Program Overview Admission Requirements Exceptions to the Minimum Grade Point Average Applications to Multiple Campuses Admissions Notification Graduation Requirements Academic Progress Requirements Program Outcomes Endorsement Policy

Program Formats Practicum/Internship and Seminar Requirements Professional Conduct Writing Program Student Advisement Comprehensive Examination Requirements Course/Credit Transfer

Campus Specific Requirements Master of Arts in Community Counseling Program — Argosy University, Atlanta Master of Arts in Community Counseling Program — Argosy University, Chicago Master of Arts in Community Counseling Program — Argosy University, Dallas Master of Arts in Community Counseling Program — Argosy University, Sarasota Master of Arts in Community Counseling Program — Argosy University, Schaumburg Master of Arts in Community Counseling Program — Argosy University, Washington DC

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Program Overview

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The Master of Arts (MA) in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University is designed to provide students with a sound foundation for the practice of community counseling, with a multifaceted  focus on developmental and preventive mental health services. The program introduces students to the basic skills of counseling, integrating individual, group, family, and organizational interventions. The program is designed to emphasize development of the attitudes, knowledge, and skills required for the ethical provision of quality professional counseling services. As such, the program is committed to educating and training students to enter the counseling profession as ethical, effective, skilled, and culturally competent practitioners, able to work in a variety of settings with diverse  client populations. This goal is achieved through a curriculum designed to integrate foundational counseling skills, counseling theories, and clinical field experiences taught by experienced practitioners.

Since licensing may change and often varies from state to state, students should verify the current requirements of the state in which they plan to become licensed.

Admission Requirements

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• 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, 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 course work (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

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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

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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

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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 required to contact the Admissions Department prior to reapplying.

Graduation Requirements

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Students admitted into the MA in Community Counseling degree program are responsible for completing the program requirements in effect at the time of admission. The school retains the right to modify  these 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. Faculty advisors must approve any changes. To be eligible for graduation, students must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of 48 semester credit hours
• GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
• Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination
• Successful completion of all practicum and internship requirements and assessments
• Completion of all requirements within four years of matriculation into the program

Note: Students who have temporarily withdrawn from the University will have the maximum amount of years, plus the length of the approved leave (not to exceed one year) to complete the program.

• A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration

Academic Progress Requirements

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To make satisfactory progress toward a degree, students must:

• Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
• Complete the program requirements within the stated limits

Academic dismissal will occur if a student fails to raise a low GPA to 3.0 or higher within two semesters. Refer to your campus-specific program description for additional information regarding academic dismissal.

Program Outcomes

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Professional Identity Value all aspects of professional functioning, including history, roles, organizational structures, ethics, legalities, standards, and credentialing

Social and Cultural Diversity Apply core theory and research of the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural and diverse society to the counseling profession

Human Growth and Development Interpret and apply core theory and research of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels

Career Development Apply core theory and research of career development, the psychology of work, and related factors

Helping Relationships Ethically and effectively deliver a range of counseling and consultation services

Group Work Understand the theoretical and experiential foundations of group purpose, development, and dynamics; will apply group counseling methods and skills

Assessment Understand principles of testing and measurement, and will apply both individual and group methods of assessment and evaluation

Research and Program Evaluation Understand methods and roles of research, statistical analysis, needs assessment and program evaluation

Communication Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in written communication

Interpersonal Effectiveness Students will develop and improve positive relationship skills via effective communication, respect for others, appreciation of diversity and cultural sensitivity, and awareness of their impact on others.

Endorsement Policy

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Argosy University faculty will endorse students for professional placement and licensure only if they have completed all formal coursework, including all practicum/internship requirements. Recommendations for job placement, both oral and written, will be specific to the practice of counseling.

Program Formats

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Argosy University offers a variety of program formats. Refer to the campus-specific program descriptions for more detail.

Practicum and Internship and Seminar Requirements

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The practicum and internship are an essential part of the MA in Community Counseling degree program. These are supervised field training experiences within a mental health services system. A required, essential component of the degree program, students are supervised by experienced clinicians who teach relevant skills, provide supervision of on-going work, and serve as role models of  professional identity and behavior.

