Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling South University

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 Florida. 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 to three courses each term, with each quarter lasting ten weeks. Class meetings are generally held Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. as well as 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 practicum and 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

The South University library has wireless technology throughout, comfortable seating, and quiet study space. 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. ProQuest databases include counseling sources such as ProQuest Psychology Journals and ProQuest Research Library. Also for student use, the library has a modern computer lab with ten workstations, each with Internet access, online database services, an office suite, tutorials, and class-support software.

Financial Aid

A wide range of financial aid options is available to students who qualify. The West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach campus.

Living and Housing Costs

South University does not offer or operate student housing at its West Palm Beach campus. Students in the professional counseling program typically live in homes or apartments in or near the West Palm Beach area. Students who commute from long distances may arrange to stay at nearby hotels that offer long-term rates. More information may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Department.

Student Group

The West Palm Beach 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

In 2010, South University--West Palm Beach moved into a new University Centre facility in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, to better serve students and the broader community in the Palm Beach County area. The facility features a hurricane-resistant infrastructure and includes several large labs, lecture halls, a library, and seminar rooms.

The University

South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate, baccalaureate, 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 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 (completed bachelor's degree with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.7) and personal motivation. Application packets are available by contacting the South University Admissions Department or visiting the University's Web site.

Correspondence and Information

Applications for admission to the South University Master of Arts in professional counseling program are available by contacting:

Professional Counseling Program

South University

University Centre

9801 Belvedere Road

Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411

United States

Phone: 561-273-6500

866-629-2902 (toll-free)

Fax: 561-273-6420

Web site: http://www.southuniversity.edu

See suprograms.info for program duration; tuition, fees, and other costs; median debt; federal salary data; alumni success; and other important information. http://www.southuniversity.edu/programs-info/form/

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 co-learners. 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).

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Master of Arts (MA)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Not reported
• Evening/weekend programs available? Not reported
• Distance learning programs available? Not reported
• Terminal master's degree available? Not reported

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported