Careers in Helping Professions
Heal Hearts. Break Barriers.
At George Fox, you’ll deepen your knowledge of the diverse needs of individuals and communities, expand your capacity as a source of hope and understanding, and emerge as a catalyst for sustainable change.
Graduate Programs
Master of Social Work
Our Master of Social Work program will help you leverage your compassion for humanity to empower and expand opportunities for underserved individuals and communities. You’ll discover your professional path as a compassionate advocate and find your voice as a socially conscious leader.
Licensed Social Worker
A licensed social worker (LSW) helps people overcome obstacles and find the resources they need to thrive. They most often work in the following settings:
- Community agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Hospitals or medical clinics
- Social services offices
- Private or group practices
Our program puts students on the quickest path to pursue licensure as either an LMSW (licensed master of social work) or LCSW (licensed clinical social worker). Choose this program if you’re interested in a career that combines a commitment to social justice and human service.
Kim Nguyen
MSW alumna
I chose to be a social worker because I’ve witnessed the power of listening. Being able to hear someone’s story allows us to understand them better, but it can also bring a sense of belonging to the individual where they feel heard and important.
Doctor of Psychology
Unified by a deep respect for diverse belief systems, our Doctor of Psychology community will equip you to provide comprehensive care and research-based strategies that transform lives, strengthen communities and enhance our understanding of the world. You’ll integrate culturally informed spiritual care and research-based strategies into your professional practice, transforming lives and advancing the field of psychology.
Licensed Psychologist
A licensed psychologist is equipped to work as a professional in therapy, consultation, assessment, research and higher education. Clinical psychologists practice in a wide variety of settings, including:
- Independent and group practices
- Hospitals
- Community and public health agencies
- Government
- Correctional facilities
- University counseling centers
- Church and parachurch organizations
Graduates also teach in a variety of settings, including colleges and seminaries.
Choose this program if you’re ready for a career where you can provide outstanding professional services through the integration of science and practice.
Joanna Harberts
PsyD alumna
When we sit across from clients who have been in pain, who have experienced so much trauma, we are the connection of hope – the beacon of hope.
Counseling
Guided by the highest professional standards and an unwavering commitment to holistic care, our counseling program will equip you to lead your clients to a place of hope, self-understanding and peace.
Jerrica Ching
Graduate School of Counseling alumna
I always wanted to help people help themselves. Counseling can be this really powerful tool and a vehicle for change. People often feel like they’re stuck, like they don’t really know what to do. Counseling provides a safe environment for people to feel that there isn’t any judgment.
Licensed Professional Counselor
A licensed professional counselor (LPC) focuses on one-on-one therapy and group therapy for adults, helping them heal and make the most of their lives. They work in a wide variety of settings, including:
- Community mental health centers
- Human service agencies
- Community- or faith-based nonprofits or rehabilitation centers
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Health care organizations
- Schools and universities
- Veteran service centers
- Correctional facilities
- Residential treatment homes
An LPC may provide therapy in their own private practice or as part of a group practice. Choose this program if you're ready to explore a career working with adults as a counselor.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) specializes in providing counseling for children, families and couples. They work in settings that include:
- Community agencies and nonprofits
- Mental health clinics and centers
- Private practice
- Group practice
- County and state services
Choose this program if you're interested in a career focused on providing therapy specifically to couples, families and children.
School Counselor
School counselors provide mental health services to children at the elementary, middle and high school levels. They perform proactive work for the school community as a whole, which may include overseeing school-wide mental health initiatives and student support groups. They also work with students individually.
School counselors hold the dual role of educational leader and mental health professional in their schools. They provide short-term, one-on-one counseling for students and help them connect to long-term care if needed.
Choose this program if you’re interested in a career focused on mental health care and services for school communities.