Training may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor is any student exempt from the practicum/internship requirements. Students with extensive clinical backgrounds are encouraged to consider training sites in areas where they have an interest and do not have previous experience. Detailed guidelines and application materials are available from the program.

All students who enter the practicum and internship application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, and have completed all the practicum prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of training with a “B-” or better.

All students enrolled in a practicum/internship are concurrently enrolled in a seminar. The seminar meets throughout the placement and allows the student to reflect on various training experiences while acquiring additional skills and attitudes. Specific seminar content and emphasis varies according to the training setting, focus of the enrolled students, and the professional expertise of the faculty member.

The goals of the training seminar are:

• Development of counseling and case formulation skills
• Provision of information and consultation to supplement the experiences provided at the practicum/internship site
• Assistance developing a professional style for case presentations
• Improved ability to provide and receive feedback in an effective manner
• Discussion of ethical issues as they pertain to specific counseling cases
• Preparation for the campus-specific capstone assessments

Practicum and Internship Evaluation

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The goal of the experience is to train competent counselors capable of effective counseling and therapeutic intervention. Student evaluation during field training includes: theoretical knowledge, counseling skills, and professional attitude. A thorough review of site and seminar evaluations is conducted by the Community Counseling Program. An overall grade of “Credit” (CR) or “No Credit” (NC) is included in the student’s academic record along with a comprehensive overview of the student’s practicum/internship experience.

Professional Conduct

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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:

• 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 who fail to demonstrate professional behavior may be subject to a variety of campus-specific interventions up to and including referral to the Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC) and/or Student Conduct Committee (SCC). Outcomes may include advisement, remediation, or dismissal from the program.

Students will receive feedback regarding personal, academic and professional strengths, weaknesses, and performance as they progress through the program.

Writing Program

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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 required to address identified deficits.

Student Advisement

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The department assigns advisors to students enrolled in the MA in Community Counseling degree program. The advisor is available for consultation on student professional development, academic/ training progress, and professional issues.

Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor as often as necessary to review progress through the program and to discuss performance in classes, seminars, and practicum/internship.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

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All MA in Community Counseling degree program students are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination. The information tested by the exam covers the end-of-program learning outcomes required of students in the Community Counseling program. Students must have successfully completed all required coursework, with the exception of practicum and internship, to be eligible to take the Comprehensive Exam. Additional information regarding registration, qualification, format, and dates of the exam can be obtained from the MA in Community Counseling degree program.

A student who fails the Comprehensive Exam is required to contact his/her faculty advisor who will assist in developing a remediation plan. Any student who fails the Comprehensive Examination a third time is automatically dismissed from the program.

Course/Credit Transfer

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For information about course/credit transfers, please refer to section seven, “Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures .”

Master of Arts in Community Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Atlanta

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Program Overview

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The Master of Arts (MA) in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Atlanta is a 48 credit-hour program designed to provide students with a solid foundation for the practice of professional counseling. The program’s curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical and conceptual foundations of professional counseling with training in appropriate client intervention and advocacy skills. The program is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that are essential for professional counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Students completing this program meet the academic requirements toward licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Georgia.

Students also have an option of completing an additional five course Marriage & Family Therapy concentration or certificate. The addition of these five courses to the core curriculum of the Community Counseling program allows students to meet the academic requirements toward licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Georgia.

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.

Mission Statement

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program is designed to prepare students to practice as ethical and effective community counselors. Students graduate with a demonstrated knowledge of community-based counseling within a socially and culturally diverse society. The curriculum is designed to integrate counseling and advocacy skills, theoretical foundations of community counseling, and clinical field experience (practicum and internship) into a set of professional competencies. Courses within the Community Counseling curriculum fulfill the academic and clinical instruction requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and certification by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Eligibility for Licensure

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Graduates of the MA in Community Counseling degree program may wish to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia. Master’s-level licensure varies from state to state. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for professional licensure in the state they wish to practice. Students interested in pursuing licensure in states other than Georgia should contact their state’s department of professional regulation for information. The American Counseling Association frequently publishes information on professional issues of importance to professional counselors, including licensure, on their Internet Web site: www.counseling.org.

