Offering Campuses
Argosy University, Nashvile; Argosy University, Salt Lake City; Argosy University, Sarasota; Argosy University, Tampa
Campus Specific Requirements
Program Overview
Argosy University recognizes the need to offer human services providers the extensive knowledge and range of skills necessary to serve effectively in the profession. Programs have been developed by Argosy University faculty members to enable students to pursue personal and professional goals through completion of a Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling degree program.
Courses and curricula are designed to parallel prevailing licensure and certification requirements as closely as possible. Because of variations among states, each student should check with regional authorities to confirm such requirements.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution approved and documented by the faculty and dean of the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Argosy University, or an appropriately certified foreign institution.
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework (including graduate work).
- A minimum score of 550 on the written TOEFL® or 79 on the TOEFL® Internet (iBT) is also required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction.
- Completion of an interview with a member of the program Admissions Committee.
All applications for admission must be submitted to the Admissions Department. An admissions representative is available to help interested applicants complete the following required documentation:
- Completed Application for Admission Form
- Application fee (Non-refundable, except in California and Arizona. In the state of Arizona, the application fee is refundable if the application is canceled within three business days of the applicant signing the Enrollment Agreement.)
- Personal/professional goal statement with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the profession
- Current résumé (or career summary)
- Three completed Applicant Recommendation Forms
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
Exceptions to the Minimum Grade Point Average
Applicants with grade point averages lower than the stated program minimums may be considered for admission with significant evidence of academic and professional potential demonstrated by the career and/or professional accomplishments indicated in the statement of academic and professional goals, the career summary, and academic or professional letters of recommendation. Exceptions must be recommended by the Admissions Committee and program chair. Exceptions must be justified, documented, signed, placed, and retained in the student’s academic file. Students admitted on an exception basis will be assigned provisional status. See “Exceptions to Admission Requirements ”.
Applications to Multiple Campuses
An applicant who wants to apply to more than one campus must complete a separate application and forward a full set of application materials to each campus.
Admissions Notification
Students are notified in writing of the decision made by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Applicants who have been denied admission may reapply after the passage of one year from the date of denial by submitting all documents required of a new applicant. Individuals who intend to reapply for admission are strongly encouraged to contact the Admissions Department prior to reapplying.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by campus. Contact the Admissions Department for further information.
Graduation Requirements
Students who are admitted into the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program are responsible for completing the program requirements in effect at the time of admission. The school retains the right to modify requirements in accordance with the demands of the counseling profession. Coursework and degree requirements should be completed in the order recommended by the department administration. Academic advisors must approve any changes. To be eligible for graduation, students must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of all requirements in the program of study developed in consultation with the faculty members
- Satisfactory completion of 60 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree
- A grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0)
- A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration For additional graduation requirements for the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program, please consult the campus-specific program descriptions
Writing Program
Students are expected to be proficient in written and oral communication and to produce written work consistent with accepted standards in the field. Those who are identified by faculty as needing further development of writing skills will be referred to their academic advisors for a developmental writing plan.
Program Objectives
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills required for successful careers in the field. Specific student learning objectives include the ability to:
- Explain and interpret all ethical and legal codes for counselors provided by professional counseling associations and adhere to the standards at all times.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to the impact of multicultural issues on the counseling relationship and on treatment by developing and applying therapeutic approaches and techniques that respect multicultural differences and meet multicultural needs
- Identify and apply core theories and research of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels
- Apply core career development theories and decision-making models to increase client understanding of career and educational planning and placement
- Use appropriate counseling techniques to engage the client in the interviewing process, to build and maintain rapport, and begin to establish a therapeutic alliance
- Ethically and effectively conduct group counseling, and understand the principles, issues, and dynamics of group work as well as the role of a group counselor
- Identify and employ assessment instruments to effectively evaluate specific client problems or concerns
- Use, interpret, and apply various research methods such as qualitative, quantitative, single-case designs, action research, and outcome-based research, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation.
