Counseling

About the Program

If you are a compassionate listener with a strong desire to make an impact in the lives of others, then you might be perfect to pursue a career as a Professional Counselor. As a counselor you will have an opportunity to personally impact your community. You’ll have the choice to work in schools, clinics, or as an advocate for the underrepresented and disenfranchised.

If you’re eager for your counseling career to begin, then you should look no further than Thiel College’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The accelerated program allows you to complete your degree faster, (only 5 semesters), than at most other schools. Plus, you’ll benefit from Thiel’s commitment to a liberal arts curriculum that not only helps you develop outstanding creativity and critical thinking skills, but also develops humane and altruistic perspectives.

Whether you counsel individuals or advocate for entire groups, an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling lets you help others without sacrificing your success.

Earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and so many ways to help others will open to you. Work with teens navigating the path to adulthood, help people undergoing emotional distress or dealing with chronic pain, assist the elderly, even help organizations work more productively or athletes to maximize their performance.

While helping other individuals—or entire groups of people through research, legislative policy or through monitoring societal effects at the community level—you’ll also be entering a career that offers lots of room for growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

• Download the accelerated program (B.A./M.A.) brochure
• Download the graduate program brochure

Program Goals

1. Begin college in an accelerated curriculum that lets you earn a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in as 4 ½ years.
2. Enter as a graduate student and complete your Master of Arts degree in just five semesters.
3. Receive live supervision/interactive peer review. Role play various counseling scenarios and get immediate, real-time feedback from faculty and career counselors.
4. Acquire a solid foundation in the liberal arts that provides a broad perspective and aids in creativity and critical thinking.
5. Be prepared to seek licensure in Pennsylvania as a Licensed Professional Counselor with the added satisfaction of graduating from a CACREP accredited institution.

Career Opportunities

A Master of Arts in Counseling from Thiel College opens the door to so many career possibilities. Below are just a few options available to you:

• Elementary and secondary school counselors — Earn an annual mean wage of $78,970* working with children and teens as they navigate their way to adulthood.
• Individual and family services counselors — Earn an annual mean wage of $85,810* supporting individuals and their families through tough times and ensuring that vulnerable people are safeguarded from harm.
• Substance abuse counselors — Earn an annual mean wage of $85,870* helping individuals to overcome addiction and helping them find the services and resources they need to succeed.
• Sports counselors — Earn an average annual wage of $71,645** helping athletes maximize their performance through techniques such as goal setting and imagery exercises, as well helping athletes overcome psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.