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. 

Spring 2025 deadline: January 10, 2025
Summer 2025 deadline: April 25, 2025

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

• Trauma Certificate
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certificate
• Tele-Health Micro-credential 

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 in the practice of clinical 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 the clinical counseling degree program may be offered in a variety of formats. We currently offer a hybrid format (some online courses, some in-person). 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). Students who plan to practice counseling outside of Pennsylvania after graduating are responsible for understanding the licensing standards of the particular state in which they hope to practice. For more information, visit the website for the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors.

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, and 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 - Fall Cohort

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

Year 1

Year 2

Student Handbook

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
• Official transcript(s)
• Resume

Non-Discrimination Statement

Meet our Director

Julia Davis, Ph.D., NCC

Dr. Davis served as Chair and Associate Professor of Counseling and Human Services and the Coordinator of the Student Affairs and Higher Education Program at SUNY Plattsburgh. Formerly she served as the Director of International Education at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts and the Assistant Director of Study Abroad at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She earned her M.A. in Secondary/Post-Secondary School Counseling – Emphasis in College Student Personnel Administration and her Ph.D. in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Dr. Davis pursues scholarly interests in the areas of international/intercultural education, women in leadership, college student development, and instructional methodology. She is an active member of many professional organizations for counseling, international education, and student affairs including: ACA, ACES, NARACES, NAFSA, NASPA, and ACPA. Dr. Davis served as a member of the Trainer Corps for NAFSA: Association of International Education and serves on the Editorial Board for the New York Journal of Student Affairs.

Meet our Faculty

Michelle Santiago, Psy.D, NCC, CCMHC, LPC
Associate Professor of Clinical Practice

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.

Meet our Director of Field Education

Michelle Brandt

Michelle Brandt (she/her) is an assistant clinical professor and director of field education in the Counseling and MSW programs. She spent more than 20 years working as a social worker in the health care field with a focus on adults and older adults, hospice, palliative care, and oncology and has 10 years’ experience in social work field education. A strong connection to social work values and ethics informs Michelle’s approach to practice and teaching and a commitment to the social work profession has led to her interest in working with students in field education. Michelle’s research interests include ethics at end of life, grief and loss, and social work field education.

Let’s Talk

Brian Martin is your one-stop shop for all things School of Behavioral and Community Health related. Financial aid, admissions, student support, you name it. He'll be there to help pave the way. Schedule a meeting or connect with him via phone, text, or email.

Brian Martin
He/him/his
Executive Director of Admissions
(610) 625-7130
martinb@moravian.edu