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Two graduates interact: Explore Regent's online MA in Human Services - Human Services Counseling program.

M.A. in Human Services – Human Services Counseling

Improve the Lives of Others

You have a strong passion for helping people. Prepare to go deeper in serving your community with the Master of Arts in Human Services – Human Services Counseling, offered completely online. Through this nonlicensure human services degree online, you can explore human behavior to develop skills for better care of others — and for career growth. Courses are taught using a combination of real-time interaction with professors, small-group projects, podcast lectures, and asynchronous chat room discussions.

Online
30
January 13, 2025
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Grow in Christian Counseling & Coaching

Explore the mind-body-spirit connection and practice individual and group work.

Empower Your Career

Gain foundational skills in behavioral sciences while specializing in a concentrated area.

Gain Foundational Helping Skills

Learn to identify and assist individuals struggling with life issues or seeking personal development.

Our award-winning faculty, located in Virginia Beach and beyond, instruct from a Christian worldview.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the M.A. in Human Services – Human Services Counseling degree, you can:

  • Learn to conduct thorough client assessments and understand how to make referrals.
  • Evaluate legal and ethical standards that help in determining specific treatment.
  • Apply culturally responsive strategies across diverse populations.
  • Examine the practical application of para-professional counseling for commonly addressed problems.

Career Opportunities

  • Human Services Manager
  • Life Coach
  • Social Services Agent
  • Pastoral Care Assistant
  • Support to multiple people-helping professions
16%
Projected growth in social and human services employment from 2016-2026
Featured Courses
HSC 513Issues in Counseling3
Pragmatic and psychospiritual components related to the organization, administration and operation of counseling related services within the context of the local church and other ministry environments. Examines the practical application of ministry-oriented counseling for commonly addressed problems. Addresses various legal, ethical and liability issues, and discusses specific treatment issues. Consideration to thorough assessment and referral functions in each of these areas. Examines the impact of small group ministry. Cross-listed with MHPS 613 and PAC 513.
HSC 525Advanced Counseling Skills & Techniques3
Continuing experiential application of significant personality theories and practice of more advanced counseling skills. Overview of the techniques and practices derived from the major psychotherapeutic systems relevant to these more advanced skills. Emphasis on the demonstration, modeling, practice and evaluation of these core skills and techniques. Prerequisite: HSC 524. Cross-listed with MHPS 625.
HSC 544Marriage & Relationship Counseling3
Overview of various marriage and adult relationships. In depth analysis of one’s own marriage and/or family of origin will facilitate deeper understanding. Examine topics on systems theory, life span dynamics, and selected issues associated with marriage counseling such as premarital counseling, marriage enrichment, human sexuality, and divorce/remarriage. Presents a multicultural focus as it pertains to marriage, adult relationships and ministry. Cross-listed with MHPS 624 and PAC 544.
HSC 546Counseling Children & Adolescents3
Overview of various child, adolescent, and parental relationships and the theological considerations in addressing these relationships. Examines developmentally appropriate approaches and effective strategies for counseling children and adolescents in both individual and group settings as well as topics relating to systems theory, the family life cycle, parenting, blended families, and resources to aid the family. Relevant ethical and legal considerations also discussed. Presents a multicultural focus as it pertains to children adolescents, and ministry. Cross-listed with MHPS 646.
HSC 552Group Counseling3
Conceptual and practical overview of group dynamics including the role of group leadership, tools for forming a group and orientation of members. Emphasis will be given to leadership techniques used at various stages of the group process as well as applicable ethical issues. Participate in a small group experience to promote self-awareness, develop interpersonal and facilitator skills and explore biblical principles relevant to group dynamics. Cross-listed with MHPS 652.
HSC 560Counseling Models & Strategies3
Introduction to basic lay counseling intervention strategies, techniques, and supportive care-giving activities. Examines such topics as conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation, anger management, mentoring, grief counseling, and solution-focused interventions. Presents a multicultural focus as it relates to intervention strategies and ministry.
HSC 561Community & Crisis Counseling3
Continuation of Models & Strategies with more advanced lay counseling intervention strategies, techniques, and supportive care-giving activities. Examines such topics as models of inner healing and forgiveness, critical incidents and crisis counseling, community trauma and disaster, chaplaincy issues, and stress/burnout issues. Presents a multicultural focus as it relates to intervention strategies and ministry. Cross-listed with PAC 561 and MHPS 761.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$2,085
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)Full time enrollment is required.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)Full time enrollment is required.

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9456$5,670
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$94512$11,340

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$2,085
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)Full time enrollment is required.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)Full time enrollment is required.

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9006$5,400
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$90012$10,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“I would recommend Regent's counseling programs to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of others and of themselves.”
Karen Palmer, M.A., 2011 Human Services
“Regent was a pivotal point in my professional career. I have been forever changed by my experience!”
Richard Mason, Ph.D. , 2007 Counselor Education & Supervision
“I am extremely grateful for the excellent education that Regent provides through the School of Psychology & Counseling.”
Trina Young Greer, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, 2000 Owner & Executive Director of Genesis Counseling Center
“People, especially kids, need more than clichés. My training at Regent gave me a meaningful way to express my empathy - which is passion and compassion combined - and they could feel the authenticity of it.”
Cedric Rucker, M.A. in Counseling, 2008 Community Counseling
“I'm grateful for my Regent mentors. Their emphasis on relationships and guidance has helped me navigate a challenging yet rewarding journey.”
Alexandra Melchiorre, M.S. in Psychology, 2018 Registered Behavioral Technician