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 the state of South Carolina. 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 one or two courses each term, with each quarter lasting ten weeks. Students select from the convenient Saturday sessions that meet once per week or attend two evenings during the week.
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 (while on 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
Along with classrooms and offices, the campus includes a bookstore, student lounge, and career services center. Students may retrieve periodicals in paper or electronic form. The South University Library 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. Internet access is available on all computers throughout the campus.
Financial Aid
A wide range of financial aid options is available to students who qualify. The Columbia 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) and add South University’s campus code, 004922. Students may apply electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or through the campus Director of Student Financial Services. 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 Columbia campus.
Living and Housing Costs
South University does not offer or operate student housing. Professional Counseling Program students typically live in apartments in the Columbia area. 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 Admissions Department.
Student Group
The Columbia campus of South University has a diverse student body enrolled in both day and evening classes. Students are primarily commuters who live within 50 miles of the city.
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
South University recently relocated its Columbia campus to the growing east side of Columbia, just minutes from downtown. The new campus is conveniently located off of I-77 at Farrow Road and Parklane.
The campus surroundings are highlighted by a natural wooded landscape and vast greenspace featuring a tranquil campus courtyard. Convenient to malls, shopping, and the growing east side of Columbia, the new campus location provides easier access to students from throughout the greater Columbia area.
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 for questions about the accreditation of South University.
Applying
Students are accepted into the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degree program every academic quarter. 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 and personal motivation. Application packets are available by contacting the South University Admissions Department (866-629-3031, toll-free) or visiting the University’s Web site (http://www.southuniversity.edu).
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 appears in the South University catalog, which is available on 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
9 Science Court
Columbia, South Carolina 29203
Telephone:
803-799-9082
866-629-3031 (toll-free)
Fax:
803-935-4382
Email:
coladmis@southuniversity.edu
