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Graduate Counseling Professional Year

The Graduate Counseling Professional Year Program at Cairn University is a specialized, flexible post-graduate option designed to help alumni bridge gaps in their education for professional licensure as a counselor.

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ma vs ms in counseling
Credits (In-Person)
12 -18
Year to Complete
1
Christian College*
# 2
NCE Exam Pass Rate
94 %

Our Program Distinctives

Cairn University delivers an intentionally biblical and Christ-centered education that upholds the authority of Scripture, the importance of truth, and the faithful following of Christ.

*Cairn University Ranks #2 in Glanzer’s Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities. At Cairn University, we work hard to ensure that everything we do inside and outside the classroom aligns with our commitment to Christian education, clearly articulated in our University mission statement.

Pathway to Licensure

Personalized pathway to licensure eligibility without repeating a full degree.

Biblically Rooted

Continuation of Cairn's mission: equipping counselors who integrate faith, character, and clinical excellence.

Experienced Faculty

Access to Cairn's experienced faculty, including experts in clinical training and ethics.

Equipped to Serve

Preparation for roles in private practice, community agencies, ministry, schools, or other settings.

Program Description

The Graduate Counseling Professional Year (GCPY) program supports individuals who already hold a graduate degree in counseling (such as Cairn’s own MS in Counseling or MA programs) but need additional coursework or credits to meet specific state licensure requirements. The length of the program is dependent on the number of credits needed to adhere to PA licensure education requirements.

The typical course of study includes 12-18 credits; however, it will be necessary to review each student’s transcripts to make a final determination. 

This program allows Cairn alumni and some other counseling program graduates to complete the necessary elements without pursuing a full new degree.

Program Logistics
Who It’s For:
  • Graduates of Cairn University’s counseling programs (e.g., MS in Counseling, MA in Community Counseling, or MA in Counseling Ministry) whose prior degree lacks sufficient credits or specific required courses for licensure in their target state.
  • Graduates from other schools whose prior degree lacks sufficient credits or specific required courses for licensure in their target state AND who after consulting with their home state counselor board sign a waiver to pursue the Cairn Graduate Counseling Professional Year program. 

 

  • Prospective students submit the application from https://cairn.edu/apply. 
  • Cairn reviews your official transcript(s) to identify gaps compared to state licensing board requirements.
  • An individualized plan of study is created, specifying the exact courses needed (drawn from Cairn’s graduate counseling curriculum, such as advanced clinical courses, additional practicum/internship hours if applicable, or other requirements).
  • The program is typically completed in one year, with flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals (options may include online or in-person formats, aligning with Cairn’s standard graduate offerings).
  • Courses integrate psychological principles with a biblical foundation, including hands-on elements where relevant.

The exact credits and courses vary by individual and state—there is no fixed credit total, as it’s customized.

The typical course of study includes 12-18 credits; however, it will be necessary to review each student’s transcripts to make a final determination. Below is the sequence of courses for someone who needs to complete 15 credits. 

SUMMER
CSG 860 – Professional Development Practicum

FALL
CSG 891 – Professional Internship I
CSG 856 – Research Methods & Program Evaluation

SPRING
CSG 892 – Professional Internship II
CSG 857 – Assessment & Appraisal: Testing and Diagnostic Procedures

  • Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters and we will waive the fee. 
  • Personal Testimony: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  • Statement of Purpose: This program is a significant time commitment. In 500 words, explain how you have evaluated your readiness to manage competing responsibilities and priorities while pursuing this degree, as well as how obtaining this degree aligns with your long-term goals.
  • Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University.

The Statement of Purpose and Transcript requests can be submitted via the the student portal once you submit the application. 

An interview may also be required. 

Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by Cairn faculty and not TAs.

The tuition rates for the 2026-2027 academic year for full-time status (6 credits per semester) are $725/credit

Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page. 

Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University. 

Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page. 


