Academic Programs Frequently Asked Questions

M.A. Counseling

• After I graduate, can I qualify to become licensed to practice in my home state?

  This degree meets or exceeds the academic licensing standards in most states. For students coming from states with unique licensing standards, we can usually customize courses to meet that state's requirements. Keep in mind, however, that most states require a certain number of supervised hours of internship after graduation and/or a passing licensing exam score before they will license an individual.

• Can I transfer in credit from other graduate studies?

  A maximum of 12 credits will be considered for transfer toward the clinical counseling core from another accredited school. No transfer of credit will be accepted for the following courses: CNS 6410 Counseling Techniques, CNS 6911 Diagnostic Practicum, CNS 6300 Integration of Theology & Psychology, CNS 6931 Supervised Intership I, and CNS 6932 Supervised Internship 2.

• Do I have to have all of my 6 hours of psychology undergrad prerequisites completed before applying to the program?

  Students without 6 hours of prescribed psychology courses can be conditionally accepted pending successful completion of prerequisite requirements, however, these students will not be allowed to complete candidacy or take certain counseling courses until corresponding prerequisites are met. Psychology prerequisites may be completed through CIU's undergraduate psychology program, or transferred in from other accredited institutions.  Prerequisites are General or Introdution to Psychology and Human Growth & Development.

• Do I really have to take all those Bible courses?

  We believe strongly that counseling practices/ministries must be biblically and theologically grounded if they are to be genuinely helpful, however, we do offer an undergraduate Bible option for those students who qualify. Students with an undergraduate Bible background from an accredited institution will be granted the option of substituting up to 9 hours of the M.A. in Counseling program Bible/Theology core requirements (specifically Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, and a Bible survey course) in exchange for an equal number of approved electives in Theology, Bible or Counseling (specifically CNC and CNS numbered courses, and upper level 6000 or above seminary courses).

• Is CIU's M.A. in Counseling accredited?

  Yes, CIU is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools.  While CIU's intention is to pursue accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the MA in Counseling program is not currently accredited by CACREP.  The American Psychological Association (APA) only credentials doctoral level programs.

• Will I get an opportunity to specialize in my training?

  Specialization is possible within our program tracks and concentrations, as well as within the student's practicum/internship site work.