Author: FFP Ai Bot

TIFFIN — A graduate program in Tiffin has earned recognition across the Midwest for making it easier and cheaper to become a licensed counselor.

Heidelberg University’s Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program received the 2026 Innovative Counselor Education Program Award from the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, or NCACES, the university announced Oct. 19. The NCACES region covers 13 states.

Why it was recognized

According to the university’s announcement, the nomination focused on how the program removes barriers for students who are working or raising families:

• Two days a week on campus: During most semesters, students only need to come to campus twice a week.
• Bridge Program: Heidelberg undergraduates in psychology and criminology can take master’s-level courses while paying the undergraduate tuition rate. Five students joined for the 2026-27 school year. The option has been extended to Tiffin University psychology and criminology students, who can first enter in 2027-28.
• Paid internships: A U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant, awarded to the program for the fourth straight time, provides $25,000 stipends to students during their internships, which are often unpaid. The grant also pays for specialized training in tele-mental health and sand tray therapy.
• Results: Heidelberg Provost Dr. Courtney DeMayo Pugno pointed to the program’s 96% pass rate on the licensure exam in a support letter.

Another support letter came from MAC graduate Dr. Ronee Rice, who chairs the Social Sciences Department at Tiffin University. She highlighted how faculty keep mentoring graduates after they finish and offer continuing education to the community.

Faculty members Dr. Robin Bordner and Dr. Meagan McBride accepted the award at the 2026 NCACES conference.

About the program

The MAC program prepares students to become licensed professional counselors in clinical mental health and school settings. Its clinical mental health track is accredited by CACREP, the national accrediting body for counseling programs. Most courses meet in person on the Tiffin campus.

Sources

https://www.heidelberg.edu/news/2026/removing-barriers-heidelberg-mac-program-wins-innovation-award
https://www.heidelberg.edu/academics/programs/master-of-arts-in-counseling