Program Formats

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Argosy University, Atlanta offers two primary program formats for students: Weekend/Blended Format and Evening Format. Certain courses are also offered in a blended/evening format.

Weekend/Blended Format

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Students take one course at a time (each lasting 7.5 weeks) and meet on-campus for two intensive weekends with the instructor (Friday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Throughout the 7.5 week session, students also interact with classmates and the instructor weekly through the Internet using a Web site-based learning platform.

Evening Format

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In-Residence/Evening Students take one course at a time (each lasting 7.5 weeks) and meet two evenings per week on campus from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Students completing the MA in Community Counseling degree program with a concentration or certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy may wish to review MFT licensure information on the Web site maintained by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/counselors/

Enrollment Requirements

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Students in the program should be enrolled in two 3-credit hour classes per semester. Students may enroll in the practicum/ 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

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Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0). Academic dismissal will occur in the following situations:

• A student fails to raise a GPA that is under 3.0 to a 3.0 or higher within two semesters
• A student achieves a GPA below 3.0 at the end of the first four courses
• A student receives two grades lower than a “B-” within the first four courses
• A student receives three grades lower than a “B-” at any time throughout the program

Students who earn a grade below a “B-” in any course are required to retake the course.

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 a temporary withdrawal from the University).

Argosy University, Atlanta students are required to complete 48 credit hours. A suggested incremental time frame is listed below. Curriculum changes may result in a change in the completion timeline.

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

* The suggested incremental maximum time frame requirements are not a replacement for the specific program sequencing and enrollment requirements, which may be stricter than the incremental maximum time frame requirements.

Attendance Policy

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Any excessive amount of class time missed will negatively impact the student’s grade:

• Weekend/Blended Students — More than 3 hours will result in automatic loss of one full letter grade. More than 6 hours missed will result in automatic failure.
• Evening Students — More than 6 hours missed will result in automatic loss of one full letter grade. More than 8 hours missed will result in automatic failure.

Students should notify the instructor concerning any anticipated absences. If an excessive amount of class time is missed due to an emergency situation, the student will likely be advised to withdraw from the course.

Writing Program

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Writing competency is essential for successful completion of any coursework at Argosy University, Atlanta. Students who do not demonstrate adequate writing skills may be referred to take a writing skills course at any time during the program. Any student who receives a Professional Writing Course Referral Form should register for, and successfully complete, a developmental writing course by the end of the second full semester following the semester in which the referral was received. The writing skills course may be offered as an on-campus course or a fully online course.  Please see your academic advisor for more details. Argosy University, Atlanta also has a Writing Lab available (by appointment) at no cost to students that can be utilized for specific areas of writing difficulty.

Graduation Requirements

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Completion of 48 semester credit hours by the end of the fourth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:

• 36 credit hours of required courses
• 3 credit hours of elective coursework
• 9 credit hours (completed over 10 months) of required practicum/internship and seminar groups

Program Requirements

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Initial Four Courses Requirement

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The first four courses of the MA in Community Counseling degree program must be satisfactorily completed before a student is allowed to take additional courses in the program.

• PC 6000 - Counseling Theory  (3)
• PC 6003 - Abnormal Psychology  (3)
• PC 6104 - Counseling Skills I  (3)
• PC 6107 -  Foundations of Community Counseling  (3)
  [Must be taken first]

Initial Four Courses Requirement — 12 Credit Hours

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All four courses must be successfully completed in order for a student to continue in the program. After successful completion, each student’s academic record will be reviewed. 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.

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 automatically dismissed from the program. Students who achieve a GPA below 3.0 at the end of their first four courses will be dismissed from the program.

Within the first four courses, students are required to take only one course at a time. Following successful completion of the first four courses, students may request to take more than one course at a time. Any student wishing to do this must seek approval from his/her advisor.

Program Requirements

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 48 semester credit hours, distributed as follows; required courses, 36 credit hours; elective courses, 3 credit hours; and practicum/internship requirements, 9 credit hours.

