Counseling Program

Hi. I’m Dave Wenzel, the director of the counseling program at Western Seminary’s Portland Campus. If you are considering education in the field of counseling, compare Western’s program to others and I believe that will find that we offer a quality educational experience at very competitive tuition rates.

To be an effective counselor, to help bring change and reconciliation to the lives of the hurting, you must rigorously prepare yourself both personally and professionally. We work to provide you with excellence and to equip you to provide counseling in a variety of contexts to a hurting world.

The program leads to a Master of Arts in Counseling and may be typically completed in around 3 years. The program is approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. This means that graduates of our program meet the educational component requirement for licensing in Oregon (and other comparable states).

Our program and teaching philosophy includes several unique qualities. By following the link to “program distinctives” you will find an explanation about what makes Western Seminary's Portland Counseling Program differ from comparable programs. In brief we strive to provide you with:

• an education experience that has easily accessible class schedules;
• a professional environment;
• commitment to the practical - you will learn while doing;
• integrative teaching based in a Christian World View;
• competitive and affordable tuition rates;
• personal attention - we maintain a 10:1 student-faculty ratio;
• and a rigorous educational environment where we still have fun while learning.

We have several degree options for you. The Degree Options link describes what these degree options are and clarifies differences. These degrees will provide training that can lead to church or para-church ministry positions, non-profit agencies or positions in community mental health field.

I hope the information on this site provided you with some help. If you have other questions, we invite you to e-mail us or to call us at 1-877-517-1800. Ask for Julie Brown, our program administrative assistant - she can answer your questions or connect you with one of the faculty. Again, welcome, and let us know how we may serve you further.