Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling

Moravian University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling is designed to help you transform both individually and professionally. Our students benefit from state-of-the art training in a blended curriculum utilizing online, hybrid, and live classroom formats, taught by seasoned clinicians who are experts in the field. Graduates of the program will be trained to demonstrate their commitment to evidenced-based treatment, life-long learning and counseling practice that is committed to social justice. 

This program prepares students for Pennsylvania State licensure and will also grant graduates three certificates upon graduation: 

• Trauma Certificate
• Cognitive Behavioral Certificate
• Tele-Health Certificate

Our Mission

The Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at Moravian University welcomes people of all beliefs and viewpoints. Students in these programs gain the evidence-based skills and knowledge needed to ethically engage the practice of clinical and counseling with an emphasis on service delivery to diverse populations, in a wide variety of community and school settings. Overall, the program trains students to cultivate the academic skills and personal awareness necessary to be effective, multiculturally competent counselors. 

Program Overview

The Moravian Clinical Counseling degree requires 60 total credits, which you can complete in two years of full-time study. The program is designed to meet Pennsylvania’s academic and practicum/internship requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). These requirements are outlined in PA Act 49.2.

Customize Your Experience

Students can choose from two pathways to complete their degree. Unsure of what to choose? Speak with your Student Experience Mentor for guidance in selecting the best option for you!

Course Modality

Courses in this program may be offered in a variety of formats. Courses may be offered in an online format (asynchronous), a ‘live online’ format (synchronous on Zoom), a blended/hybrid format, or in a live classroom on campus. Full-time students are required to take the courses when and in the format in which they are offered. Part-time students may decide when and how to take their coursework. 

Licensure & Credentialing

This 60-credit program prepares students for eligibility for Pennsylvania State Licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). It meets the nine educational requirements outlined in Chapter 49: State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors—Licensure of Professional Counselors (§ 49.2). Following graduation from the program, graduates seeking to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Pennsylvania must pass the National Counselor Exam and complete 3000 additional hours of supervised clinical experience, half of which must be under the supervision of an experienced LPC, as per Act 76 of 2018 (Senate Bill 530). 

Upon graduation, clinical counseling students can work in a variety of fields and settings including: community mental health, drug and alcohol programs, residential treatment centers, campus counseling centers, hospitals, prison systems, and private practice. Clinical counseling graduates are well prepared to work with children, adolescents, adults in a variety of modalities including individual counseling and group work. Graduates are also well positioned to pursue doctorate degrees in psychology and related fields. 

Course Requirements

The program sequence listed below is for students who choose to pursue their degree full-time and begin classes in the fall.  

Year 1

Year 2

How to Apply

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any major and have a vocational desire to enter this helping profession are encouraged to apply. With no prerequisites to complete, you will begin the path to degree completion and licensure right away. 

Application Requirements

All applicants must begin by completing Moravian’s free online application. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and the GRE is not required for entrance to this program. With your application, please complete the following:

• Essay
• Interview
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcript(s)
• Resume

Meet Dr. Michelle Santiago

Associate Professor of Clinical Practice
President Elect of the American Association of State Counseling Boards

Dr. Michelle Santiago earned her doctorate of clinical psychology degree and has worked in a vast myriad of correctional, community MH agencies, survivor services, advocacy, and higher ed settings since 1996. She is a former Title IX investigator, a former member of the Northampton County Jail advisory committee, and a former member of the Society for the Psychology of Women Reproductive Rights Committee. She was appointed by PA Gov. Wolfe to serve the profession as a member of the PA Department of State Professional Licensing Bureau of Occupational Affairs for Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors

She is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Developmental Inventory (IDI, LLC), a diversity trainer for local denominations and mental health agencies, a member of the International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling (serving on both the ethics and the awards committees), a founding member of the  Clinical Supervision Research Collaborative, and considered a subject matter expert by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Let’s Talk

Casandra Cabral-Castro is your one-stop shop for all things Clinical Counseling-related. Financial aid, admissions, student support, you name it. She'll be there to help pave the way. Schedule a meeting or connect with her via phone, text, or email.

Casandra Cabral-Castro
she/her/hers
Student Experience Mentor - Clinical Counseling
(610) 861-1555
cabral-castroc@moravian.edu
Schedule an Appointment