Master of Arts in Community Counseling Mission:
The Master of Arts in Community Counseling (MACC) is a 60-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare students for professional counseling practice. The program provides graduate education in counseling theory and practice, professional ethics, human development, assessment, career counseling, group counseling, social and cultural diversity, research, diagnosis, counseling skills and interventions, and supervised clinical practice. The program is designed to provide the graduate educational preparation required for professional counselor licensure in Missouri. Licensure is granted by the state, not the University, and completion of the MACC degree does not by itself guarantee licensure.
Learning Outcomes:
Possess an understanding of developmental aspects of human growth and appreciation for the nature of human development and its integration within the counseling process.
- Possess an awareness of, and an appreciation for, social and cultural influences on human behavior and to recognize the impact of individual differences on the counseling process.
- Demonstrate effective individual and group counseling skills which facilitate client growth and demonstrate the ability to evaluate progress toward treatment goals.
- Possess both theoretical and experiential understandings of group purpose, development, dynamics, counseling theories, group counseling methods and skills, and other group approaches.
- Understand career development and related life factors and the effects on an individual's mental health and lifestyle and its application within counseling.
- Possess knowledge and skills in assessment techniques and apply basic concepts to individual and group appraisal.
- Demonstrate the ability to read, critique, evaluate, and contribute to professional research literature.
- Understand the counseling profession, develop an identity as a counselor, and demonstrate a willingness to provide counseling services within the ethical guidelines of the counseling profession.
- Integrate the knowledge and skills needed to be successful as practicing counselors.
Clinical Experience
Students complete a supervised clinical sequence consisting of COUN 521 Practicum, COUN 522 Internship I, and COUN 523 Internship II in approved clinical settings. Across the clinical sequence, students must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours of supervised clinical experience, including at least 240 clock hours of face-to-face counseling experience, consistent with Missouri requirements. Qualifying HIPAA-compliant telehealth counseling may be included when permitted by applicable licensing requirements. The supervised clinical experience extends across at least two academic semesters. Students must satisfy all program requirements for clinical placement before beginning Practicum. Additional clinical requirements, including eligibility, supervision, documentation, site approval, professional liability insurance, and background-check requirements, are provided in the MACC Student Handbook.
Prior Catalog Requirements
Students admitted under an earlier catalog may be governed by the degree requirements in effect for their applicable catalog year. Students completing an earlier MACC curriculum should consult the MACC Program Director regarding degree completion and applicable professional licensure requirements.
Licensure requirements vary by state and may change
Students who plan to seek licensure outside Missouri should consult the licensing authority in the state where they intend to practice and work with their academic advisor to determine whether additional requirements apply.