Professional Conduct
Throughout the course of study in the Mental Health Counseling degree program, students should uphold established standards of professional conduct. Students are expected to adhere to professional standards outlined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics.
Additionally, students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior in their:
- Interpersonal interactions with others,
- Appropriate self-awareness and self-evaluation,
- Openness to professional feedback and supervision, and
- Ability to resolve problems effectively and professionally.
Students will receive feedback regarding their personal, academic and professional strengths, weaknesses and performance as they progress through the program.
If a faculty member deems a student’s behavior substandard, unethical, illegal, and/or professionally unbecoming, a referral to the Student Professional Development Committee may be warranted. This committee will review the performance and behavior of the student and recommend an appropriate course of action.
Practicum/Field Experience
The practicum/field experience is the primary mechanism of applied training and evaluation in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program. Practicum/field experience training is the supervised out-of-class field experience with a clinical population that takes place within a mental health setting. A primary goal of practicum/field experience training is the development, by means of supervised direct client contact, of competent counselors who are able to deliver basic and effective assessment and therapeutic intervention skills.
Theoretical orientations, specific treatment options and opportunities, and client populations will vary across training sites. In addition, the faculty and curriculum represent major clinical orientations. Students are encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of treatment approaches. It is hoped that with time and experience, students will recognize strengths and limitations of different approaches and develop proficiency in formulating and working within an approach best suited to their personal style.
Practicum/internship/field experience hours are divided between three types of work:
- Direct Service. Providing face-to-face mental health counseling services to individuals designated as clients.
- Indirect Service. Community outreach, consultation and/or education, program development and/or evaluation, and support services.
- Training Activities. Formal individual or group supervision, case conferences, case management/utilization review meetings, rounds, administrative/planning meetings, in-service training/seminars.
Practicum/Field Experience Prerequisites
Criteria for eligibility includes:
- Good academic standing
- GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0
- Completed academic planning that allows for all practicum prerequisite courses to be completed before the practicum begins
- Students may also have the option of completing all coursework before beginning the practicum
Once accepted for placement, students must meet the following criteria to begin a practicum:
- Enrollment in the program for a minimum of three semesters
- Successful completion of all prerequisite classes
Course/Credit Transfer
For information about course/credit transfers, please refer to section seven, “Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures .”
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Nashville
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Nashville is a 60 credit-hour program designed to provide students with a solid foundation for the practice of mental health counseling. The program’s curriculum is designed to integrate the theoretical and conceptual foundations of mental health counseling with training in appropriate client intervention and therapy skills. The program is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that are essential for mental health counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Students completing this program meet the academic requirements toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Services Provider (LPC-MHSP) in Tennessee.
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program is committed to preparing students to enter a professional career as master’s-level counseling practitioners who can function ethically and effectively with demonstrated knowledge of social and cultural diversity. This goal is achieved through a curriculum designed to integrate counseling skills, theoretical foundations of mental health counseling, and practicum field experience into a set of professional competencies that students can utilize with diverse client populations in a wide variety of settings.
Licensure Information
Courses and curricula are designed to parallel prevailing licensure and certification requirements as closely as possible. However, because of variations among states and laws that often change, each student should check with state authorities to confirm licensing requirements in the state they wish to practice. The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) frequently publish information on professional issues of importance to professional counselors, including licensure, online at: www.counseling.org and www.nbcc.org.
Program Formats
Classes for new students conveniently begin several times a year, allowing students to enter the program throughout the year. New classes start each fall, spring, and summer semester. Contact the Admissions Department for details concerning entrance times.
Argosy University, Nashville offers a variety of flexible formats designed for the convenience of adult students. Regular in-residence, blended/in-residence, and online formats are offered in 7.5 week and 15 week terms. The current course schedule outlines available courses for each semester.