 

Master of Arts in Community Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Chicago

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Overview

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The Master of Arts in Community Counseling degree program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Additional information about the MA in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Chicago can be found at http://www.auconnection.net/chicago

Mission Statement

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The mission of the Master of Arts in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Chicago is to create a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, professional competence,  and personal integrity. This mission is achieved through a curriculum that integrates counseling skills, theoretical foundations of counseling, and clinical field experience into appropriate interaction and intervention skills for utilization in a variety of settings with diverse client populations. We serve a diverse student body from urban, suburban, and rural areas who are intrinsically motivated to help others. The program is designed to actively engage faculty and students in the preparation of counselors who meet the needs of diverse communities.

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Community Counseling degree program is to deliver the core learning experiences that align to CACREP standards and the licensure board of the State of Illinois to assure that students completing the program are competent, ethical counselors prepared for post-graduate positions and professional counseling licensure.

Course Delivery Format

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In order to accommodate the diverse needs of the student body and maximize students’ learning capacity, the Counselor Education Department offers courses in three different formats:

1) 7.5 Week Blended Online/On-Campus Format
Most of the counseling core courses are offered in this format. Each course has two full weekends of on-campus class meetings (Friday 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). The online component is meant to supplement the class meetings and offers students weekly contact with the instructor of the course. Students can expect weekly discussion questions that provide opportunities to interact with fellow students and course faculty, and engage with faculty and other students in activities meant to deepen and enhance the learning experience. In addition, faculty may use the Web-based learning environment to provide supplemental resources and reading material. The weekend class format offers students deep immersion in the course material, while allowing them to maintain their many life responsibilities.

2) 15 weeks, One Night Per Week, Face-to-Face Class Meeting Format
All MA in Community Counseling degree program students are required to take PC 6104 Counseling Skills I  course in this format. The course meets one night per week from 6–9 p.m. over the full 15-week semester with no online component. However, starting Fall 2010, a limited number of core courses will also be offered at this format. Students can choose between the the blended format or the 15-week, one night a week format.

3) Weekly and Biweekly Seminars
During students’ field training experience, students are required to take Practicum and Internship seminar courses. Practicum seminars take place during the first term of students’ training experiences. They are conducted one night a week from 6-7:30 p.m. in a seminar format. After the completion of practicum, students will attend Internship seminars one night every two weeks from 6 -9 p.m.

Program Starting Times

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Classes for new students conveniently begin four times a year. New classes start sixt times per year. New classes start the beginning of Session I and Session II of each semester. Applications are accepted at any time. Contact the Admissions Department for details concerning entrance times.

Eligibility for Licensure

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Students can apply to take the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)  licensure examination upon successful completion of the MA in Community Counseling degree program. After earning a 48-credit hour master’s degree and completting two years of post-master’s supervised practice, graduates can apply to take the LPC licensure examination.  For more information and application materials please contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62786, 217.785.0800, or www.idfpr.com.

Eligibility for National Counselor Certification

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Students in the MA in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Chicago are eligible to apply for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential upon graduation. The National Counselor Examination is also used by the State of Illinois for the Licensed Professional Counselor examination. The result of the NCC examination can also be transferred to the State of Illinois for LPC licensure application. Further information about attaining the National Certified Counselor credential can be found at www.nbcc.org.

Faculty and Student Advisors

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Students are assigned to faculty advisor upon admission to the MA in Community Counseling degree program. Faculty advising includes consultation on topics such as career and professional development issues. Student Services provide students with a Student Advisor to assist them with scheduling and registration issues.

Enrollment Requirements

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Students in the program normally enroll in three 3-credit hour classes per semester, and must fulfill clinical training prerequisite coursework in order to meet program requirements for initial clinical training placements.

While on practicum and internship, students may enroll in classes and the practicum/ internship seminar each semester, or they may enroll in the practicum/internship alone if they have already completed all other coursework.

