Master of Arts in Counseling
UNI's Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling program was created with working professionals in mind. Courses are offered in the late afternoon and early evening in a flexible and accessible format. The 60-hour program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and is intentionally designed over three years to create optimal development of counseling professionals.
During the first two years of the program, courses are offered in a traditional in-person format (fall and spring) with mandatory summer courses in a flexible format (in-person or online). The program's third year is also digitally delivered, to allow students flexibility in clinical placements (in or outside of the Cedar Valley).
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Focused on training clinical mental health professionals to provide counseling across the lifespan.
School
Counseling
Preparing counselors to be social-emotional learning leaders in the schools across the state of Iowa.
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Contact us directly at:
Counseling Program
235 Latham Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0332
Linda Davis
Secretary II, Counseling
Phone: 319-273-6414
Email: linda.davis@uni.edu
Darcie Davis-Gage, Ph.D
Division Chair & Program Coordinator of Counseling
Clinical Coordinator of Mental Health Counseling
Associate Professor
Phone: (319) 273-4243
Email: darcie.davis-gage@uni.edu
Panther POV
"I am a Panther through and through! GO CATS! I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Family Services in 2020. When applying to graduate programs, I did my research into other programs. UNI stood apart from the rest due to the counseling program being CACREP accredited, financial assistance opportunities, small cohort design, and welcoming and diverse faculty. I also appreciate the beauty of the campus, the community providing a welcoming environment, as well as there always being something new to do or see in Cedar Falls. It has been one of the best experiences I have had to date!"
--Hannah Black
Panther POV
“I applied to UNI because after touring other schools and looking into their programs, UNI felt like the perfect fit for me. Being from a small town made me love the smaller campus size and community. I really liked the idea of a small cohort because it would allow me to form closer bonds with my peers. After going through the interview process, I was fully confident that my professors are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable.”
--Emily McLaughlin
Panther POV
“Years ago, I visited campus with an entering freshman. It was then that I noticed how many different departments on campus were working together to foster the success of the students. When I finally made my choice of degree, UNI Counseling was the first program I decided to research as a result. When I met the professors, they had the right balance of what I was looking for in a program: varying research interests, many options for practice, and challenging engagement. As a second-year student, I can say that I am happy with the choice I made and have experienced so many unexpected opportunities as a result.”
--Jewell Jones
The Counseling Profession
The American Counseling Association defines counseling as a “professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals." Training as a counseling professional provides a strong foundation for professional identity, counseling skills and interventions, and theoretical framework.
In addition to the strong foundations in counseling, students at the University of Northern Iowa also are trained from a neuro-informed perspective in:
- Group facilitation & counseling
- Human development & wellness
- Crisis & trauma
- Career & life planning
- Counseling children, adolescents & older adults
- Family & relationship counseling
- Self-care
- Multicultural counseling & advocacy
- Clinical supervision
This extensive training is unique compared to other paths of education, and helps students develop into counseling professionals equipped to work in a variety of mental health and school counseling settings.