Additional Enrollment Requirements
Students in the program should be enrolled in two 3-credit hour classes per semester. While on internship or practicum, students may be enrolled in the practicum or internship alone. Students should confirm minimum enrollment requirements for financial aid and international student status with the appropriate Student Services representative.
Additional Requirements for Academic Progress
Students enrolled in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Nashville must complete all program requirements within five years after matriculation. Listed below is the minimum amount of work that a student must complete by the end of each year following matriculation to successfully complete the program (except for students taking an approved temporary withdrawal). Argosy University, Nashville students are required to complete 60 credit hours. A suggested incremental time frame is listed below.
| Suggested Incremental Time Frame Completion Rates |
|
| End of Year One |
12 credit hours |
| End of Year Two |
24 credit hours |
| End of Year Three |
36 credit hours |
| End of Year Four |
48 credit hours |
| End of Year Five |
60 credit hours |
|
Additional Graduation Requirements
In addition to the graduation requirements listed previously, students in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Nashville must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester credit hours by the end of the sixth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:
- 51 credit hours of required courses
- 9 credit hours (completed over 10 months) of required internship or practicum and internship or practicum seminar groups
- Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination
- Successful completion of the Clinical Evaluation Conference (CEC)
- Completion of all requirements within five years of matriculation into the program
Initial Four Courses Requirement
The first four courses of the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program must be completed satisfactorily before a student may take additional courses in the program.
After successful completion of these courses, a formal evaluation process is used to review each student’s academic performance and professional conduct. Students who earn a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a scale of 4.0) and have satisfactory faculty evaluations will be considered for continuation in the program. Students who receive a grade below “B-” in any course must retake the course and improve the grade. Any of the four courses in which a grade below “B-” is received must be repeated. Any student who receives two grades below “B-” in the first four courses (including grades received on courses retaken) will be dismissed from the program. To graduate, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0).
Within the first six courses, students may take only one course at a time. Following successful completion of the first six courses, a student may choose to seek approval from his/her advisor to take more than one course at a time.
For Argosy University, Nashville students, the initial four courses are as follows:
Initial Four Courses Requirement — Students Must Complete the Following Courses Before Taking Additional Courses in the Program
Initial Four Courses Requirement — 12 Credit Hours
Program Requirements
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 60 semester credit hours, distributed as follows; required courses, 51 credit hours; practicum and internship requirements, 9 credit hours.
Required Courses — Students Are Required to Take the Following
Required Courses — 51 Credit Hours
Practicum and Internship Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following
Practicum and Internship Requirements — 9 Credit Hours
Note: Course calendars may be obtained through the program. Students will receive details of the required course sequence upon admission to the program.
Additional Practicum Information
Practicum may be taken after completion of all required coursework. To begin a practicum in Fall 2009 or later a student will need to have completed forty-two (42) semester hours.
Comprehensive Examination Requirements
Students in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program must successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination. Argosy University, Nashville students must do so no later than the end of the sixth year after entering the program.
Course/Credit Transfer
A maximum of four courses—12 credit hours — may be transferred into the Mental Health Counseling program. Required courses that may not be transferred into the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Nashville are listed below:
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Salt Lake City
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling degree program is designed to provide students with a sound foundation for eventual practice of mental health counseling. The program introduces students to basic counseling skills that integrate individual and group theoretical foundations of professional counseling into appropriate client interaction and intervention skills. The program is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of professional counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services.
Licensure Information
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program curriculum is designed to align with the Utah state Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to seek licensure through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, Phone 801.530.6628, Toll-Free in Utah 866.275.3675, Fax 801.530.6511, http://dopl.utah.gov/licensing/professional_counseling.html. Argosy University does not guarantee that the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program will meet the requirements to obtain licensure.
Additional Requirements for Academic Progress
Students must make satisfactory progress toward their degree program by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of4.0. Student progress in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program is formally evaluated after the first four courses.
Students who receive a grade below a “B-“ in any course must repeat the course. Students who receive two grades below “B-“ in the first four courses, including a repeat of the same course, will not be permitted to continue in the program.
