The Master's in Counseling program prepares you to make a difference in the world, and to build a career doing it.

Are you driven to support and inspire others? Do you want to help them overcome challenges and become stronger individuals? When you enroll in the online Master’s in Counseling program from PennWest, you’ll be ready for a lifetime of service to others.

The mission of the Counseling Department at PennWest University is to prepare professional counselors who embody ethical and culturally responsive behavior, advocacy and social justice, and a professional identity as a counselor. Students will use these attributes to enhance the well-being of families, groups, couples, and individuals and advocate on behalf of both the counseling profession and those who are served. The faculty at PennWest are a diverse community of counselor educators and art therapists who facilitate students’ development, model appropriate professional behavior, and engage in dynamic teaching, service, leadership, and scholarship. Our students are expected to develop self-awareness, a strong knowledge base, effective counseling skills, and cultural humility to practice ethically and professionally within a diverse society. Consistent with these expectations is the emphasis placed upon graduate student interpersonal effectiveness. This effectiveness includes growth in the dimensions of warmth, empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness with others.

This program is for you if...

  • You are passionate about helping others through therapeutic and counseling techniques.
  • You seek to specialize in Art Therapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or School Counseling.
  • You want to develop advanced skills in counseling and mental health support.
  • You are looking for a flexible program that offers both online and on-campus learning options.
  • You aspire to work in diverse settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations.
Credits
Credits
  • 60 Credits for MS

  • Credits Vary by Certificate

What You'll Study

In the Master’s in Counseling program at PennWest, you'll study a comprehensive curriculum tailored to your chosen concentration. In the Art Therapy concentration, courses cover therapeutic techniques using art, psychological theories, and clinical practice. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration focuses on advanced counseling methods, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. The School Counseling concentration includes courses on child and adolescent development, school counseling strategies, and educational psychology. All concentrations emphasize ethical practice, research, and hands-on experience through internships and practicums, preparing you for diverse counseling roles.

Program Study Image
Degrees Table
Degrees, Certificates, Minors Offered at...
  California Clarion Edinboro Global Online
Counseling, MS Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Art Therapy, Certificate Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Brain-Based Trauma and Recovery, Certificate Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Counseling, Certificate Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Counseling, Certificate Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Sports Counseling and Student Athlete Mental Wellness, Certificate Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Student Affairs Practice, Certificate Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Substance Use Disorder - Level 1, Certificate Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Substance Use Disorder - Level 2, Certificate Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Concentrations Table
Concentrations Campuses
  California Clarion Edinboro Global Online
Art Therapy Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location
School Counseling Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person Program Not Offered At This Location Program Not Offered At This Location Program Offered At This Location

Meet Our Faculty

Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

View faculty  

How You'll Learn

The concentrations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling are offered in an in-person format at our California campus. An in-person degree emphasizes traditional in-person courses at one or more of our locations. In addition, these concentrations as well as Art Therapy are also offered 100% online.

More About Learning at PennWest

    What You'll Become

    Upon completing the Master’s in Counseling program at PennWest, you will become a proficient and compassionate counselor equipped to address diverse client needs. If you specialize in Art Therapy, you will be skilled in using creative processes to promote mental health. With a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you will be prepared to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. As a School Counselor, you will be adept at supporting the developmental and emotional well-being of students. Your expertise will enable you to work in schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations.

    Career Paths

    • Mental Health Counselor: Provides therapy and support to individuals dealing with mental health issues, helping them to manage their symptoms and improve their well-being.
    • School Counselor: Works within educational settings to support the academic, emotional, and social development of students.
    • Marriage and Family Therapist: Offers counseling to couples and families to help resolve conflicts and improve relationships.
    • Substance Abuse Counselor: Assists individuals struggling with addiction, providing therapy and support to help them overcome substance abuse issues.
    • Rehabilitation Counselor: Helps individuals with disabilities to achieve personal and professional goals through therapy and support.
    • Art Therapist: Uses creative processes and art-making as a therapeutic approach to support mental health and emotional well-being.
    • Career Counselor: Provides guidance and support to individuals in making career decisions, planning career paths, and achieving professional goals.
    • Community Mental Health Worker: Works in community settings to provide mental health services, support, and education to diverse populations.

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    How We'll Help You Succeed

    At Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.

    Nationally Ranked

    Rated a Top Program in the Northeast by Best Counseling Degrees and ranked #4 among the 10 Best Deals in Online Master’s in School Counseling.

    • Affordable Programs

      Discover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.

      Tuition & Fees
    • Success Coaching

      Achieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.

      Success at PennWest
    • Post-Graduation Support

      We're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.

      Life After PennWest