Resources and FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many credit hours is the online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?
We offer a 60 credit hour, CACREP accredited, online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree.
2. What is CACREP?
Accreditation certifies that the content and quality of the clinical mental health counseling education offered by Grace College has been evaluated extensively by the institution and accrediting council and meets the standards set by and for the profession. Appropriate knowledge and skill areas will be included that are necessary for the entry into the professional counseling field. Students graduating from CACREP accredited programs have been found to have higher level counseling skills and knowledge. CACREP accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Grace College. More about CACREP.
3. Why attend an accredited program?
A CACREP accredited program provides the following to students:
- Recognition that the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree has been evaluated and meets or exceeds national standards.
- Knowledge that the graduate has met prerequisites for credentialing and is ready for entry into professional practice.
4. Will I be a licensed counselor when I graduate?
The Grace College Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is CACREP accredited and leads to licensure in the State of Indiana. It may not meet the specific licensing requirements in other states, which, therefore, may mean additional action is needed to fulfill individual state’s licensing requirements.There may also be state restrictions related to fully online programs. Applicants and graduates should contact their state’s licensing board to determine the requirements needed in the state in which they are seeking licensure. (See also the CMHC Catalog).
5. Am I required to attend full-time, or may I go at my own pace?
The program is designed with a fixed course schedule, which means students will move together as a cohort through each semester in sequence.
6. How long will it take to complete the online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?
Those students who choose to attend classes full time (approximately 9 credit hours per semester) can complete the program in three years.
7. Can I transfer previous graduate work?
Students entering the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program may transfer a maximum twelve credits of applicable graduate work.
8. Where can I complete my Practicum & Internship classes?
Practicum and Internship may be completed at a qualifying counseling site of the student’s choice. Students will receive approval of their Practicum and Internship sites through our Candidacy process.
9. What are my Financial Aid options?
A high-quality Christian education from Grace College is affordable and it’s a solid investment. To help students reach their educational and career goals, our financial aid team works closely with students to design an aid package that’s best for your situation, including federal and state loans. Students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may qualify for a Federal Stafford Loan.
9. What do I do if I want to pursue a license in another state??
Our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) degree meets the licensure academic requirements for the state of Indiana. Any student desiring to practice in another state needs to research the requirements for licensure in that state to see if any additional courses are needed.
Download licensure information for details.
Programmatic Data
The online CMHC program makes available certain programmatic data to ensure the consumer public of the viability, equitability, and eligibility of our product. Questions about the following resources can be directed toward the DOGC Chair.