Students are expected to follow the recommended course sequence as outlined in the curriculum in order to complete all coursework in two years, with a maximum time frame of five years. Students who have temporarily withdrawn from Argosy University will have five years plus the length of time that they were not enrolled, not to exceed one year, to complete the program.
Students are required to complete 60 credit hours (48 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of practicum and internship). The suggested minimum amount of work that a student must complete each year following matriculation to successfully complete the program appears below:
| Suggested Incremental Time Frame Completion Rates |
|
| End of Year One |
12 credit hours |
| End of Year Two |
24 credit hours |
| End of Year Three |
36 credit hours |
| End of Year Four |
48 credit hours |
| End of Year Five |
60 credit hours |
Additional Graduation Requirements
In addition to the graduation requirements listed previously, students must also meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester credit hours by the end of the fifth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:
- 48 credit hours of core courses
- 12 credit hours (12 months) of practicum and internship training experience
- Successful completion of the Counselor Presentation Evaluation (CPE)
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- A Completed Petition to Graduate Form submitted to campus administration
Program Requirements
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 60 semester credit hours are distributed as follows: core course requirements, 48 credit hours; practicum and internship requirements, 12 credit hours.
Core Course Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following
Core Course Requirements—48 Credit Hours
Practicum and Internship Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Following
Practicum and Internship Requirements–12 credit hours
Practicum and Internship Requirements
Students may be placed in a training experience during the second year of study. A student may also have the option of waiting until all coursework is completed before beginning the training experience. The practicum and internship each carry 3 credit hours per semester. Practicum and internship last 15 months.
Throughout the year, the student will be required to spend a minimum of 100 hours in practicum and 900 hours in internship for a total of 1000 hours. Students may not waive the practicum and internship requirements. Liability insurance is included in the cost of the practicum and internship. To be eligible for a practicum and internship, a student must have successfully completed all prerequisite courses as indicated on the Program of Study.
Practicum Requirements
Students may apply for placement in a practicum and seminar during the second year of study after completing all first-year coursework. A student may also have the option of waiting until all coursework is completed before beginning the practicum experience. Courses that are designated as prerequisites for practicum are as follows:
Practicum and Internship Seminar Requirements
All students enrolled in a field experience must also concurrently attend a related seminar. The seminar allows the student to reflect on various field experiences and to acquire additional skills and attitudes useful in field training. The specific content and emphasis of the seminar varies according to the setting and focus of the enrolled students and the professional expertise of the faculty member.
Practicum and Internship Evaluation
The goal of the field experience is to focus on the training of competent counselors capable of providing basic and effective counseling and therapeutic intervention. Evaluation of student progress in supervised field training focuses on three areas:
- Theoretical knowledge base
- Counseling Skills
- Professional Attitudes
A thorough review of site and seminar evaluations is conducted by the director of Training, and an overall grades of “Credit” or “No Credit” is included in the student’s academic record.
Counselor Presentation Evaluation Requirement
The Counselor Presentation Evaluation (CPE) requires each student to present a case study and conceptual analysis in writing, resulting in a case formulation, conceptual formulation, and recommendations for treatment relevant to the case conceptualization. The purpose of the CPE is to monitor the growth and development of the school’s standard of competency for mental health counselors.
The CPE ensures that students are prepared to demonstrate their conceptual abilities, theoretical knowledge, and applied counseling skills in class and in supervised field training. Faculty evaluators assess the student’s fund of knowledge regarding the foundations of mental health counseling, the student’ s ability to manage an interview, and the student’s ability to arrive at an accurate diagnostic and case formulation. Students are also evaluated on their ability to make appropriate and individualized treatment recommendations based on their case formulation. The document is written throughout the three semesters of practicum and internship, and the oral examination of the CPE is taken during the third semester of the student’s internship.
