What You Will Learn in the MS in Professional Counseling Degree Program

View our brief intro for professional counselors looking to grow their careers in mental and emotional health disorders. Licensing requirements vary by state.

Start your GCU
journey today.

Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

Degree Level

Make a selection

Class Setting

Make a selection

Area of Study

Make a selection

Program

Make a selection

Current Education Level

Make a selection

Country

United States

Read time 2 minutes

Published On Oct 22, 2018

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Professional Counseling is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and designed for professionals who wish to advance their career and improve their ability to help individuals who struggle with mental and emotional health disorders.

While the requirements for licensing vary by state, a master’s degree in counseling is necessary if you plan to become a licensed counselor. After completing this program’s coursework, you may be ready to meet the requirements for becoming a licensed associate counselor (LAC) or licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Arizona. Read on for an introduction to what you will learn while earning this degree.

Counseling Topics and Disorder Specializations

Learners in this professional counseling degree complete coursework and counseling practice that prepares them to provide services for clients with diverse emotional, psychological or mental disabilities and challenges. You will study a broad range of counseling topics, as well as specializations like trauma, addiction and substance use, to prepare you to address different disorders in clinical or private practice.

Counseling Theories and Patient Treatment

By exploring various counseling theories and social and cultural diversity in counseling, this program will prepare you to help patients improve their lives. Psychopharmacology and addictions, the physical effects of addictive drugs, the role of counseling in treatment psychopathology and the administration of group testing are also covered.

Professional Methods and Counseling Practice

The courses in the degree are designed to meet the academic requirements established by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and National Board for Certified Counselors. After obtaining the proper licensure, graduates of this program can go on to treat individuals suffering from emotional, social and psychological disabilities in clinical or independent settings.

To discover more about Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, visit the website or click the Request More Information button on this page.

Online Degrees

Admission

Scholarships & Grants

Transfer Center

Unlock Your Potential

Speak with a University Counselor today.

Apply Now

Psychology & Counseling

Careers That Help People: Exploring Paths in Psychology and Counseling

Discover the many careers dedicated to service and to helping others. Pursue your interests and talents at GCU!

05/13/2025

8 min read

Mental Health Careers: Exploring Your Options

Discover a range of mental health careers for those who are passionate about empowering others. Apply at GCU to earn a psychology or counseling degree.

05/13/2025

6 min read

The Quality of Education and Its Impact on Mental Health

The quality of education and its impact on mental health can be a significant concern for college students. Learn more and earn your degree at GCU.

03/27/2025

6 min read

View All Articles

What You Will Learn in the MS in Professional Counseling Degree Program

Counseling Topics and Disorder Specializations

Counseling Theories and Patient Treatment

Professional Methods and Counseling Practice

Share This Story

Careers That Help People: Exploring Paths in Psychology and Counseling

Mental Health Careers: Exploring Your Options

The Quality of Education and Its Impact on Mental Health

Counseling Topics and Disorder Specializations

Counseling Theories and Patient Treatment

Professional Methods and Counseling Practice