Prospective Students

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What degrees do you offer?

We offer a Master of Arts in Counseling, a dual degree Master of Arts in Counseling/Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling, and a dual degree Master of Arts in Counseling and Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies.

The distinctives of the program are the commitment to integration of psychology and theology and the commitment to practical experience. We require students to prarticipate in 5 semesters of internship.

How Much Does it Cost?

$365 per hour = about $26,000 for the entire program.

What classes are open for enrichment?

All of them except for CNS 512, CNS 525, CNS 530-CNS 534, CNS 580.

How long does it take to complete the program?

How long it takes in you to complete the program depends somewhat on your situation: how much time you have, how much you need to work outside of school, other commitments etc. While we have some students completing in 2 years, the average is 3 years. We work hard to make the program accessible to you: core counseling courses are always offered on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can arrange your schedule to have the remainder of the week for other commitments.

Describe the Internship Process - How do I get a site?

Usually the internship begins in the second semester of a student's coursework. The student should meet with their advisor toward the end of their first semester regarding possible sites and how to go about obtaining a site. Students are responsible to gather information, prepare a resume, call the site, set-up an appointment for an interview, etc...Students can also establish their own site, if it meets Western's requirements. The Field Placement Coordinator will need to conduct a site visit before approval can be granted.

Usually a student is looking at an additional 10 - 15 hours per week (direct client contact hours, supervision and paperwork) outside of the regular class schedule for the internship. Most internships are not paid.

To graduate from the program, a student must have a minimum of 240 direct client contact hours.

Can I get a license?

Our program is licensable by the State of Oregon. That means when a student graduates from our program they qualify to take the licensure exam offered by the state of Oregon to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

A minimum of 2400 hours of counseling is also needed to be eligible for Oregon licensure.

Can I get licensed in other states?

Every state has different licensure requirements. Washington and Oregon are very similar; students would only have to take a class or two to become licensed in Washington. California has very different requirements from any other state and the process to get licensed there would be much lengthier.

To be licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Oregon would require about one additional year of classes. A student cannot become a LMFT through Western's program.

Can I graduate without all 240 of my direct client contact hours?

Students can walk at graduation if they obtain the hours needed during the next summer session (they need to be within 60 hours). They can also walk if they only have 6 more credit hours to complete the program, and if they complete them during the following semester.

What and how much can I transfer?

Up to 50% can be transferred in as long as it is equivalent to the classes offered here. Students will have to work with the Registrar and the Counseling Program Director, and have copies of their syllabi, course descriptions, etc. available.

Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in psychology?

No, but a foundational knowledge of psychology is required. Students will take the Counseling Readiness Exam to determine any needed remedial work.

What is the Counseling Readiness Exam?

This is an exam has been designed to test their foundational knowledge of psychology. It must be scheduled and taken at least once before an interview can be granted. If deficiences are indicated, remedial work will be required - either undergraduate work or a self-guided instructional program provided through Western's Cline-Tunnell Library.

What if I don't have a 3.0 GPA? Can I still apply?

Yes, Western will work with you. If you are accepted, you may be placed on probation for the first semester to see how you do academically.

What are the personality inventories I must take as part of the application process? How long does it take to get the results?

Counseling applicants are required to take the MMPI-2, JPI-R, and MIPS. This cost is $60 (very reasonable). The inventories take about 2 1/2 hours to complete and we ask that students complete them in person on campus, via appointment. Arrangements can be made for students who live out of state. Results are received by the department in about two weeks from the test date.

Can I do the interview by phone?

No, prospective students must come in person.

Application Deadlines?

What kinds of jobs do your alumni have?

We have students working in a variety of settings: adolescent treatment facilities, secondary schools, colleges, state penitentiary systems, assistant pastors, youth pastors, and working at Christian counseling centers.

When do I start to take the Internship Case Conferences?

The first semester of your internship. In order for your counseling hours to count toward licensure, you must be in a Case Conference class. The Case Conferences need to be taken in sequence.

Do I have to take the theology classes in sequence?

Yes, unless you have a valid reason. You will need to meet with Dr. Gerry Breshears, Chairman of the Division of Biblical and Theological Studies, to get his permission to take them out of sequence.

Can I take any courses by video?

In certain situations, yes. You would need to talk to the Center for Lifelong Learning, the Registrar, and the Conseling Program Director. No core counseling courses are on video, but the BLS series, the THS series and SFS 501 and SFS 502 are available. 12 hours of the MA in Counseling can be earned through video. Contact the Center for Lifelong Learning for more information.