The CPE requirement is met by submitting a written document along with a digital recording and/or transcript or other approved sample of one psychotherapy session that the student has conducted with a client, and a diagnostic case formulation report, including a self-critique. The CPE is submitted to the student’s seminar faculty at a designated date. The digital recording cannot have been submitted either in the school or outside of it for review, supervision or critique.
Students should refer to the Counselor Presentation Evaluation document for complete information concerning the requirements and process for completing the CPE.
Course/Credit Transfer
A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred.
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Sarasota
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling degree program is designed to provide students with a sound foundation for the eventual practice of mental health counseling. The program introduces students to basic counseling skills that integrate individual and group theoretical foundations of mental health counseling into appropriate client interaction and intervention skills. The degree program is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of mental health counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services.
Mission Statement
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program serves adult students throughout the world. It is designed to provide a quality program in mental health counseling to meet the needs of students and the community. The focus of the program is student preparation and professional development. The program remains faithful to its mission of preparing students to function at a high professional level in a rapidly changing world. The focus of the mission will continue to promote teaching, learning, and service.
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program faculty have used Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards as a guide in the development of all aspects of this practitioner oriented program including its purpose, objectives and courses. The program objectives were reviewed by the faculty and administration of Argosy University, Sarasota College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences and an advisory committee made up of students, former students, professional and business people through the local community. These objectives meet the standards of practice of American Counseling Association (ACA) and follow the spirit outlined in the CACREP standards. Students and faculty of the department are expected to behave in accord with the highest ethical and professional standards while engaged in accomplishing this mission.
Program Formats
Argosy University, Sarasota strives to provide an educational experience with the highest academic quality in a variety of flexible formats designed for the convenience of adult students from various geographical locations. In that respect, regular in-residence, blended/in-residence, tutorial, and online courses are offered during 15-week and 7.5-week academic semesters throughout the year. In-residence courses may also be available in intensive intersession formats that incorporate a combination of distance learning and intensive one-week or two-weekend meetings on-campus in Sarasota. The current course schedule outlines available courses for each semester.
Residency Requirement
Students must complete 51 percent ofthe program coursework in an in-residence format.
Additional Enrollment Requirements
Satisfactory Academic Progress and Degree Completion Rates
Students must complete this program within five years after matriculation. Students who have temporarily withdrawn from Argosy University will havefive years plus the length of time that they were not enrolled, not to exceed one year, to complete the program. In order to remain on track for degree completion within the maximum time frame allotted, students are expected to complete credit hours according to the suggested incremental maximum time frame table below:
| Suggested Incremental Time Frame Completion Rates |
|
| End of Year One |
12 credit hours |
| End of Year Two |
24 credit hours |
| End of Year Three |
36 credit hours |
| End of Year Four |
48 credit hours |
| End of Year Five |
60 credit hours |
|
| |
Students are responsible for monitoring and maintaining an enrollment status that ensures the progress towards completion of the programs within the maximum time frame.
Additional Graduation Requirements
In addition to the graduation requirements stated previously, students must also meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester credit hours by the end of the fifth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:
- 48 credit hours of required courses
- 6 credit hours of elective courses
- 6 credit hours of practicum and internship
- Successful completion of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Evaluation (CPCE)
Additional Program Requirements
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 60 semester credit hours, distributed as follows: core course requirements, 48 credit hours; elective requirements, 6 credit hours; and practicum and internship requirements, 6 credit hours. 51 percent of coursework must be completed in an in-residence format.
Core Course Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following
Core Course Requirements — 48 Credit Hours
Practicum and Internship Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following
Practicum and Internship Requirements— 6 Credit Hours
Elective Requirements
Students identify appropriate electives in consultation with their advisors. Students are required to take 6 credit hours of elective courses.
Practicum Requirements
The beginning practicum/internship for students in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program requires that students complete a separate practicum of at least 100 clock hours at the beginning of Practicum/Internship (C 6601 ). Students are required to complete the practicum, which is the first part of a 1000-hour practicum/internship experience.
