Detailed Information
Program of Study
The Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degree program at South University is intended to meet the local and regional need for qualified professional counselors. The emphasis of the program is on community and agency counseling. The program is designed to enable program graduates to achieve all initial eligibility criteria to become certified as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and licensed in their state. The delivery structure of the program gives students the ability to balance the rigors of work and home while pursuing their master’s degree. Students can complete two courses each term (or more with approval), with each quarter lasting ten weeks. Class meetings are held mostly on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon and some weeknights from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Students are taught via two primary modes of instruction. The majority of the program involves didactic and experiential classroom instruction, supplemented by computer-based assignments, including the use of Internet technology. The second mode of instruction focuses on supervised field experiences. Students are placed in community counseling settings (during internship) and practice counseling under the supervision of an on-site supervisor. Students in field placements also receive weekly individual and group supervision from qualified faculty supervisors.
Research Facilities
In 2000, the 25,000-square-foot Health Professions building was opened on the Savannah campus to house classroom, computer, and lab facilities for graduate programs within the School of Health Professions Also in this building are the student lounge and administrative offices. In 2007, a new library facility was opened that provides comfortable study space for students, wireless capabilities for laptop network connectivity, and reference and interlibrary loan services. The South University Library also provides in-library and remote access to electronic databases. Both bibliographic and full-text databases are available via EBSCOhost (e.g., Academic Search Premier, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and Mental Measurements Yearbook), the search and retrieval system of EBSCO Information Services, and via the Library and Information Resources Network (e.g., Infotrac and ProQuest databases). Infotrac databases include counseling sources such as Expanded Academic ASAP, Academic OneFile, and InfotracOneFile, and ProQuest databases include counseling sources such as ProQuest Psychology Journals and ProQuest Research Library.
Financial Aid
A wide range of financial aid options is available to students who qualify. The Savannah campus of South University offers access to federal and state programs, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Eligible students may apply for veterans’ educational benefits and are encouraged to investigate the availability of grants and scholarships through community resources. As a first step, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may apply electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or through the campus Director of Financial Aid. Applications should be submitted promptly to receive consideration for the maximum amount of aid.
Cost of Study
Tuition information for the Professional Counseling Program may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Department at South University’s Savannah campus.
Living and Housing Costs
South University offers school-sponsored student housing at its Savannah, Georgia, campus in conjunction with a local apartment complex. Students who commute from long distances can arrange to stay at nearby hotels that offer long-term rates. More information is available by contacting the Director of Student Housing at 912-201-8000.
Student Group
The Savannah campus of South University has a diverse student body enrolled in both day and evening classes. Students consist of commuters who live within 50 miles of the city or students from other portions of the United States (e.g., California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut) who have moved to Savannah to pursue the degree in professional counseling.
Student Outcomes
The South University Career Services Department has been established to assist currently enrolled students in developing their career plans and reaching their employment goals. Career services include, but are not limited to, one-on-one career counseling, special career-related workshops and programs, coaching for resume and cover letter development, and resume referral to employers.
Location
Located on the south side of the historic city of Savannah, the campus is situated on 9 acres of land. It is convenient to the city’s bustling midtown section and a full range of educational and cultural activities. The Atlantic Ocean and recreational amenities of Tybee Island, including beaches and numerous outdoor activities, are just a short drive away. In addition, the campus is located just a short drive from Hilton Head Island and Charleston, South Carolina.
The University
South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students should contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 with questions about the accreditation of South University.
Applying
Students are accepted into the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degree program twice per year (fall and spring quarters). Entrance into the program is gained through a formal application review and interview process. Acceptance is competitive and based on the admission committee’s evaluation of the applicant’s academic background (completed bachelor’s degree with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.7 or a minimum score of 3.5 on the Graduate Record Examinations writing exam) and personal motivation. Application packets are available by contacting the South University Admissions Department or visiting the University’s Web site.
The Faculty
- One of the most outstanding aspects of South University’s Professional Counseling Program is the dedication of the faculty members and their ability to cultivate a supportive learning environment. Faculty members are committed to their roles as mentors, teachers, and colearners. They are also dedicated to the training of students who can assume positions of leadership within the counseling field. A current list of program faculty members is available at the South University Web site (http://www.southuniversity.edu).
Correspondence and Information
South University
Applications for admission to the South University Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program are available by contacting:
Professional Counseling Program
709 Mall Boulevard
Savannah, Georgia 31406-4805
Telephone:
912-201-8000
866-629-2901 (toll-free)
Fax:
912-201-8070
Email:
savadmis@southuniversity.edu
