The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program features a practitioner/scholar model that merges biblical faith integration and academic excellence. You will apply clinical skills, intervention techniques, and train under the direct supervision of practicing mental health professionals while learning about counseling theory and Christian theology. As a MAC graduate, you will recognize the impact of spiritual beliefs on the counselors’ worldview and understand how to engage them in an ethical and professional manner. This program meets the requirements for licensure outlined by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) and the Washington State Department of Health. At Multnomah, you don’t have to choose between professional, skilled training and fostering deep spiritual resources to better care for patients.
Ways to study
Graduate | On-campus | Online
Course plan
2.5-year
Application deadlines
Excel as a Professional Clinician
This program strives to create a Christ-centered community where students can excel as professional clinicians. Core values are infused throughout the program (SHAPE): Spiritual integration (S), Healing presence (H), Advocacy and diversity (A), Professional identity (P), Educational excellence (E). As a MAC student, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from and bond with your peers in our small, community-oriented program while you gain the in-depth knowledge and firsthand experience you need to excel as a licensed counselor.
Example Courses
The courses listed below are some of our featured core classes that will be a part of your educational journey here at MU. Take a look at each course for a small preview.
Investigates the integration of psychology and theology, examining a number of theories for integration and discussing the pros and cons of each. Emphasis is also placed on how integration plays out both clinically (I.E., in the room with clients) and personally (i.e., in the life of the therapist).
*This is a sample syllabus for the stated courses; books, assignments, and other details may change from year to year. For examples of additional syllabi, please contact the MAC department directly at mac@ngskmc-eis.net.
Discusses practical counseling skills for clients, overviewing a broad range of techniques and interventions for a variety of mental health issues. Emphasizes the practice of such skills. It also reviews various paperwork and other practice management issues in clinical mental health counseling. Lastly, discusses various crisis situations and how to respond.
*This is a sample syllabus for the stated courses; books, assignments, and other details may change from year to year. For examples of additional syllabi, please contact the MAC department directly at mac@ngskmc-eis.net.
A survey of theories of counseling from a historical-chronological perspective. Specific orientations include family systems, Adlerian, humanistic-existential, person-centered, psychoanalytic, a variety of cognitive-behavioral approaches to counseling, as well as various Christian models of therapy. As students are exposed to these models, they are encouraged to incorporate and integrate their biblical understanding, their faith, and their values about the human change process, with these theories in order to begin to develop their own theoretical orientation to counseling.
*This is a sample syllabus for the stated courses; books, assignments, and other details may change from year to year. For examples of additional syllabi, please contact the MAC department directly at mac@ngskmc-eis.net.
Reviews the impact of crisis and trauma on individuals from a biopsychosocial perspective. This course includes an overview of evidence-based treatment models for trauma, focusing on understanding models and implementing basic tools and treatment planning.
*This is a sample syllabus for the stated courses; books, assignments, and other details may change from year to year. For examples of additional syllabi, please contact the MAC department directly at mac@ngskmc-eis.net.
Degree Requirements
Here you will find everything you need to know about what is required to successfully complete your degree.
Meet Your Professors
Danielle Render Turmaud, M.S.
Faculty Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Applied Psychology; Assistant Professor, Master of Arts in CounselingCareer Placement
When you graduate from this program, you will be on your way to working as a licensed professional counselor, ready to engage in the working world. With your Master of Arts in Counseling, you will be equipped for a variety of roles or ready to complete certifications for roles, including:
| • Addictions Counselor | • School Counselor | • Human Services Educator |
| • Higher Education Counselor | • Student Affairs Administrator | • Licensed Professional Counselor |
| • Licensed Mental Health Counselor | • Director of Human Services | • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor |
Related Programs
Counseling Internships Program
Get the practical experience you need. Learn about the MAC practicum and internship opportunities and requirements.
Learn More about MAC Internships
Ready!Continuing Education
Looking to further your education and build upon your abilities as a current or future counselor? We offer elective courses to help you do just that. Discover more about this opportunity here.
MAC Continuing Education Opportunities
Learn moreLicensure Information
Multnomah’s MA Counseling is built in alignment with Oregon’s requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). It also meets state requirements for Washington licensed mental health counselors and many other state equivalents. Please refer to the chart to the left to get information on your desired state(s), and contact mac@ngskmc-eis.net for clarification or more info.
State Licensure Matrix
View PDFMAC 2020 Annual Program Assessment
MAC 2021 Annual Program Assessment
MAC 2022 Annual Program Assessment
Get Started
Higher education is an empowering experience and challenging adventure. Your education is a journey, and it all starts here.