MAC Program at Aquinas College
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    Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MAC)

Why Study Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MAC) degree at Aquinas College has been established to meet the increasing demand for mental health professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of new jobs for Mental Health Counselors is projected to increase by 25% over current numbers by the year 2029.

Mission

The mission of the M.A. Counseling Program at Aquinas College is to produce counselors who function as highly skilled and ethical professionals prepared to work with diverse client populations in a variety of clinical settings. Students develop their counselor identity through the intersection of instruction, technical application, research, advocacy, and supervision of not only the MAC faculty but of our community partners.

Upon completion, students are able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of major counseling theories and skills and show the ability to utilize them therapeutically in clinical settings.
  • Have strong foundational knowledge in the area of human growth and development and use this knowledge to inform their therapeutic work with individuals, couples, families and groups.
  • Value and respect diversity and demonstrate multicultural competency in their work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Show mastery of skills necessary to work therapeutically with clients who have experienced crisis, disasters and trauma.
  • Possess an adjustment oriented approach that emphasizes not only diagnosis and remediation of psychopathology, but also prevention, wellness, early intervention, and advocacy.
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"The professors are very supportive and it has been beneficial to have a smaller student to professor ratio. I also like the hands-on practice with counseling skills."
Emily Hillman '19
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"Before deciding on Aquinas, I explored other options - including colleges located out of state. D. Cruikshanks allowed me to sit in on a class. This sealed the deal for me."
Mary Thornsen '20

How We're Different

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MAC) degree at Aquinas College is a 60-semester hour program designed to prepare students to become highly skilled and highly competent mental health counseling professionals. Graduates will be eligible to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Michigan and other states. Our intimate and selective program admits only high-quality students for our practice-based cohort program.

  • 39%
    The projected number of new jobs for Licensed Professional Counselors by the year 2025