Master of Arts • LPU Online
Master of Arts inCounseling
Prepare to serve individuals, couples and families through clinically grounded, faith-integrated counseling education built for the helping professions.
Program Overview
Meet Counseling & Psychology at LPU.
Hear from Dawn Houk about LPU’s B.A. in Psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling, the department’s Christ-centered approach and the formation students experience along the way.
Professor Houk is an LPU alumna and licensed counselor and marriage and family therapist. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy and brings experience in clinical practice, supervision, mentorship and counselor development.
About the Program
Prepare for the work of helping people heal and grow.
The Master of Arts in Counseling prepares students for careers in the mental health professions through a foundation of psychological theory, research and spiritual formation. Coursework integrates current psychological theory with biblical principles and Spirit-filled practice.
Faculty are scholars, practitioners and people of faith who bring both academic and practical guidance. A cohort model supports long-term relationships, guided professional development and the growth of clinical skills for assessing, diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, social and behavioral needs.
Designed for Calling-Driven Counselors
Why Counseling at LPU?
Why Choose This Degree?
Develop clinical knowledge and practical counseling skills for serving individuals, couples and families while preparing for professional pathways in the mental health field.
Why LPU?
Study in a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled university where psychological theory, professional practice, spiritual formation and whole-person care are intentionally integrated.
Residency Week
Online learning. In-person formation.
Residency Week brings graduate students to LPU’s San Dimas campus for concentrated learning, cohort connection and spiritual formation.
Students meet the people they have been learning alongside online, spend time with faculty, participate in in-person class experiences and strengthen the relationships that support them throughout the program. LPU graduate residency also includes opportunities for worship, reflection, guest learning and shared community.
For MAC students, recent residencies have included spiritual disciplines, live counseling roleplays, skill development and guided reflection—connecting personal formation with the work of becoming a counselor.
Student Voices
What MAC students are experiencing.
My experience at LPU has been more than I could have expected. It's a special kind of culture and community that not only wants to see you succeed but is genuinely excited to help you in the journey in any way they can.
In a short time, I've been challenged to pursue not just a new career in counseling, but a better relationship with myself and God. It's been next level for me and I'm excited to see where it takes me.
The MA in Counseling residency was one of the most enriching weeks of my life. It was the first time I truly felt peace that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
I have been blown away by the quality and applicability of each assignment, discussion, and reading. I have already been able to implement my education in my current work and ministry involvement.
I chose to join the MA in Counseling Online program because of the spiritual component it offered. I knew that I will also get a great education and training, but I did not know that the impact on my own life would begin in week one.
I look forward to all the growth in my own life, as well as the growth that I'll see in lives of my future clients.
California Licensure Pathways
One program. Two approved pathways.
LPU’s Master of Arts in Counseling is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for both LPCC and LMFT educational pathways.
Graduates may pursue either California license pathway—or both—depending on their professional goals and completion of applicable post-degree licensure requirements.
Important: Licensure requirements vary by state and may change. Students intending to practice outside California should review the requirements of the state in which they plan to seek licensure.
Format & Schedule
Structured for graduate students preparing for clinical work.
The 63-unit MAC curriculum consists of 21 courses that build on one another across the program.
Online Coursework
- Eight-week online courses
- Both synchronous and asynchronous learning
- Cohort-based progression
- 36-month standard program duration
- Graduate Residency Week in San Dimas
Clinical Preparation
- 16-week Practicum experience
- 32 weeks of Internship training
- Clinical skills development
- Assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation for LPCC and LMFT licensure pathways
Program Outcomes
What you’ll be prepared to do.
Assessment & Diagnosis
Use evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and treatment skills across the lifespan.
Law & Ethics
Apply legal and ethical decision-making within clinical practice and a biblical worldview.
Theory & Practice
Apply counseling theory to therapeutic issues involving individuals, couples and families.
Diversity & Culture
Examine cross-cultural complexity and interventions that respond to diverse needs.
Formation & Integration
Integrate psychology and Christianity with a view of God’s grace, redemption and purpose.
Career Directions
Prepare for counseling, therapy and helping-profession roles.
Career opportunities depend on licensure, state requirements, prior experience and employer qualifications. The MAC is designed to support professional growth across clinical and helping settings.
Curriculum
A 63-unit sequence built for progressive clinical development.
The Master of Arts in Counseling includes 21 courses completed in the following sequence.
Helpful Details
Plan your next step.
Tuition & Financial Aid
MAC tuition is $760 per unit, with a program total of $59,180. Scholarships and financial aid may be available.
View Current Tuition & CostsApplication Deadlines
Your completed application deadlines are:
November 15 for January cohort enrollment and May 15 for July cohort enrollment.
Office of Admissions
Life Pacific University
1100 W. Covina Blvd.
San Dimas, CA 91773
Connect With LPU
Call: (877) 886-5433
Email: admissions@lifepacific.edu
Ready to Begin?
Whether you're exploring counseling as a new calling or preparing for your next professional step, we'd love to help you discover if LPU's Master of Arts in Counseling is the right fit for you.