Master of Arts in Counseling

Degree requirements

The Master of Arts in counseling degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 48 graduate-level credits in an approved program of study.

Students who complete the degree and who have a valid teaching certificate may be recommended for counselor endorsement at the K-9, 7-12 or K-12 level, depending on completion of the specific course requirements for each endorsement level. Students must consult with the internship instructor or internship coordinator regarding endorsement.

All graduates of the program are eligible to apply for a professional counselor license issued by the state of Michigan. Graduates may also qualify for other credentials. Students should consult their advisers for further information.

Program Options

Main Campus

Students are admitted for fall or winter semesters and may plan an intensive two-year concentrated program or a part-time flexible program.

An intensive two-year concentrated program is most appropriate for students with strong undergraduate preparation in areas such as psychology, sociology, social work, or other related helping fields. Students who enroll for 12 credits are usually not employed full-time during the program.
 

Sample two-year program plan

 
Sample part-time program plan

Macomb University Center

The Macomb University Center Program is an off-campus master’s program in counseling for students residing or working in the Macomb County area. The program is cohort based and allows completion of the degree in two full years and one semester. Students are admitted to the program as a cohort in fall only and must take all courses (except laboratory classes and electives) at the Macomb Center and in the prescribed sequence. Admission to the program is selective and applicants must meet all regular admission requirements. A completed application for fall admission must be received by April 15.
 

Typical Macomb University Center cohort program plan

Advanced specializations

Satisfactory academic progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student’s successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state and university aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional details.

Good academic standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0.

Good academic standing is a requirement for:

• Holding a Graduate Assistantship
• Receiving a fellowship or scholarship
• Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree
• Going on a leave of absence
• Obtaining a graduate certificate or degree from Oakland University.

Additionally, graduate students must meet all department academic standards which may be more stringent than the minimum set forth by the University.

Department requirements:  In order to remain in good standing a student must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and make satisfactory progress toward the degree. With one grade under 3.0, a student is on academic probation, and their status will be reviewed by the faculty. No grade below 2.0 can be applied toward a degree and two grades below 3.0 or one below 2.0 will automatically lead to an evaluation of progress and possible dismissal.

Graduate students who are not in good academic standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or dismissal from further graduate study.

Related program information

Student advising

Upon admission to the counseling program, students are assigned faculty advisers. All students are required to complete a degree program plan, which must be approved by their assigned adviser before the completion of CNS 500 . It is expected that students will maintain contact with their adviser throughout their program. Open advising is also available. Contact the Counseling Department for open advising hours.

Plan of study

All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty program adviser, must develop a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements. The plan of study must be approved by the faculty program adviser and submitted by the student to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning.

Master’s and graduate certificate students must submit a department-approved plan of study by the end of their first semester of graduate coursework. Doctoral students must submit an approved plan of study prior to completion of the first year of coursework. (See the Graduate Student Responsibility  section of this catalog.)

Note:  Credit granted for successful completion of a course toward an undergraduate degree program may not be repeated for a graduate degree. If a substitution is approved, the minimum number of program-approved graduate credits will be required. A Petition of Exception - OU Course Waiver/ Substitution requesting the substitution must be approved.

Code of ethics

Along with scholarship preparation, high levels of ethical conduct are considered essential for those who are involved in counseling adults and children. Students are expected to comply with the current Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association. Violations will be brought before the faculty and could result in dismissal from the program.

Petition of Exception

Students may request waivers or modifications of specific program requirements by filing a Petition of Exception form with the Chair of the department. The Chair will make recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, who will review the petition and notify students of any action taken.