Requirements for Academic Progress

Students in the program are required to complete 48 credit hours. The suggested minimum amount of work that a student should 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

Professional Identity

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Students are strongly encouraged to identify with the counseling profession through participation in professional organizations. The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA) are ideal sources for support for your ongoing professional development and for learning more about the counseling profession at a national and statewide level.

Graduation Requirements

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To fulfill graduation  requirements of the MA in Community Counseling degree program, students at Argosy University, Chicago must:

• Complete all the requirements within four years of matriculation into the program
• Successfully complete the program requirements
• Successfully complete the practicum and Internship
• Have a minimun grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Pass the Comprehensive Examination

Program Requirements

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 48 semester credit hours distributed as follows: core counseling requirements, 42 credit hours; and practicum and internship requirements, 6 credit hours.

  

Master of Arts in Community Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Dallas

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Program Overview

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The Master of Arts (MA) in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Dallas is designed to prepare students for the practice of professional counseling. The program promotes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential to becoming thoughtful, skilled, and ethical professionals who can provide counseling services in a wide variety of government, community, and private settings. Graduates meet the academic requirements for one or more Texas state license exams.

Mission Statement

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The Argosy University, Dallas Community Counseling degree program mission is to create a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, professional competence, and personal integrity. We serve a diverse student body from urban, suburban, and rural areas who are intrinsically motivated to help others. The program actively engages faculty and students in the preparation of counselors who meet the needs of a dynamic and diverse community. The purpose of the program is to deliver those core learning experiences established by academic program accrediting and state licensure boards to assure that students completing our program are competent, ethical counselors prepared for post-graduate positions on the path to Professional Counseling licensure.

Course Delivery Formats

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program is  intended to make graduate training accessible to professionals who are employed full-time. Courses are offered in multiple formats. Course formats include:

• Weeknight format: class meets for 15 weeks, one evening per week, for 3 hours
• Blended format which combines two weekends on campus blended with an online component. It generally takes a mix of program course formats to complete the program. There is no fully weekend or fully weeknight format of course offerings.

Syllabi are made available prior to the first class meeting. Each semester has two, 7.5 week sessions.

Eligibility for Licensure

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As of the date of this publication, licensure in Texas requires a master’s degree in counseling, successful completion of licensure exams, and 3,000 hours post-master’s supervised work experience. The 48-credit hour MA in Community Counseling degree program includes the required core coursework for licensure.

Students interested in pursing this licensure will need to complete their degree program, take a Texas jurisprudence exam, take the National Counselor Exam (NCE), and apply for a temporary license (LPCI – I is for Intern) in order to accumulate their 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate experience. Much of the supervised experience may be obtained through employment in the field after completing the master’s degree. Licensure regulations are subject  to change and are determined by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counseling. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for professional licensure in the  state they wish to practice. Students are strongly encouraged to become familiar with the regulations governing professional counselor licensure. These regulations are available directly from the regulatory board.

Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors

Texas Department of State Health Services
MC-1982
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756-3183, USA
E-mail: lpc@dshs.state.tx.us
Telephone: 512.834.6658
Fax: 512.834.6677
Web site: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/

Faculty Advisement

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Students are assigned an academic advisor upon admission to the MA in Community Counseling degree program. Academic advisors are available to discuss matters related to professional development and progress in the program. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors when they have questions and problems in these areas.

Enrollment Requirements

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Once matriculated into the program, students must remain continuously enrolled for at least 3 credit hours per semester — fall, spring, and summer — unless they formally request a temporary withdrawal through the Student Services Department. Students are expected to remain enrolled full-time (at least 6 credit hours or in practicum) each semester, and should meet with their advisors if they are considering less than full-time enrollment.

Additional Requirements for Academic Progress

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Students must make satisfactory progress toward earning their degree by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Students who receive a grade below “B-” in any course must repeat the course.

Students must complete all coursework in a maximum time frame of four years. Students who take an approved temporary withdrawal will have four years plus the length of time that they were not enrolled, not to exceed one year, to complete the program. Under special  circumstances, students who take more than 48 credit hours may receive permission from the campus dean or program chair for the MA in Community Counseling degree program to take more than four years to do the extra coursework.

