The MS in Counseling degree is a 60-hour CACREP-like program. This program has classes in counseling theory, diagnosis, treatment, and ethics. This program also has hands on clinical experiences with a practicum and internship. This program has two pathways: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling pathway which will meet all of the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counselors requirements to be eligible to apply to become a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and eventually a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arkansas as well as our Rehabilitation Counseling pathway that will meet the requirements for our students to sit for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC) exam to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
- Standard 1: Successful graduates comprehend the major concepts, principles, theories, and research underlying the philosophical foundations of clinical mental health and rehabilitation counseling, and they work successfully within organizational components.
- Standard 2: Successful gradates are able to comprehend and synthesize the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to clinical practice and apply this knowledge. They demonstrate the ability to build rapport, explore complex topics and situations, uphold professional ethical and legal standards, develop research-informed treatments plans, refer or perform necessary assessments as part of treatment, and keep accurate and timely records for each client they work with. They successfully model practices that affirm the diversity of all clientele.
- Standard 3: Successful graduates are successful in their various roles as clinical professionals. They serve as informed advocates for those with rehabilitation and/or mental health needs, and for providing consultative services to community organizations. They engage with families and community members to form collaborative relationships.
- Standard 4: Successful graduates can competently obtain, evaluate and utilize research, in addition to classroom knowledge, in a manner that scaffolds the clinical relationship.
- Standard 5: Successful graduates are knowledgeable of the various ways in which disabling conditions may manifest, the effect(s) of those conditions on the individual with the disability as well as their family and friends, and the impact the conditions may have on one or many of the major life areas (e.g., employment, relationships, spirituality). They serve as informed advocates for these clients, their support systems, and for responsive clinical practices.
For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php