Purpose and Philosophy

The Master of Arts in Counseling program provides academic preparation for the professional practice of community counseling. Completion of the program meets educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. The community counseling track is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the community track with a pastoral counseling focus is approved as a training program by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).

The Master of Arts in Counseling program provides accredited training within the context of the Mennonite tradition of mutual caring and community building that emphasizes both individual growth and just social structures. The ideals of personal and community wholeness are values grounded in the ethical contexts embodied in this faith tradition. We welcome students and faculty from other traditions who enrich our community.

We believe that individual personal worth or value to God is not dependent on the level of social or spiritual development. People are valued and accepted by God unconditionally. Within this context of grace, the goal of counseling is to promote growth, Christian discipleship, and maturity in individuals, churches, and communities.

The Master of Arts in Counseling program is committed to creating an educational environment that values relationships in community. Our mutual support and shared learning creates a place of safety for the sacred work of counseling.

Students will become knowledgeable about and committed to the ethical standards of the counseling profession, the American Counseling Association, and other professional standards which govern the practice of counseling. These are minimal standards for practice and character. Students are mentored and encouraged in the process of internalizing ethical sensitivities and practices toward their professional counselor identity.

Admission Criteria

The admissions selection process is designed to identify students who have potential for completing the counseling program. Students are admitted on the basis of many different expressions of their qualities and abilities: scholastic achievement, work experience, and factors relating to character, personality, and faith.

Applicants must be a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts of credit from all colleges and universities attended and three references, two of which must be academic. Potential candidates will be invited for an interview.

Expectations include an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00, references indicating clear support for graduate work, a clear and relevant essay, and the ability to present oneself clearly and effectively in the interview. Additional factors given consideration in the admission decision include undergraduate field of study, performance in previous graduate level study, related counseling work experience, and other evidence of success in academic and professional endeavors. The admissions committee may make exceptions to admission requirements in special cases.

Program enrollment is limited to the equivalent of 15 full-time students per class. Part-time students are encouraged to apply. Part-time status is defined as taking less than nine semester hours in a semester.

New students are admitted for the fall semester. The application deadline is March 1. Applications submitted after March 1 will be processed provided there are still positions available.

A complete application includes the following:

1. A completed Master of Arts in Counseling application form.
   
   
2. A non-refundable application fee of $25.00.
   
   
3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
   
   
4. Three letters of reference (at least two of which must be academic).
   
   
5. Statement of purpose: write a narrative (1-3 pages) that describes your
   a) academic/research interest and professional goals
   b) volunteer and professional experiences, and
   c) life experiences that have influenced your view of compassionate service and social justice.
   
   
6. A current résumé.
   
   In addition to the requirements above, international applicants should submit the following
   information:
   
7. Nationality and country of birth. International applicants currently residing in the United States must indicate status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
   
   
8. A completed International Student Sponsor Agreement form.
   
   For applicants whose native language is not English:
   
9. A 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (EMU’s institutional code is 5181. Applicants who have studied and received a degree from a college or university where all instruction is in English are not required to submit TOEFL scores).