 and is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through 2020. Students can complete the majority of their coursework in a fully online format while attending an annual seven day residency on campus in scenic Winona Lake, Indiana.
The Master in Mental Health Counseling online program is committed to Scripture as the foundation for truth in each course with a complementary understanding of the truths in psychology and the social sciences. The program is further committed to the professional and interpersonal development of the student which is essential for effective counseling practice.
Purpose Statement The Department of Graduate Counseling (DOGC) is committed to providing graduate level programming that equips students to be Scripturally grounded, professionally skilled, and interpersonally competent as they actively engage in the counseling profession and its related ministries. The purpose of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) degree is to prepare students for future licensure in clinical mental health counseling.
Programmatic Commitments The graduate program offered by the DOGC is committed to the following goals as they relate to counselor education and supervision and/or counseling-related ministries:
- Scripturally Grounded: A commitment to Scripture as the foundation of truth in each course with a complimentary understanding of the truths is psychology and the social sciences.
- Professionally Skilled: A commitment to the professional and clinical development of the counselor-in-training as an essential element for effective practice.
- Interpersonally Competent: A commitment to the interpersonal growth of the counselor-in-training as an essential element for effective practice.
The DOGC’s purpose statement and programmatic commitments are reflected in the classroom, supervisory situations, and clinical settings. DOGC students receive a solid biblical foundation within each class curriculum. This theological education serves as an essential basis for understanding self, others, and God. DOGC students are equipped with a thorough understanding of counseling ethics, diagnosis, theory, and clinical issues, as well as trained to be professionally competent in clinical settings. DOGC students are also required to have sessions of professional counseling in an endeavor to wrestle with personal issues and more effectively understand and assist clients.
Programmatic Assumptions The CMHC program requires student adherence to both scriptural and professional codes related to the protection and preservation of human welfare and dignity. DOGC students are therefore bound by the ethical standards for the practice of counseling as defined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). When ethical principles vary between these two organizations, the DOGC will trend toward the most stringent ethical principle. Further, DOGC students abide by the standards and expectations outlined in the Code of Conduct Policy section of the Department of Graduate Counseling Catalog.
Commonly Asked Questions
Additional Program Details
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60 Credit Hours
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It depends on when a student begins the program, and can vary from 2-3 years. Students who need to go at a slower pace can adjust their plan with their advisor.
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The majority of the courses last only 8 weeks in length. Clinical courses last for a 16 week semester.
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Students are required to be on campus for one week in the Summer for 3 years. This is a total of 3 residential weeks throughout the program.
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The Department of Online Education assists students in locating housing during this week. Students have the option of staying in campus housing or area hotels. Remember to ask for the Grace rate!
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Yes! Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA form. Just log onto www.fafsa.ed.gov . Remember to include Grace College’s school code – 001800. Students are notified of their financial aid award money once they have been accepted into the program. For more information please visit the Financial Aid website.
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Students are able to transfer a maximum of 12 credit hours of coursework into the MACMHC program. Transfer credit is defined as Graduate level coursework that has been completed at an approved institution. A student must earn at least a B- or better in each course. All transfer credit is approved by the Admissions Committee. Students may be asked to present a course syllabus or description in order to evaluate the coursework.
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Online learning is exciting and convenient! Each course may be structured in a little bit different format, but usually students are guided week by week through a particular course. There are clear learning objectives and tasks to complete that are posted each week. Grace College is committed to providing you with an exceptional online learning experience.
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The online instructors here at Grace welcome and encourage a high degree of engagement and interaction. There will be opportunity to interact with your instructors and classmates through chat, email, discussion boards, and forums. In the CMHC program, each course will have virtual class time with instructors and peers.
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You will need a computer with high bandwidth Internet access, a flash player and speakers. Some courses may have additional requirements; however, Grace online technology support is always available for technical questions.
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Visit the Grace College Online website and submit the online application in order to start your application process. When visiting the website look for the particular program you desire to apply to and fill out that specific application.
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Yes, the credits earned from the Grace College Online program are transferable. Grace College is an accredited member of the Higher Learning Commission.