All practicum students are expected to complete a minimum of 40 hours of direct service with clients including experience in individual counseling and group work.
Students are expected to maintain weekly clinical journals of all aspects of the practicum experience and to log these hours. It is expected that both faculty and site supervisor will regularly read, discuss and sign the journals. Students are expected to participate in weekly online and telephone seminars with a designated seminar leader. Evaluation of the student’s performance will occur throughout the practicum and will include a formal evaluation at the completion of the 100-hour practicum.
Internship Requirements
After successful completion of all practicum requirements the student is permitted to move on to the internship, which requires an additional 900 clock hours.
During the internship, students will continue to develop and refine competencies related to clinical reasoning, relationship skills, assessment skills, and interventions skills. In addition, students will continue to increase their knowledge base of core counseling competencies, as well as improve abilities to write clear, well organized reports, and refine communication skills. Internship students will be expected to display enhanced recognition of the rights, responsibilities and ethical guidelines of the profession. They will also be required to demonstrate knowledge of, and sensitivity to, diversity issues in interactions with clients and other professionals.
Capstone Examination Requirements
Students are required to take the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) for the first time at the mid-point of the graduate study or as soon as they complete the ten core courses on which it is based. All students must successfully complete the CPCE no later than the semester before the one in which they plan to graduate.
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Tampa
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling degree program recognizes the need to provide counseling professionals with the extensive knowledge and range of skills necessary to function effectively in their professions. The program introduces students to basic counseling skills that integrate individual and group theoretical foundations of counseling into appropriate client interaction and intervention skills. The program is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of professional counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. The program has been developed by the school faculty members to provide working professionals with the opportunity to pursue their personal and professional goals through completion of a master’s program.
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program is committed to educating and training students to enter a professional career as master’s-level counseling practitioners who can function ethically and effectively as skilled professionals, with a demonstrated knowledge of social and cultural diversity and in adherence to the principles of the American Counseling Association. This goal is achieved through a curriculum designed to integrate basic counseling skills, theoretical foundations of professional counseling, and practicum/field experience into appropriate client interaction and intervention skills for utilization in a wide variety of settings with diverse clients.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted for all six terms. Early application is encouraged. Applications will be considered as they are received based upon the applicant’s qualifications. Admission of later applicants may be limited or delayed by space availability.
Deadlines may be extended if there are continuing openings in the program.
Course Delivery Formats
Weekend Format
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program is designed to allow students flexibility while pursuing a graduate degree. In addition to weeknight courses, many courses are offered in a weekend format with weekly online instructional contact with instructors and peers. These courses span 7.5 weeks and consist of two weekends in-residence. Students are in-residence approximately one weekend every three weeks.
Online Courses
In order to offer a more flexible learning experience for our students with multiple life responsibilities, selected courses are offered in an online format through other Argosy University campuses. Students may register for these classes by permission from the university. This format may be ideal for students who live at a distance from our campus. Students work closely with their faculty advisor to develop the learning format best suited to their needs. Because this is an in-residence degree program, students may not complete more than 49 percent of their required program credit hours in an online or distance learning format.
Additional Enrollment Requirements
Students are advised not to take more than one course at a time. Students wishing to take more than one course at a time should consult with an advisor or the program chair before doing so.
While on practicum/field experience, students may enroll in classes and the field experience/ practicum each semester, or they may enroll in the field experience/practicum alone if they have already completed other coursework.
Additional Requirements for Academic Progress
Students must complete the program within five years after matriculation. Students who have temporarily withdrawn from Argosy University will have five years plus the length of time that they were not enrolled, not to exceed one year, to complete the program.
