Our Masters programs prepare students for a variety of rewarding mental health jobs. Our Grief Counseling and Art Therapy/ Counseling programs offer you an opportunity to train for specialized counseling careers in high demand. Our Counseling program provides you with a broad perspective of the field of counseling in the context of a holistic approach. Your degree from Southwestern’s graduate school will be based on achieving educational objectives in three areas: theoretical knowledge, applied skills and character strength. Graduates from all the degree programs are able to apply for licensure in New Mexico and other states.

MA in Counseling
MA in Art Therapy/ Counseling
MA in Counseling with a Concentration in Grief, Loss and Trauma

All Masters programs are two years in length; however, students may extend their studies through a part-time program. In Year One, the emphasis is on the student’s exploration of personal psychological transformation through self-reflection. A foundation is laid for understanding the nature of change and its application in the helping professions. If you are interested in a degree program, please review degree admissions requirements and complete the online application form.

The overall program goals for Year One are to:

In Year Two, the emphasis is on the student’s professional identity and development of clinical skills. Students acquire the competencies needed for facilitating change in others.

The overall program goals for Year Two are to:

"Southwestern College offered me a creative, warm community where I enjoyed a diverse student body and wise caring faculty as I acquired my education." John Ayer, Student

In addition to the successful completion of coursework, practicum hours and internship, students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities at the end of both the first year of classes and at the end of the program. At the end of Year One, students are required to successfully complete a written examination covering the areas of the therapeutic process, theoretical knowledge, applied skills and attitudes and an awareness of multicultural issues gained in Year One coursework. Art Therapy students must present a portfolio demonstrating their creative abilities. Students in the Art Therapy/ Counseling MA degree program must present a portfolio demonstrating their creative abilities.

At the conclusion of the internship and prior to graduation, the student must pass a written comprehensive examination evaluating the application of theoretical knowledge, applied skills and attitudes and multicultural awareness in clinical situations. A final comprehensive oral evaluation with each student determines readiness for graduation.

All Masters degree students are required to fulfill a personal therapy requirement of 40 face-to-face hours with a mental health professional licensed in New Mexico. The personal therapy requirement provides both academic and personal growth. The experience of being a client teaches Counseling and Art Therapy students about the nature of the therapeutic relationship, including an appreciation of the emotional life of the client. The experience also provides an opportunity for personal growth that strengthens emotional balance and therapeutic skills.

Tuition Information