Detailed Information
Programs of Study
Argosy University, Sarasota, offers the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in community counseling, forensic psychology, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, school counseling, and school psychology; the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in school counseling; and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in counseling psychology, counselor education and supervision, organizational leadership, and pastoral community counseling. Students completing a program may wish to become licensed professionals. Argosy University, Sarasota does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to Argosy University, Sarasota.
The M.A. in Community Counseling is a 48 credit-hour program designed to provide students with a solid foundation for the practice of professional counseling. The program’s curriculum integrates theoretical and conceptual foundations of professional counseling with training in appropriate client intervention and advocacy skills. The program emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that are essential for professional counselors committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Students completing this program meet the academic requirements toward licensure in Alabama, Georgia, and other states (because licensure requirements vary from state to state, students should verify the current licensing requirements for the state in which they plan to practice).
The M.A. in Forensic Psychology program is designed to educate and train individuals who are currently working, or wish to work, in fields that utilize the study and practice of forensic psychology. Curriculum provides for an understanding of theory, training, and practice of forensic psychology. It emphasizes the development of students who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services to diverse clients and organizations. The program maintains policies and delivery formats suitable for working adults. The program provides course work in forensic psychology for application to law enforcement, legal and organizational consultation, and program analysis.
The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program recognizes the need to provide marriage and family therapists with the extensive knowledge and range of skills necessary to function effectively in their profession. The program introduces students to basic skills that integrate systemic theoretical foundations of marriage and family therapy into appropriate client interaction and intervention skills. The program emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of marriage and family therapists committed to the ethical provision of quality services. The program has been developed by the school faculty members to provide working students with the opportunity to pursue personal and professional goals through completion of a master’s program.
The M.A. in Mental Health Counseling program is designed to provide students with a sound foundation for the eventual practice of mental health counseling. The program introduces students to basic counseling skills that integrate individual and group theoretical foundations of mental health counseling into appropriate client interaction and intervention skills. The program emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of mental health counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services.
The M.A. in School Counseling program serves adult students throughout the world. It provides a quality program in school counseling to meet the needs of students and the community. The focus on the program is student preparation and professional development while promoting teaching, learning, and service. The program remains faithful to its mission of preparing students to function at a high professional level in a rapidly changing world.
The M.A. in School Psychology program is designed to produce ethical, responsible, and competent school psychologists who are able to serve effectively in a number of professional roles. During graduate training, students develop core competencies in psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation/education, as well as cultural and individual diversity. Graduates of the program may be eligible for department of education certification and will be prepared for employment as school psychologists. The program is designed to prepare students to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSPs) in accordance with criteria developed by the National Association of School Psychologists.
The Ed.S. in School Counseling program is designed for experienced professionals who have master’s degrees in other fields and wish to become school counselors. The program is a 30-semester-credit-hour program of study that incorporates course work designed to help students in meeting the specialization requirements for certification in Guidance and Counseling (grades K–12) in the state of Florida. Because of certification variations among states, students should check with regional authorities to confirm their requirements prior to entering the program.
The Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology program is designed to meet the special requirements of working professionals who want to develop their knowledge and skills to handle the changing needs of modern organizations. The program is designed to provide working professionals with the opportunity to pursue their personal and professional goals through the completion of a graduate program.
The Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program aligns with the master’s-level counselor education programs in order to encourage entry-level counseling students to work toward becoming doctoral-level advanced practitioners, educators, and supervisors. This program prepares counselors for a variety of settings by providing the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to provide leadership and advocacy, as well as serve in supervisory, training, and teaching positions in the counseling profession.
The Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program is designed to meet the special requirements of working professionals who want to develop their knowledge and skills to handle the changing needs of modern organizations. The program is designed to enable working professionals to pursue their personal and professional goals through the completion of a graduate program.
The Ed.D. in Pastoral Community Counseling program is based on the fundamental belief that religious and spiritual communities provide a unique opportunity for human growth and development. The program is designed to provide leaders in religious communities with an opportunity for personal and professional development, directed toward making a significant contribution to their community and to society. The program integrates the engagement of knowledge, the development of skills, reflective practice, and research in a manner that prepares the pastoral counselor to address individual and communal development in an ethically responsible fashion.
