The Lakeland Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling degree is designed to provide a broad-based education in counseling for professionals in the field and for interested educators. Students accepted into this program can pursue an emphasis in one of three areas: Early Childhood through Adolescence School Counseling, Community Counseling, or Higher Education Counseling. Lakeland assesses not only the academic and performance background, but also the temperament and the professionalism of candidates for the Master of Arts in Counseling program. An undergraduate degree in the behavioral sciences is not required.

Admission Requirements for the M.A. in Counseling in addition to those listed under General Admission Requirements:

General Admission Requirements  

• An applicant with a non-behavioral science undergraduate degree is required to show evidence of nine (9) semester hours with grades of “B-” or better in coursework related to human services or behavioral sciences.
• A completed personal statement responding to a designated set of questions.
• A current resume.

Conditional Admission Policy

An applicant may apply for conditional admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling program. To be considered for conditional admission by the program director, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Submit official transcripts reflecting a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.5, but less than a 2.75;
• Submit official transcripts reflecting a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work;
• Submit a Personal Statement which reflects assets and awareness of liabilities as a potential professional counselor;
• Submit three letters of recommendation from supervisors or instructors that provide support and evidence of the applicant’s ability to achieve success at the graduate level.

The applicant’s conditional status will be reviewed once he/she completes 6 semester hours of graduate coursework. An applicant in conditional status who achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher may be granted full admission.

Non-Degree Seeking Student Policy

Students may apply to be non-degree seeking in Lakeland College’s Master of Arts in Counseling program. Non-degree seeking student applications and registrations are permitted by those students who would like to strengthen an existing or emphasis, develop a new area of interest, or complete requirements for a new profession. Non-degree seeking student registration will be granted only to those students who are not pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at Lakeland College.

Non-degree seeking student status is available for those who possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. Non-degree seeking students are required to complete a Graduate Admission Application and are subject to the following unique policies:

• Non-degree seeking students are only allowed to register for up to 12 credits.
• Enrollment in courses is on a space-available or standby basis. Students fully admitted or on conditional admission status into the M.A.C. program will be given priority in all courses.
• With the exception of applicable Veterans Benefits, no financial aid is available.
• Application for non-degree seeking registration enrollment must be made, in writing, to the Admissions Advisor.
• Practicum, Internship and Independent Study courses are not available to non-degree seeking students.
• Non-degree seeking students must meet all identified course prerequisites.

For more information about the non-degree seeking student program and tuition costs, please contact an Admissions Advisor.