MSCHE logo

Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

 

An image of the SARA official seal.
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page. 

 

Philip A a counseling student at Cairn University.

“My journey at Cairn has been truly joyful. Looking back, I did not anticipate the depth of transformation I would undergo. It wasn’t just that the program imparted a comprehensive foundation of knowledge; the expert faculty enriched my experience with their meaningful guidance and compassion. In my heart, I am deeply grateful, inspired, and empowered.”

– Phillip A.

FAQs

I completed my counseling degree at another institution. Can I complete the required courses for licensure at Cairn?

It depends on the total number of credits and the conferral date of your existing degree.

  • If you have a conferred Master’s degree of 48+ credits: Yes. You may apply to our Professional Year courses to earn the remaining credits needed to reach the 60-credit licensure threshold. The Pennsylvania licensing board accepts multiple transcripts to meet the 60-credit requirement, provided your foundational degree was at least 48 credits (conferred after June 30, 2009).
  • If your conferred degree is fewer than 48 credits: No. The licensing board will not accept a “completion certificate” or “tacked-on” credits to bridge a degree that was below the 48-credit minimum. In this case, you would need to apply to a full degree program (such as our MA or MS in Counseling). Please note that university policy does not currently allow for the transfer of credits from a previously conferred degree toward a second degree.
  • Out-of-State Students: While Pennsylvania allows “split” credits between institutions for the 60-credit total, other states may not. If you are seeking licensure outside of Pennsylvania, we cannot guarantee that your state board will accept credits earned at multiple institutions. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the home state counselor board to ensure they would meet the educational requirements for licensure. Applicants will also need to sign a waiver after submitting the application. 

Students pursuing the MA in Community Counseling can change their program to pursue MS in Counseling at any point by completing the program change form in the Registrar’s area of the website. Interviews with the Counseling faculty and adherence to the GPA requirements are required prior to admittance to the MS.

Students who graduate with an MA in Community Counseling can apply for the Graduate Counseling Professional Year program to complete the required credits for licensure.

The Graduate Counseling Professional Year can also be used for cases where the student completed a Cairn Counseling program years ago and needs only certain credits. The application for admission is still required. 

The Graduate Counseling Professional Year program is not fully available online yet, as not all courses are offered in that format. Below is the tentative timeline when courses will be ready: 

Summer, 2026:

– CSG 851: Career Development Counseling

– THE 601: Overview of Christian Theology

– THE 623: Theological Foundations of Counseling

Fall, 2026:

– CSG 722: Crisis and Trauma Counseling

Spring, 2027:

– CSG 821: Human Growth and Development

Summer, 2027:

– CSG 860: Professional Development Practicum

Fall, 2027:

– CSG 891: Professional Internship 1

– CSG 856: Research Methods and Program Evaluation

Spring, 2028:

– CSG 892: Professional Internship 2

– CSG 857: Assessment and Appraisal in Counseling

Below is the process for interested students: 

  1. Submit your application from https://cairn.edu/apply. 
  2. The Department of Counseling team will review your transcript to identify the specific classes needed in order to be license eligible. 
  3. The Department of Counseling will then present the student with the classes needed and the semesters those classes are available. 

Professional licensure and certification requirements can vary by state and territory. Additional licensure requirements may include professional examinations, additional coursework, background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting requirements, etc. Students who are considering a program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in the state or territory where they are currently located or where they plan to locate in the future should review the state’s or territory’s information below and contact the appropriate licensing agency to seek information and additional guidance.

State licensure requirements are also subject to change. Students should always check with their state licensure board to confirm licensure requirements.

If you would like assistance in this process, please feel free to contact the Director of Practicum and Internships or refer to the Licensure and Certification Disclosures page. 

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Interested in our Graduate Counseling Professional Year program?  Complete this form to connect with an admissions advisor for personalized guidance on schedules, costs, and application steps. We’re here to help you take the next step!

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