Research Facilities
Argosy University libraries provide curriculum support and educational resources, including current text materials, diagnostic training documents, reference materials and databases, journals and dissertations, and major and current titles in program areas. There is an online public-access catalog of library resources available throughout the Argosy University system. Students have remote access to the campus library database, enabling them to study and conduct research at home. Academic databases offer dissertation abstracts, academic journals, and professional periodicals. All library computers are Internet accessible. Software applications include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, and various test-scoring programs.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Argosy University, Sarasota, offers access to federal and state aid programs, merit-based awards, grants, loans, and a work-study program. As a first step, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Prospective students can apply electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or at the campus.
Cost of Study
Tuition varies by program. Students should contact Argosy University, Sarasota, for tuition information.
Living and Housing Costs
Students typically live in apartments in the metropolitan Sarasota area. Living expenses vary according to each student’s preferred standard of living, housing, and transportation. The University does not offer or operate student housing. Most of the students are full-time working professionals who live within driving distance of the campus. Several nearby hotels offer special rates for those who commute from long distances to attend scheduled weeklong in-residence sessions. The Admissions Department also maintains a list of housing options, including contact information for University students who wish to share housing. For more information, students should contact the Admissions Department.
Student Group
Admission to Argosy University, Sarasota, is selective to ensure a dynamic and engaged student body. The University encourages diversity in academic and employment backgrounds and promotes integration of the student body into professional life through established connections with local and national professional associations. Argosy University offers a professionally oriented education with rich opportunities to gain practical experience in class, field placements, and internships. Full-time students and working professionals gain the extensive knowledge and range of skills necessary for effective performance in their chosen fields.
Student Outcomes
Students can register with the University’s online career-services system and use select services from a distance, such as degree-specific career e-mail lists, national job posts, and virtual job fairs. Students should contact the University for more information.
Location
Located in northeast Sarasota, the campus is specifically designed for postsecondary and graduate-level instruction through a unique combination of in-residence course work, tutorials, and online study courses. Several programs are off-site tutorials and intensive one-week classroom sessions. Students may also complete up to 49 percent of the work in some degree programs via online courses that allow interaction with faculty members and classmates from any Internet connection.
Sarasota is recognized as Florida’s cultural coast and is home to a professional symphony, ballet, and opera as well as dozens of theaters and art galleries. Well-known vacation attractions such as Disney World, Busch Gardens–Tampa, and the city of Miami are within a few hours’ drive. The area enjoys mild winters and endless summer beauty.
The business sector in the Gulf Coast community helps make it one of the top 20 places to live and work. ASO Corporation, Nelson Publishing, and Select Technology Group are among the numerous companies headquartered in Sarasota County. The area’s top employers include Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Publix Supermarkets.
The University
Argosy University is a private institution with nineteen locations across the nation. Argosy University, Sarasota, provides a career resources office, an academic resources center, and extensive information access for research. It offers the resources of a large university plus the friendliness and personal attention of a small campus.
The innovative programs feature dynamic, relevant, and practical curricula delivered in flexible class formats. Students enjoy scheduling options that make it easier to fit school into their busy lives, choosing from day and evening courses, on campus or online. Many students find a combination of class formats to be an ideal way of continuing their education while meeting family and professional demands.
Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602; 800-621-7440 (toll-free); http://www.ncahlc.org).
Applying
Argosy University, Sarasota, accepts students year-round on a rolling admissions basis, depending on availability of required courses. Applications for admission are available online or by contacting the campus.
The Faculty
- The Argosy University faculty is comprised of working professionals who are eager to help students succeed. Members bring real-world experience and the latest practice innovations to the academic setting. The diverse faculty members of the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences are widely recognized for contributions to the field. Many are published scholars, and most hold doctoral degrees. They are committed to providing a substantive education that combines comprehensive knowledge with critical skills and practical workplace relevance. Above all, faculty members are committed to their students’ personal and professional development.
Correspondence and Information
Argosy University, Sarasota
5250 17th Street
Sarasota, Florida 34235
Telephone:
941-379-0404
800-331-5995 (toll-free)
Fax:
941-371-8910
Email:
auadmissions@argosy.edu
