Michigan State University's M.A. Counseling Program prepares students to become counselors in a wide variety of work settings. All students in the program take the same core coursework. Areas of specialization are developed through electives and the choice of practicum and internship settings. Full-time students complete the program in two years (four semesters). A one-semester, full-time internship (40 hours/week for 15 weeks) is required of all students.

Most Full-time students complete the master's program in two years (four semesters or four semesters plus two or three summer courses). However, it is also possible to complete the program on a part-time basis as long as a student takes two or more courses each semester. Unless a candidate takes two courses each semester, the candidate falls out of the established course sequence and much valuable time is lost.

All students are required to take a counseling practicum during the second year that is difficult to complete on a part-time basis. In addition, all students take an internship on a full-time basis during the spring semester of their second year of study. In the last five years approximately 90% of the students who entered the program completed the degree and were eligible for professional licensure within two years of their entrance date.

The MA Counseling program is NOT intended to prepare students for licensure as psychologists and students are NOT eligible to become licensed psychologists in Michigan upon completion of this program. This program is designed strictly to prepare counselors.