Students are required to complete 48 credit hours (39 credit hours of required courses and 9 credit hours of practicum and practicum seminar). The 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

Graduation Requirements

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Students who are admitted into the MA in Community Counseling degree program are responsible for completing the program requirements in effect at the time of their admission. However, Argosy University, Dallas retains the right to modify these requirements in accordance with the demands of the counseling profession. To be eligible for graduation, students must:

• Complete 48 semester credit hours by the end of the fourth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:
  • 42 credit hours of required courses
  • 6 credit hours of practicum and practicum seminar
• Successfully complete the Counselor Competency Examination (CCE) and Comprehensive Examination.
• Have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
• A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration

Program Requirements

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program requires the successful completion of 48 semester credit hours, distributed as follows: required courses, 42 credit hours; and practicum and practicum seminar requirements, 6 credit hours.

 

Master of Arts in Community Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Sarasota

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Program Overview

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The Master of Arts (MA) in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Sarasota is a 48 credit-hour program designed to provide students with a solid foundation for the practice of professional   counseling. The program’s curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical and conceptual foundations of professional counseling with training in appropriate client intervention and advocacy skills. The program is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that are essential for professional counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Students completing this program meet the academic requirements toward licensure in Alabama, Georgia and other states (check your state’s licensure requirements).

The MA in Community 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 and advocacy skills, theoretical foundations of professional counseling, and practicum/internship field experience into a set of professional competencies that students can utilize with diverse client populations. 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.

Mission Statement

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The Master of Arts in Community 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 and advocacy skills, theoretical foundations of professional counseling, and practicum/internship field experience into a set of professional competencies that students can utilize with diverse client populations.

Eligibility for Licensure

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Graduates of the MA in Community Counseling degree program may wish to pursue licensure in Alabama, Georgia and other states. Master’s-level licensure varies from state to state. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for professional licensure in the state they wish to practice.

Students interested in pursuing licensure should contact their state’s department of professional regulation for information. The American Counseling Association frequently publishes information on professional issues of importance to professional counselors, including licensure, on their Internet Web site: www.counseling.org. Students wishing to pursue licensure in Florida after graduation should consider the MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program.

Enrollment Requirements

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Students in the program should be enrolled in two 3-credit hour classes per semester. Students may enroll in the practicum/internship alone. Students should confirm minimum enrollment  requirements for financial aid and international student status with the appropriate Student Services representative.

Requirements for Academic Progress

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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 a temporary withdrawal from the University).

Argosy University, Sarasota students are required to complete 48 credit hours. A suggested incremental time frame is listed below. Curriculum changes may result in a change in the completion timeline.

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

* The suggested incremental maximum time frame requirements are not a replacement for the specific program sequencing and enrollment requirements, which may be stricter than the incremental maximum time frame requirements.

Graduation Requirements

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Completion of 48 semester credit hours by the end of the fourth year of matriculation is recommended. The total credit hours must include:

• 42 credit hours of required courses
• 6 credit hours of required practicum/internship and seminar groups

Program Requirements

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Initial Four Courses Requirement

The first four courses of the MA in Community Counseling degree program must be satisfactorily completed before a student is allowed to take additional courses in the program.

Program Requirements

The MA in Community Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 48 semester credit hours, distributed as follows; required courses, 42 credit hours; and practicum/ internship requirements, 6 credit hours.

  

Master of Arts in Community Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Schaumburg

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Program Overview

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The Master of Arts (MA) in Community Counseling degree program at Argosy University, Schaumburg is designed to provide students with a sound foundation for eventual practice of professional 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. The MA in Community 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 demonstrated knowledge of social and cultural diversity. 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 client populations. Students are prepared for licensure as professional counselors in the state of Illinois, however, alumni serve clients throughout North America.

Professional Identity

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Students are encouraged to identify with the counseling profession through participation in professional organizations. The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Illinois Counseling  Association (ICA) are ideal sources for learning more about the profession in the national and statewide level.

Course Delivery Formats

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Weekend Courses

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In order to offer a more flexible learning experience for our students with multiple life responsibilities, selected courses are offered in a weekend format.

