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.
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
| HSC 513 | Issues in Counseling | 3 | 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 525 | Advanced Counseling Skills & Techniques | 3 | 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 544 | Marriage & Relationship Counseling | 3 | 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 546 | Counseling Children & Adolescents | 3 | 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 552 | Group Counseling | 3 | 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 560 | Counseling Models & Strategies | 3 | 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 561 | Community & Crisis Counseling | 3 | 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.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 9 | Monday, August 19 |
| Session B | Friday, October 11 | Monday, October 21 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 8 | Monday, January 13 |
| Session D | Friday, March 7 | Monday, March 17 |
| Session E | Friday, May 2 | Monday, May 12 |
| Session F | Friday, June 13 | Monday, 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
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $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
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $995 | 6 | $5,970 |
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $1,025 | 12 | $12,300 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $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
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $945 | 6 | $5,670 |
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $945 | 12 | $11,340 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.