Offering Campuses
Argosy University, Atlanta; Argosy University Chicago; Argosy University, Dallas*; Argosy University, Denver*; Argosy University, Nashville*; Argosy University, Northern Virginia; Argosy University, Online; Argosy University, Phoenix; Argosy University, Salt Lake City*; Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area*; Argosy University, Sarasota*; Argosy University, Schaumburg*; Argosy University, Tampa
Note:
Campuses with an asterisk ( * ) are currently not accepting new students effective July 2, 2018. If you are interested in an Argosy University program of study at another location or online, please call (855) 758-5664.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program at Argosy University is designed to prepare students strategically for the clinical practice of professional counseling. The faculty and staff work with the students to promote their unique development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential to becoming thoughtful, skilled, multiculturally competent, and ethical professionals who can provide counseling services in a wide variety of government, community, and private settings.
The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will require students to complete 60 credits hours. See Campus-Specific Program Requirements for the course distribution.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program at Argosy University 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 and interpersonal skills, sound ethical values, and professional clinical practice for utilization in a variety of settings with diverse client populations.
Program Outcomes
Program Outcome One: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice
Value all aspects of professional functioning, including history, roles, organizational structures, ethical standards, legalities, advocacy, and credentialing.
Program Outcome Two: 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.
Program Outcome Three: Human Growth and Development
Interpret and apply core theory and research of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts.
Program Outcome Four: Career Development
Apply core theory and research of career development, the psychology of work, and related factors in career planning and decision making.
Program Outcome Five: Helping Relationships
Deliver ethical and effective counseling and consultation services consistent with professional research and practice across a range of settings in a multicultural society.
Program Outcome Six: Group Work
Apply methods, skills, and other group approaches in a multicultural society using theories of group counseling, principles of group dynamics, facilitation styles, and direct experiences.
Program Outcome Seven: Assessment
Analyze principles of testing and measurement, and incorporate social, ethical, and cultural factors in both individual and group methods of assessment and evaluation.
Program Outcome Eight: Research and Program Evaluation
Apply research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation to inform ethical and culturally relevant evidence-based practice and to advance the counseling profession.
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:
- 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.
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 Counseling, Psychology and Social Sciences, or an appropriately certified foreign institution.
- A grade point average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0 as described below. Additional requirements may apply.
- 3.0 for the last 60 hours of coursework (including graduate work).
- 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. Such Admission must be recommended by the Admissions Committee and department chair and must be justified, documented, signed, placed, and retained in the student’s academic file.
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is 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 as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy .”
- 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.
- 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.
Application 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.
Enrollment Requirements
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) each 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 must make satisfactory progress toward earning their degree by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Student progress in the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program is formally evaluated after the first five courses.
- Students who receive a grade below “B-” in any course must repeat the course. Students, who receive two grades below “B-” in the first five courses, including a repeat of the same course, will not be permitted to continue in the program.
- Students are required to complete 60 credit hours (45-48 credit hours of core courses, 3-6 credit hours of elective courses, and 6-9 credit hours of practicum and internship depending on campus – see campus specific information for details).
- Students must complete this 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. 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 Timeframe 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
* 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.
Faculty Advisement
Students are assigned a faculty academic advisor upon admission to the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. Students must meet with their faculty advisor to complete a plan of study within the first two courses. Students are expected to consult with their advisors at least once per semester regarding curriculum and academic and professional progress.
Student-At-Large Status
In limited circumstances and with permission of the department chair, students who wish to take courses without completing the admission application requirements may enroll as students at-large (non-degree students). Applicants for student-at-large status must provide transcripts for the highest degree attained and any subsequent coursework. An immunization form may also be required.
Students-at-large pay the standard fees and tuition rate and are ineligible for financial aid.
Credit hour is granted, grades are recorded, and students are required to satisfy all academic requirements, including prerequisites, for courses taken. Students may be permitted to apply up to nine (9) credit hours to a degree program upon acceptance to the program.
Students-at-large who are planning to apply formally for admission to a program should have their intended course selection approved by the appropriate department chair to ensure their relevance and later applicability to the program.
Individuals who have previously matriculated at the campus but are not in attendance currently, or who previously have been denied regular admission, must petition the department chair in order to register as a student-at-large.
Some courses relating to the clinical skills of counseling may be restricted depending on the student’s prior education.
Endorsement Policy
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.
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 and are also encouraged to purchase 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.
Campus-Specific Program Requirements
For more detailed information, refer to the program information published in the campus-specific program descriptions linked below:
Gainful Employment Information
The following links provide program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important information for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program offered at Argosy University:
| Campus |
Gainful Employment Information |
| Argosy University, Atlanta |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/4469 |
| Argosy University, Chicago |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/5289 |
| Argosy University, Dallas |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/2972 |
| Argosy University, Denver |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/617 |
| Argosy University, Nashville |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/4049 |
| Argosy University, Northern Virginia |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/5212 |
| Argosy University, Online |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/5403 |
| Argosy University, Phoenix |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/2971 |
| Argosy University, Salt Lake City |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/4025 |
| Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/5208 |
| Argosy University, Sarasota |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/4024 |
| Argosy University, Schaumburg |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/4319 |
| Argosy University, Tampa |
ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/4026 |
