M.A.

Student Affairs College Counseling
First Choice,
Only
Choice
Program Facts
Delivery Method:
On-Campus
Start Term:
Fall
Completion Time:
36 Months
Credits:
60

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Student Affairs College Counseling (M.A.)

About Our Student Affairs College Counseling Program

Slippery Rock University’s College Counseling concentration within the Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) program offers a distinctive, hands-on learning experience through a partnership with SRU’s Student Counseling Center. Housed within the Department of Counseling & Development, the Counseling Center serves as a live training lab, allowing students to gain real-world experience and mentorship from licensed professionals. This 60-credit hour program blends counseling theory, college student development, and higher education practices, and leads to eligibility for licensure in Pennsylvania as a Professional Counselor (LPC). Graduates are prepared to provide direct support services to students across a variety of campus settings, including traditional college counseling centers.

Why Get a Student Affairs College Counseling Degree?

  • Receive personalized attention through small class sizes that encourage mentorship and connection.
  • Learn from experienced faculty who are passionate about teaching and supporting your growth.
  • Graduate from a program aligned with CAS standards, ensuring your education meets nationally recognized benchmarks.
  • Prepare for diverse career paths in higher education or community mental health settings.
  • Understand and support college students by exploring their developmental challenges and transitions.
  • Build crisis management skills to assess threats and intervene effectively to promote campus safety.
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Career Outcomes

After completing their counseling degree and meeting Pennsylvania requirements, graduates are prepared to become Licensed Professional Counselors. Our program emphasizes career readiness through partnerships with SRU’s Counseling Center and local mental health organizations.

A counseling degree in Pennsylvania will be sought after in certain regions. Many rural counties in northern and central Pennsylvania have been designated Health Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. This systemic shortage of mental health professionals does offer opportunity to those interested in community mental health efforts. Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for mental health counselors and similar professions will grow by 25% between 2019-2029.

Requirements

What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!

Program Director / Coordinator

Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Ken Messina
Counseling And Development
724.738.2034
kenneth.messina@sru.edu

Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.

Attention: To apply for admission, please use the following link to apply now.

  • $25 Application Fee
  • A Personal Statement indicating interest in the program, experience, and career goals.
  • Two Electronic Recommendation Forms: one from a former or current college/university faculty member and one professional reference.
  • Official undergraduate degree transcript(s) and any graduate transcripts (Official transcripts must be sent by the institution via electronic transcript to graduate.admissions@sru.edu or via mail. Faxed copies are not considered official).
  • SRU current/Alumni/former students, click here to order your official SRU final transcript and have it sent to graduate.admissions@sru.edu.
  • A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 to be considered for unconditional admission.

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. The priority deadline for applicants seeking Graduate Assistantships is December 1. After this time, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The college counseling program has a fall start date only.

If you are requesting review of your graduate transcripts for transfer of credit, please complete the transfer of credit form and submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions with official graduate transcripts. Please review SRU's transfer of credit policy.

Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.

Resources from SRU

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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