All courses that have class meetings scheduled exclusively for weekend hours will include a Web-augmented component. The Web-augmented component is meant to supplement the content delivered in the face-to face campus meetings and provide weekly instructional contact with the faculty member teaching the course. Students can expect weekly discussion questions that offer an opportunity to interact with classmates and faculty for that course. In addition, faculty may use the Web-based learning to provide supplemental reading and resources on the internet.

Eligibility for Licensure

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Graduates of the MA in Community Counseling degree program are eligible to pursue licensure in Illinois as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Upon completion of educational requirements, two years of post-master’s supervised practice is required for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). It is the student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for professional licensure in the state they wish to practice.

For more information and application materials please contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62786, 217.785.0800, or www.dpfr.state.com.

Eligibility for GSA-NCC

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Students in the Master of Arts in Community Counseling degreeprogram at Argosy University, Schaumburg are eligible to apply for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, while they are still a student, through the Graduate Student Application for the National Certified Counseling (GSA-NCC) program. Under this program, students may take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) on campus (rather than traveling to another testing site) prior to graduation if they are in the final academic year of the master’s program, and upon approval by the program chair. Students who pass the NCE and submit all required documentation are considered Board Eligible National Certified Counselors after graduating. These candidates have up to three years to meet the National Board for  Certified Counselors (NBCC) experience and supervision requirements. When all requirements are met, Board Eligible candidates may upgrade to become National Certified Counselors (NCC). For more information, please go to http://www.nbcc.org/gsabe.

Student-at-Large Status

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Students are allowed to take up to three courses in the curriculum as a student-at-large (SAL). Students are expected to meet the Argosy University’s policy regarding SAL status. Some courses relating to the clinical skills of counseling may be restricted depending on the students prior education. The following clinical training courses are excluded for SALs:

Professionalization Seminars and Clinical Training Courses Excluded for SALs

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• PC 6410 - Counseling Practicum 
• PC 6415 - Counseling Internship 

Enrollment Requirements

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Students in the program normally enroll in two 3-credit hour classes per semester, but may need to take additional coursework in order to meet program requirements for initial clinical training placements.

While on internship/practicum, students may enroll in classes and the internship/practicum each semester, or they may enroll in the internship/practicum alone if they have already completed all other coursework.

Additional Requirements for Academic Progress

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Students are required to complete 48 semester credit hours. The minimum amount of work that a student must complete each year following matriculation to successfully complete the program appears as follows:

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

Additional Graduation Requirements

In addition to the graduation requirements stated above, students must also meet the following requirements:

• Successful completion of practicum and internship seminars
• Successful completion of the practicum and internship

Program Requirements

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 48 semester credit hours as distributed as follows:

 

Master of Arts in Community Counseling Degree Program—Argosy University, Washington DC

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Mission Statement

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The Argosy University, Washington DC Community Counseling program mission is to create a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, professional competence, and personal integrity. We serve a diverse, metropolitan student body who are intrinsically motivated to help others. The program is designed to actively engage faculty and students in the preparation of counselors who meet the needs of a dynamic and diverse community. The purpose of the program is to deliver those core learning experiences established by academic program accrediting and state licensure boards to assure that students completing our program are competent, ethical counselors prepared for post-graduate positions on the path to Professional Counseling licensure.

Course Delivery Formats

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program is intended to make graduate training accessible to professionals who are employed full-time. Courses are offered in multiple formats. The primary course format is the weekend format. In the weekend format, courses are offered on Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Each course meets on alternate weekends with classes meeting on three weekends and the final examination on a subsequent Friday evening or Saturday morning. Syllabi are made available prior to the first class meeting. Each semester has two sessions. Students can choose to take courses in additional formats to fit their schedules. Additional formats include:

• In-residence courses that are offered on one evening per week for the entire semester (15 weeks/three hours each week)
• Online courses
• Courses and seminars may be offered partially online and partially on campus (in a “blended/in-residence” format).

Training and Training Seminar Requirements

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Training experiences are required, essential elements of the MA in Community Counseling degree program.

