Mar 28, 2024  
2018 - 2019 Catalog 
    
2018 - 2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration, M.S.


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FACULTY: Folkerds, Holter, Meidinger, Nevland (Chair), Wilson

Mission

The mission of the University of Mary’s Graduate Counseling program is to develop competent counselors and servant leaders in the mental health field, though advanced study and emphasis on professional identity, appreciation for diversity, ethical and reflective practice, evidence based intervention, and value driven education.

Master of Science in Counseling (MS)

The University of Mary Master of Science in Counseling offers advanced education for those seeking clinical and direct practice opportunities in mental health, education and human service settings. Completion of the program will position students for North Dakota professional credentialing and licensure in specific fields of practice.

The program curriculum is designed to provide foundational coursework in counseling theories, practice models, and professional ethics as well as specializations in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling. Term three of the program of study provides the concentration-specific courses after the successful completion of the counseling practicum. If the 100 hour COU 590 - Practicum  and all foundational coursework is successfully completed, the student may apply for internship by completing the appropriate forms.

Upon successfully completing the coursework, comprehensive program exam, practicum, and internship, graduates will have demonstrated academic competence, ability to engage in ethical and evidence based practice, and personal and professional growth.

The academic curriculum is based on the 2016 outcomes and standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Program Outcomes

To educate ethical and evidence based professional counselors in a collegial learning environment that will foster competence in:

  • Effective communication and relationships
  • Critical thinking, analysis and decision making
  • Leadership development in profession and community
  • Self-understanding, growth and enrichment
  • Integration of Christian and Benedictine values with professional ethics
  • Culturally sensitive practice

Distinctive Features and Requirements

  • Student centered learning environment
  • Concentrated coursework-one class at a time model
  • Cohort learning community
  • Courses offered in evenings
  • Focus on development of competent practitioners
  • Faculty with the school, addiction counseling, and clinical counseling practice experience
  • Only graduate counseling program in Western North Dakota
  • The core curriculum brings all three tracks together strengthening the preparation of counselors statewide.

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA equivalent of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale
  • Undergraduate major in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education, or closely related human services or healthcare field; or relevant work experience.
  • In person interview with counseling program faculty
  • Successful completion of FBI and Child Abuse and Neglect background checks
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • Complete a 2 to 4 page Statement of Purpose. Please indicate why you are applying to the University of Mary’s Graduate Counseling program, why you would like to become a counselor, and what you could contribute to our program.
  • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Non-Degree Seeking Student Admission

The Graduate Counseling Department will consider non-degree seeking student applications on a case by case basis. Students who do not possess a Master’s degree in Counseling or a closely related field may be ineligible to enroll in certain courses (Program Director’s discretion). Students may apply at any time.

Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a closely-related Human Service field
  • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
  • All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • Complete a 1 page Statement of Purpose.
    Please indicate what course or courses you would like to take and how these courses will assist you in reaching personal or profes sional goals (e.g., licensure).
  • In-person interview with counseling program faculty

Depending on the course/s a student is interested in enrolling in, she or he may need to complete the Child Abuse and Neglect Check and the FBI Background Check (consult with the Program Director).

Note: Non-degree students will be required to follow the same academic policies as the traditional (full-time) students.

Pre-admission Background Check Requirement

Background checks are required for admission to the Counseling program in order to verify eligibility to participate in the required COU 590 - Practicum  and COU 695 - Internship  courses. The Criminal Background Check is completed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Child Abuse and Neglect Background Inquiry is completed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services.

Licensing Boards in the State of North Dakota review applicants with criminal histories on a case by case basis. Such applicants may or may not become licensed. It is the applicant’s obligation to address this with the appropriate Licensing Board.

In addition, it is the applicant’s responsibility to accurately report any criminal history and provide an explanation addressing the following items:

  1. Brief description of the incident/arrest;
  2. Specific charges;
  3. Related dates;
  4. Consequences;
  5. Reflect on how this impacted your life.

If an incident/arrest occurs following acceptance into the program, it is the applicant’s duty to immediately inform the Counseling Program Chair.

Candidacy Requirements for the Master of Science in Counseling Program

  • Minimum grade of B- (80%) in all completed coursework
  • Satisfactory progress on program outcomes for personal and professional behavior
  • Passing score on the Counselor Preparation Comphrehensive Examination (CPCE)
  • Successful completion of clinical, addiction, or school counseling internship
  • Completion of a professional portfolio

Program of Study


Counseling Core Requirements


The counseling core courses are required of all students regardless of concentration.

Clinical Mental Health Concentration Requirements


Required Comprehensive Examination


All students are required to pass the national Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), prior to being able to graduate from the program.

Total: 60 Semester Credits


Program length: 2 academic years / 5 semesters / 80 weeks

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