Selecting Graduate School Programs For A Counseling Career

Selecting Graduate School Programs for a Counseling Career

In the first two modules, you explored your career options and identified available positions related to your interests. You also determined which of these positions requires a master's or a doctoral degree. For this assignment, research graduate school programs for the selected career using your textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. For this assignment, you will need to complete the following: Select one of the careers that require graduate-level degrees. Identify at least three graduate school programs you would consider attending.

For example, if you hope to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC), you would first need to earn a master's degree at the very least. You would want to research programs that provide master's degrees in counseling. Include research on whether you would fulfill the requirements for licensure in your state of residence if you completed those specific programs. Cover the following: Indicate which license you would seek and which programs would or would not prepare you to be eligible for licensure. If you want to become licensed, ensure that these programs meet your state's requirements for licensure.

For example, if you wish to become an LPC, you would have to review the American Association of State Counseling Boards and locate your state's licensing board website address. For each of the three graduate school programs, research and discuss the institution's accreditation. Is it nationally or regionally accredited? Most state licensing boards require the higher level of those two options, which is regional accreditation. You might want to review the US Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to determine whether the school is regionally accredited.

Most states also require a specialized accreditation for licensure as an LPC or a psychologist. For counseling licenses, most states honor programs that have the CACREP designation. For psychology licenses, APA accreditation is usually required. Click here to find programs with the CACREP designation. Discuss any concerns you may have about applying to or attending graduate school. List any questions you have about the application or licensure process. Provide at least two authoritative references or sources for the information you have discussed. One of these can be the textbook. Write your initial response in a minimum of 300–400 words. Apply APA standards to cite sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Embarking on a career in counseling necessitates careful planning and thorough research into graduate programs that align with licensure requirements. For individuals aspiring to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), selecting the appropriate graduate program is a crucial step that influences future licensure eligibility. This paper explores three graduate programs in counseling, evaluates their accreditation status, and examines their alignment with state licensure standards.

The first program under consideration is the University of Michigan's Master of Arts in Counseling. Recognized for its strong regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and its CACREP accreditation, this program meets the criteria many states require for LPC licensure. The CACREP accreditation indicates adherence to nationally recognized standards specific to counseling education, which most state licensing boards honor (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, 2020). It is essential to confirm that this program aligns with the licensure requirements in one’s state of residence, which can often be verified through the state's licensing board website.

The second program is the University of San Diego's Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program holds regional accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has received CACREP accreditation. Such accreditation indicates it meets standards that ensure quality and relevance in counseling training, fulfilling many state licensing board prerequisites (WASC Senior College and University Commission, 2021). It is important for prospective students to verify if their state’s licensure board explicitly recognizes CACREP-accredited programs, which most do.

The third program assessed is the New York University (NYU) Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. While NYU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, it lacks CACREP accreditation. Since many states require CACREP accreditation for licensure eligibility as an LPC, attending this program might necessitate additional coursework or supervised experience to meet licensure standards or eligibility in certain states (NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, 2022). This highlights the importance of understanding regional versus specialized accreditation and their impact on licensure.

Concerns regarding graduate school application include the time commitment, financial investment, and understanding whether the program’s curriculum fully prepares students for licensure exams and supervised practice. It is advisable to contact the state licensing board to clarify whether a specific program’s accreditation will fulfill licensure prerequisites, avoiding potential delays or eligibility issues after graduation.

In conclusion, choosing the right graduate program requires examining accreditation status, licensure compatibility, and program reputation. CACREP accreditation offers a significant advantage for counseling licensure in many states, and regional accreditation ensures that the program meets national standards of quality. Carefully researching these aspects can facilitate a smooth transition from graduate studies to professional licensure, ensuring a successful counseling career.

References

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs. (2020). CACREP Accreditation Standards. https://www.cacrep.org/
  • NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. (2022). Counseling Programs. https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission. (2021). Accreditation status. https://www.wscuc.org/
  • American Counseling Association. (2022). Standards for Counselor Licensure. https://www.counseling.org/
  • U.S. Department of Education. (2021). Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/
  • State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. (2022). Licensing Requirements for LPCs. https://www.dca.ca.gov/
  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Accreditation Criteria. https://www.apa.org/education/graduate/accreditation
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (2021). Accreditation Reports. https://www.wascsenior.org/
  • American Mental Health Counselors Association. (2021). Standards for Certification. https://www.amhca.org/
  • National Board for Certified Counselors. (2020). Certification Process. https://www.nbcc.org/

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