Graduate Counseling

About

Overview

Since the first graduate counseling classes began in 1995, John Brown University's graduate counseling programs have grown to be the largest in the state of Arkansas.  With a conceptual framework of Competence, Attitudes and character, Relationships and Essential knowledge (CARE), JBU's graduate counseling programs have been implementing their mission to prepare counselors with Christ-like character, integrity, compassion, and commitment to be reflective professionals and skilled decision makers from the beginning.

With a counseling master's degree in one of three majors from which to choose, you will be prepared professionally for counseling and guidance positions in:

• Public and private elementary and secondary schools
• Community agencies
• Private agencies
• Pastoral settings

Regardless of the major you choose, you will benefit from the distinctive features available through JBU's Graduate Counseling Programs.

Distinctives

• Christian values-based learning
• Academically and professionally qualified faculty
• Preparation for state licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, School Counselor or Play Therapist
• Opportunity to combine licensure programs
• Experiential learning through hands-on training
• Evening and summer classes
• Campus and online courses

Graduate Counseling Degree Options

As a student seeking a Master of Science degree in the field of counseling, you will be able to choose from three different majors, including:

• Community Counseling
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• School Counseling
  

Multiple Track Emphases

The JBU Counseling Program recognizes that today's counseling professionals have multifaceted opportunities requiring multiple training specialties; therefore, additional emphases are offered for each major area of study.  These emphases include Marriage and Family Therapy, Community Counseling, Play Therapy and School Counseling. Students seeking multiple emphases must complete the course requirements of their major degree plan and each of the course requirements specific to fulfilling any additional emphases.

CARE Clinic

All graduate counseling students must complete an internship toward the end of their studies and many do so through JBU's CARE Clinic.  The CARE Clinic provides excellent internship opportunities for those pursuing an major in Community Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or the Marriage and Family with an emphasis in Community Counseling.  Not only do counseling students grow and learn through an internship with the CARE Clinic but they also get to take part in the clinic's mission to  provide accessible and affordable counseling to the community.  To learn more about the CARE Clinic, visit their website at careclinic.jbu.edu.

Class Locations

Counseling classes are offered online and onground at the JBU Rogers and Fort Smith Centers as well as on the main campus in Siloam Springs.  Beginning Fall 2013, classes will also be offered at JBU's new Little Rock Center.

Online Options

The JBU Graduate Counseling program is pleased to offer students several online courses that might allow for more flexibility in scheduling coursework.  JBU has utilized the top standard for delivery of distance coursework making sure that every course has an interactive component and utilizes both synchronous and nonsynchronous modalities.  While the degree is not offered online, the identified courses that have been selected for this type of delivery have been approved by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy. Please be advised that different states have different rules and regulations regarding distance online courses. JBU does not assume responsibility for courses that are not recognized (or allowed) in other states.   Any student who takes an online counseling course at JBU must determine whether this course will be accepted in that particular state.

All online classes are taught by JBU faculty who interact with you via e-mail, web conferencing and discussion boards.

Class Schedule

Most counseling classes begin at 4:30 and 7:15 p.m. and follow the semester schedule format.  Summer classes are also offered.

Accreditations

JBU's counseling programs are backed by these accreditations:

• Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org, 312.263.0456).
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Arkansas Department of Education

JBU's Graduate Counseling Department is also a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): http://www.nbcc.org/cesearch/AR.