Practicum The practicum is a supervised 100-hour experience over the course of 15 weeks within a community mental health services setting. Experienced clinicians supervise, teach relevant skills, and serve as role models of professional identity and behavior. Students must be on site approximately 8 to 10 hours per week.

Internship The internship is a supervised 600-hour experience over the course of 30 weeks (two semesters) within a community mental services setting. This is a required, essential component of the degree program. Experienced clinicians supervise and teach relevant skills, and serve as role models of professional identity and behavior. Students can expect to spend 20 hours a week on site.

The practicum is completed first, followed by the internship. They are both taken in conjunction with on-campus or blended practicum/internship seminars. Training experiences can begin during the fall, spring or summer semesters. Students must apply for training experiences nine months prior to the expected start date.

Comprehensive Case Conference Requirements

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The Comprehensive Case Conference (CCC) is the culminating experience of the training seminar. The CCC provides evidence of the student’s growth and development of clinical competency and assures acquisition of the appropriate skill levels for subsequent supervised clinical practice.

The CCC assesses competency in assessment, case formulation and psychotherapy planning and implementation. This requirement is accomplished through completion of a written case report, presentation of counseling sessions, and an accompanying presentation of the assessment, case formulation, course of therapy, and a critique of the therapy session chosen for the CCC. Students must not have been previously supervised on the particular session chosen for this requirement including specific content, organization or the accompanying case presentation.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

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All MA in Community Counseling degree program students are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination. The information tested by the exam covers the end-of-program learning outcomes required of students in the MA in Community Counseling degree program. Students must have successfully completed all required coursework, with the exception of practicum and internship, to be eligible to take the Comprehensive Examination. Additional information regarding registration, qualification, format, and dates of the exam can be obtained from the Master’s Degree Program Coordinator or program chair.

A student who fails the Comprehensive exam is required to contact his/her faculty advisor who will assist in developing a remediation plan. Any student who fails the Comprehensive Examination a third time is automatically dismissed from the program.

Eligibility for Licensure

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Licensure in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia each require a master’s degree in counseling, 60 semester credit hours of coursework, and post-master’s supervised work experience (amount of hours varies from state to state). The 48-credit hour Master of Arts in Community Counseling degree program includes the required core coursework for licensure. Students interested in pursuing  this licensure will need to complete 12 hours of post-master’s courses and the additional supervised experience. Several options for completing the 12 hours of coursework are available through this program either by taking additional courses prior to or subsequent to completing the master’s degree. Much of the supervised experience may be obtained through employment in the field after  completing the master’s degree.

It is the student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for professional licensure in the state they wish to practice. Students are strongly encouraged to become familiar with the regulations governing professional counselor licensure. These regulations are available directly from each regulatory board listed.

Virginia

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Board of Professional Counselors
Department of Health Professions
6606 West Broad Street Richmond, VA
23230-1717
Phone: 804.662.7328
Web: www.dhp.state.va.us/prof/lpc.htm

Maryland

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State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215-2299
Phone: 410.764.4732

District of Columbia

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Board of Professional Counseling/Application and Support Division
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration
P.O. Box 37200, Room 904
Washington, D.C. 20013-7200

Writing Program

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Students’ writing skills are evaluated over the course of the program. Students identified needing improvement will be referred to a professional writing course, which can be completed on campus or online through regularly scheduled writing courses offered by Argosy University, Washington DC. In addition to the writing evaluation conducted as part of the first-semester classes, faculty may recommend students for additional writing assistance if the student is not meeting expectations for graduate-level professional writing skills.

Writing competency is essential for successful completion of any coursework at Argosy University, Washington DC. Students who do not demonstrate adequate writing skills may be referred to take a writing skills course at any time during their time in the program. Any student who receives a Writing Course Referral must register for, and successfully complete, a developmental writing course by the end of the second full semester following the semester in which the referral was received in order to continue in the program.

Program Requirements

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The MA in Community Counseling degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 48 semester credit hours, distributed as follows: required courses, 42 credit hours; practicum and internship requirements, 6 credit hours.