A Supportive Learning Environment
The Master of Arts in Counseling provides a comprehensive understanding of different counseling approaches plus practical experience in helping clients assess emotional difficulties, develop insights and make lifestyle changes. The program cultivates deeper selfawareness and interpersonal communication skills — both essential for helping others.
Graduates work in private practices and in diverse fields including child, adult, couples, substance abuse and career counseling. They may apply their skills in human resources, healthcare, education and mentoring, development and humanitarian settings.
Students experience personal attention, in-depth instruction and a real-world approach to learning. They integrate theory and practice into professional counseling skills and experience an extensive practicum and internship at home or abroad.
Read our Program Flyer (PDF opens in new tab)
MA Curriculum and Accreditation
Master of Arts in Counseling
MA in Counseling students usually begin their studies in August (Fall 1) or January (Spring 1). The program consists of 16 courses: 13 core courses, including a thesis and three electives chosen from a menu of six. All courses take place in the evening. Blended Learning (combining face-to-face with remote learning) is offered to students from Zurich.
Full-time students take two classes per term and graduate in about two years; part-time students take one class per term and typically finish in three to four years. Students can shift between full- and part-time study, fitting the program around their personal and professional schedules.
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and demonstrate either relevant prior learning or professional experience. If the student's undergraduate degree is not in psychology, then six prerequisite courses in psychology must be undertaken before beginning the program. English language proficiency must also be documented during the admissions process. Candidates who meet the general criteria will be invited for an interview (in person or by videoconference).
Webster University carries full international accreditation from the Higher Learning
Commission (HLC). Students at Webster University Geneva therefore earn the same degree
that is awarded in the United States. In addition, the MA in Counseling is accredited
by the Swiss Association for Counselling/Die Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Beratung
(SGfB).
Core Courses (10 courses)
- Foundations of Counseling: The Helping Relationship
- Human Growth and Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Assessment
- Techniques of Group Counseling
- Lifestyle and Career Development
- Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Research and Program Evaluation
- MA Counseling Thesis
Core Field Experience Courses (3 courses)
- Counseling Learning Practicum (100 hours)
- Internship 1 (300 hours)
- Internship 2 (300 hours)
Example elective courses (choice of three courses)
- Psychopathology
- Substance abuse
- Grief and bereavement
- Marriage and family
- Trauma, crisis, and emergency relief
- Mind and body
The Psychology and Counselling Department at Webster University Geneva is a research intensive one with our faculty, students and alumni joining an international community of dedicated researchers and practitioners. You can find out more about our main lines of research by visiting the Psychology and Society Group.
Become a Professional Counselor
“Our Counseling Program offers an in-depth training integrating theories with skill-based learning. The program appeals to students from a wide range of cultures and ages, from mid-twenties to early sixties. Many choose the program as a career transition into the counseling profession.”
Over a period of two years full-time, or three to four years part-time, students learn
both theories and Counseling skills foundational to the profession of Counseling.
Classes take place in the evening and are small and culturally diverse.
There is a high level of employability after graduation with students typically opening private practices or working in a variety of organizations globally. On completion of the program, students may apply for registration with SGfB (Swiss Counselling Association), ACA (American Counselling Association), EAC (European Counselling Association), BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), as well as other national or international bodies.
Catherine Butterly - MA Counseling Coordinator
Alumni Success - XIAOXUAN QU
“The master degree in Counseling at Webster was an excellent program where one would find oneself exposed to diversity and depth in both learning and living.”
“Find out who you are and the kind of person you would like to develop into, then
follow your heart, and as you move forward, you will find people alike. This was the
most valuable lesson I took away from my dear Webster Counseling faculty.”
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