For Curtis Piper, the path to a career in counseling psychology was not always clear. It was a journey of growth, reflection, and calling. In 2024, Curtis, a husband and father of three, graduated with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) from Southern Nazarene University (SNU).
When he’s not working or chasing his kids around, he can be found playing competitive Ultimate Frisbee or taking long hikes with his wife, family, and friends. With an undergraduate degree in economics, a period studying religion, and careers in government and business, Piper brings a multifaceted life experience to his work as a counselor.
“I was raised in the Oklahoma City metro where I was homeschooled through high school and engaged in church, sports, and Scouts,” Curtis shared. After earning his degree in economics from Oklahoma State University, he shifted gears, traveling to Switzerland to study at L’Abri, an international Christian study center. “I spent formative time at L'Abri… engaging in self-guided religious studies that deepened my interest in human nature and choice,” he said.
That interest in humanity never faded. Though Curtis went on to work in city government before joining his family’s manufacturing business and building a solid, stable career, he felt like something was missing. While he had been focusing on his job, his passion for understanding people and helping them navigate life’s challenges had quietly been deepening in the background.
“For years, I felt torn between my genuine interest in psychology and a vague, yet powerful sense of expectation to pursue business,” he admitted. “Words like 'counseling' and 'mental health' carried suspicion in my early life.”
Despite his previous apprehensions, Curtis felt drawn toward the mental health field. Before applying to graduate school, he completed the year-long Lay Counseling Certificate through the Allender Center at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. He also volunteered as a lay counselor at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.
These hands-on experiences solidified his sense of calling. “I discovered particular strengths and enjoyment in quickly identifying presenting problems and empathetically engaging with others to find healing,” Curtis reflected. “I realized I could be of genuine service as a counselor and that I wanted to attend to my deeper calling.”
It was his wife who ultimately gave him the push he needed to pursue this calling. “She gave me the encouragement I needed to ‘just go for it.’”
When choosing a graduate program, a trusted recommendation pointed Curtis toward Southern Nazarene University. He quickly discovered that SNU aligned perfectly with his personal values and professional goals. “I chose SNU for the counseling program it offered. It came strongly recommended by a trusted friend in the field. As I learned more about the program, I was drawn to the relational approach it encouraged,” Curtis said.
One relational aspect of the program that was a key deciding factor for Curtis was SNU’s cohort model. “The cohort model appealed to me for deeply engaging in-person with the same group of students throughout the program, creating a learning environment I knew would be transformative,” he explained. The support and relationships built during the program continue to be a lasting benefit. “The cohort model created deep professional relationships that continue to be sources of support and collaboration,” he said.
Integrating academic excellence and spiritual awareness was also deeply meaningful to Curtis. “I appreciated how SNU holds spirituality and science in respectful conversation, honoring both dimensions of human experience,” he said. This balance between mind and spirit, theory and practice make SNU’s program unique.
“What set SNU apart was the integration of relational depth with academic rigor. The program's emphasis on a relational approach wasn't just theoretical—it was lived out in how we engaged with each other as a cohort,” Curtis explained. “The faculty demonstrated the very principles they taught, creating a learning environment where personal growth and professional development happened simultaneously.”
Now working at Renew Counseling Center, the clinic supported by SNU, Curtis continues to refine his skills and grow as a counselor. “The degree provided me with both the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for effective counseling,” he shared.
Reflecting on his experience with SNU’s MSCP program, he considers it a personally transformative and professionally equipping time, finding the program’s emphasis on self-awareness as particularly impactful. “It helped me understand my own patterns and develop strategies to work with them rather than against them.”
Above all, the program has given him confidence. “Most importantly, the degree gave me confidence in my ability to help others navigate complex relational and psychological challenges,” Curtis said.
His journey serves as a powerful example to others who may feel stuck when deciding between an expected career path and pursuing their passion. Curtis’s decision to pursue counseling was not a pivot away from his previous experiences, but rather a fulfillment of a deeper calling. “Through various volunteer experiences and training programs, I discovered particular strengths... I realized I could be of genuine service.”
Looking ahead, Curtis plans to continue working in the counseling field and helping others find healing and clarity in their own lives. With his education, experience, and heart for people, he’s well prepared to fulfill this calling.
SNU’s Graduate Programs in Counseling and Psychology aren’t just about textbooks and tests. They’re about transformation, connection, and answering the call to serve others. For Curtis Piper, that call was always there. Now he’s ready to meet it.
Curtis Piper’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue your true calling and that every step of your journey can prepare you for it. Whether you're changing careers, deepening your impact, or seeking meaningful growth, SNU’s Graduate Programs in Counseling and Psychology provide the support, training, and relational depth to help you meet your goals.
Ready to take the next step toward a purposeful career in counseling? Learn more about SNU’s MSCP program today.
