Professional Counseling, MA

Helping Others Thrive.

100% Online Degree

In recent years, the role of mental health in the overall wellbeing of our communities has become a focus of organizations around the world. Based on data from the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely. And, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, isolation, depression, and related issues are at an all-time high.

With such great need, demand for mental health professionals is projected to continue to grow both now and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimates suggest that there will be a shortage of 45,000–250,000 mental health providers in the United States alone by 2025.

In addition, many are reconsidering the role of work in their own lives. The “Great Resignation” in the United States saw a record 4.53 million workers quit their jobs in March 2022, beating the previous series high of 4.51 million in November 2021, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) released by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 44% of Americans also plan to quit their jobs for new employment in March 2022. There are few careers as fulfilling and meaningful as that of a professional counselor.

Piedmont’s Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration is a fully online graduate degree program consisting of 60 semester credit hours, inclusive of 9 hours of supervised field experience (practicum and internship). Regarding field experience, faculty and staff assist students in working with an approved clinical site for their practicum and internship.

Piedmont prepares graduate students through practitioner-oriented education and extensive clinical instruction, while also prioritizing flexibility. Piedmont’s MA in Professional Counseling makes it possible to take courses online while balancing work, childcare, family, and life. Graduates can complete the program in 2.5 years (7 semesters/9 semester credit hours per semester).

Piedmont’s MA in Professional Counseling integrates innovative online learning strategies that create an inclusive learning community — connecting students with instructors, peers, and professionals in the field via live Zoom instructor office hours, live student cyber cafes, and live sessions with guest licensed counselors. We’re also providing courses that are reflective of today’s environment. As a result of COVID-19, we now offer Telemental Health Counseling as a required course in our degree—preparing graduate students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and techniques to competently deliver this service online.

Throughout the program, we also encourage students to engage in self-reflection. Piedmont graduates’ increased self-awareness fosters increased self-confidence with a diverse population of future clients. The program is focused on preparing graduates to compassionately counsel and advocate for clients struggling with a wide range of mental health needs.

Piedmont Helps Launch Your Career in Professional Counseling

With an MA in Professional Counseling from Piedmont University, graduates are prepared to find positions in a wide variety of organizations in community agencies, businesses, and institutions. The degree fulfills the academic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia and prepares students for certification as a National Certified Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

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