Suggested Incremental Time Frame Completion Rates
The minimum amount of progress that a student must complete by the end of each year in the program following matriculation to successfully complete the program appears below. Curriculum changes may result in a change in the completion schedule for maximum time frame.
| Suggested Incremental Time Frame Completion Rates |
|
| End of Year One |
12 credit hours |
| End of Year Two |
24 credit hours |
| End of Year Three |
36 credit hours |
| End of Year Four |
48 credit hours |
| End of Year Five |
60 credit hours |
|
Academic Evaluation
Students must successfully complete the first four courses with a grade of “B-” or better and a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (on a scale of 4.0) before the student is allowed to take additional courses in the program.
Upon successful completion of the first four courses, each student’s academic performance and professional conduct is reviewed. Students who earn a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a scale of 4.0) and receive satisfactory faculty evaluations will be eligible to continue in the program.
Students who achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or below (on a scale of 4.0) will not be permitted to continue in the program. Students with a cumulative GPA above 2.5, but below 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) will be advised of their status and may be allowed to continue in the program, providing they request to do so in writing to the program chair. The request will be reviewed by the Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC). If approved to continue, students may take two additional courses. Those who do not achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) after completing the two additional courses will not be permitted to continue in the program. The SPDC may require that a student retake any course in which a grade below “B-” was earned. Students who receive two grades below “B-” in the first four courses, or three grades below “B-” over the course of the program will be dismissed from the program.
Additional Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation, students must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of 60 semester credit hours, including the practicum/field experience, and Comprehensive Examination
- A GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
- A completed Petition to Graduate form submitted to campus administration
Program Requirements
The MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of a total of 60 semester credit hours distributed as follows: core course requirements, 24 credit hours; additional course requirements, 24 credit hours; elective requirement, 3 credit hours; and field experience requirements, 9 credit hours. At least 51 percent of required coursework must be completed in-residence. Note, the field experience courses are usually taken in the last year of the program. In addition to these credit hour requirements, students must successfully complete the Comprehensive Examination.
Core Course Requirements (Prerequisite to Field Experience) —Students Are Required to Take the Following
Core Course Requirements — 24 Credit Hours
* Foundations of Mental Health Counseling (C 6041 ) must be completed within the first nine hours of course work.
Additional Course Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following
Additional Course Requirements — 24 Credit Hours
Field Experience Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following
Field Experience Requirements — 9 Credit Hours
Elective Requirements
Students will select 3 credit hours of electives from approved Professional Counseling (PC) or Counseling (C) graduate-level courses. Care must be taken not to select elective courses which are substitutions (equivalents) for those already required above.
Additional Practicum Field Experience and Seminar Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 1000 hours of practicum/field experience. Field experience involves a two-hour weekly seminar on-campus.
Evaluation of student progress in practicum/field experience training focuses on three areas:
- Theoretical knowledge
- Counseling skills
- Professional attitudes
Field Experience and Seminar Requirements
Students in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program are required to complete 1000 total hours of field experience. Field experience involves a two-hour weekly seminar on-campus.
Evaluation of student progress in field experience training focuses on three areas:
- Theoretical knowledge
- Counseling skills
- Professional attitudes
The foundation of Argosy University, Tampa student field experience training in counseling is the accurate assessment and understanding of human problems. This assessment and understanding is the basis for the recommendation and/or implementation of effective techniques for the alleviation or resolution of these problems within a climate of absolute respect for the client.
Ethical standards of the American Counseling Association are incorporated into student training. The administration closely monitors academic and professional development during all stages of progress throughout a student’s graduate career. This monitoring includes assessment of clinical suitability as well as academic achievement. Thus, aspects of student’s personal adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and behavior in all settings are relevant to their progress in their program. Our aim is to assure that students are well qualified and have the potential to become competent and ethical professionals.
