Abstract
This study examines the role of faith integration in motivating graduate counseling students to select faith-based programs and its impact on their perceived preparedness to integrate faith into counseling practice. Using a quantitative approach, 239 participants from five graduate counseling programs completed a survey exploring their motivations for becoming counselors, reasons for program selection, and perceptions of faith integration in their education. Results revealed that students motivated by spiritual factors, such as pleasing God or influencing others spiritually, were significantly more likely to choose programs emphasizing faith integration and shared spiritual values. Older students placed greater importance on faith integration compared to younger peers, aligning with developmental trends in spirituality. Students who prioritized faith integration in program selection reported higher levels of perceived preparedness to integrate faith into counseling. Motivational factors, including altruism, spiritual commitment, and self-growth, strongly influenced school-choice criteria such as reputation, cost, and location. The findings highlight the importance of transparent communication about faith integration in program marketing and curriculum design to meet student expectations. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and a predominantly Christian sample, suggesting the need for further research on non-Christian students and secular institutions. This study underscores the significance of faith integration in counselor education and its potential to shape student experiences and professional development.
Recommended Citation
Evans, Timothy J.; Graham, Andrew J.; Zapf, Jim; and Pace, Ronnie L.
(2025)
"The Importance of Faith Integration in Student Motivation in Graduate Counseling Program Selection,"
Journal of Counseling and Psychology: Vol. 7:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/jcp/vol7/iss1/1