The field experience is designed to emphasize counseling and therapeutic intervention skills. Theoretical orientations, specific treatment options and opportunities and client populations will vary across training settings. Argosy University, Tampa does not favor a particular theoretical orientation, but instead encourages students to explore a variety of counseling perspectives. The faculty and curriculum are representative of the major theoretical orientations. Students are encouraged to keep an open mind in order to get the full benefit of this general theoretical exposure, and to explore and experiment with a variety of treatment approaches.However, sites are encouraged to provide knowledge and modeling of therapy within an organized theoretical framework, so that students may learn to use this framework to guide their conceptualizations and interventions. It is hoped that students will, with time and experience, recognize strengths and limitations of a variety of approaches and develop proficiency in formulating and working within an approach best suited to their own personal style. The field experience presents an excellent opportunity for this kind of learning.
General Information
The field experience is a required training experience. Students may begin field experience after the successful completion of the required prerequisites. Students are required to attend informational meetings and apply for field experience study one — two semesters before they plan to enroll.
MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program students must complete 1,000 hours of field experience/field study.
Students earn 3 semester credit hours each time they register for field experience. All students enrolled in field experience are concurrently enrolled in a field experience seminar led by a faculty member. The seminar meets on-campus weekly throughout each semester. Special arrangements will be made for students taking field experience at distant locations.
Students spend 23 – 25 hours per week in a site that has been approved by Argosy University. Students must spend a minimum of 400 hours in “direct service.” The remainder of the students’ time is spent in “indirect service,” supervision, and “training activities.” Students must receive at least one hour of on-site, individual supervision per week.
Argosy University approves a wide variety of field training sites. All field experience sites are within the local area unless a student speaks with the director of training to make other arrangements. The director of training in consultation with department faculty shall make this decision on a case-by-case basis.
The training site and seminar leaders evaluate students in writing twice each semester. Grades are assigned each semester on a “Credit/No Credit” basis.
Restrictions
Students may not train in settings in which they are employed unless the field study supervisor is clearly different from the employment supervisor.
Professional Liability Insurance
All students enrolled in field experience must be covered by professional liability insurance. Students must purchase the liability insurance that is provided through Argosy University, Tampa, and also their own personal liability insurance.
Prerequisites for Field Experience
In order for students to apply for field experience they must be in good academic standing, possessing a GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) and have completed the academic planning which will allow for all the field experience prerequisite courses to be completed prior to the beginning of the field experience.
Comprehensive Examination Requirements
Students in the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination no later than the end of the sixth year after entering the program. The material covered by the Comprehensive Examination reflects coursework and material required of students in the program.
Prerequisites for the Comprehensive Examination
To be eligible to sit for the Comprehensive Examination, students must have successfully completed all courses, excluding the field experience. Courses that are transferred are considered successfully completed.
Students taking the Comprehensive Examination must be students in good standing and have a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0). An application to take the exam must be submitted to the program chair at least one month prior to the date of the examination.
Procedures
The Comprehensive Examination is offered three times a year. Consult the program chair for the specific dates of the examination. All students must submit an application for the Comprehensive Examination. Although letters are sent to students, it is the student’s responsibility to know when they are eligible to take the exam and to submit an application.
The program chair reviews students who register to sit for the Comprehensive Examination for eligibility. Students who need special accommodations during the examination are required to request them in writing at the time of application and provide any necessary documentation with the request.
Prior to each exam, an open meeting will be held to allow students an opportunity to ask questions about exam preparation and exam procedures. The format of the examination may change from year to year. The format will be discussed at the meetings prior to each exam.
Students are notified in writing of their exam grade. Possible outcomes are “Pass” or “Fail.” If students do not pass, they are required to retake the examination. Students who fail the Comprehensive Examination are required to meet with their academic advisor to review the problems evident in the examination. The student will be advised of specific areas of weakness and possible strategies for remediation. The student will then be allowed to retake the examination one time within the time frame of program completion.
A student who fails the Comprehensive Exam a second time will be reviewed by the Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC).
After completion of required remediation, student may be eligible to retake the Comprehensive Examination. Any student who fails the examination a third time will be automatically dismissed from the program.
Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program
Recommended Course Sequence
Additional Course/Credit Transfer
Transfer of Courses/Credit from Other Institutions
A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred.
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