Counseling Program

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are the Graduate Counseling programs offered?
2. Is there an application deadline?
3. How long will it take to get my counseling degree?
4. Will I be licensed upon completion of the counseling program?
5. Are the programs accredited?
6. Do I have to take an entrance exam?
7. How is the program structured?
8. Is financial aid available?
9. What is the class size in counseling programs?
10. Do I get practicum/internship experience with face-to-face counseling?
11. Are Graduate Counseling courses offered online?
12. Do you accept transfer credit from another institution?

1. Where are the Graduate Counseling programs offered?
All counseling programs are offered on a full-time basis at the main campus in Siloam Springs. All counseling programs are offered on a part-time basis at the Fort Smith Center and the Rogers Center.

2. Is there an application deadline?
Counseling programs in School Counseling, Community Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy have specific deadlines for acceptance.

3. How long will it take to get my counseling degree?

• School Counseling can be completed in 2 1/2 to 3 years on a part-time basis.
• Community Counseling can be completed in 2 years as a full-time student or 3 years as a part-time student.
• Marriage and Family Therapy can be completed in 2 ½ years as a full-time student or 3 ½ years a part-time student.

4. Will I be licensed upon completion of the counseling program?
All of our counseling degrees are aligned with Arkansas requirements for professional licensing and/or obtaining public school credentials. Following your master's degree in School Counseling, you are prepared to become a licensed school counselor after passing your Praxis II exam. In addition to your degree, in Arkansas you must have taught at least one year. If you are graduating from either the Community Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy programs, you will be ready to sit for an exam granting temporary licensing which readies you for job opportunities in many counseling areas. After approximately three years of continued supervision, you can obtain your permanent state licensure in Arkansas. The program requirements allow students to return to their state of origin to pursue licensure requirements in that state. While course requirements vary for each state, our program requires more than 60 hours in coursework which meets most states requirements for licensure.

5. Are the programs accredited?
Yes. John Brown University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The School Counseling program is approved by the Arkansas State Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

6. Do I have to take an entrance exam?
All counseling students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A combined minimum score of 1000 (verbal & quantitative) on the GRE is required for admission into any counseling program.

7. How is the program structured?
Our program meets the needs of the student who works full time by offering courses every evening. The program also meets the need of the full-time student who wishes to complete the program quickly and return to their state or country of origin by offering a total of four courses back-to-back on one day of the week. This allows the student to take a maximum load each semester and commute to the Siloam campus one day per week. Offering the program in Fort Smith and Rogers on a part time basis provides more convenience to busy commuter schedules.

8. Is financial aid available?
Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and student loans for counseling degrees.

9. What is the class size in counseling programs?
Some classes are limited in numbers ranging from 10-15 students. Most of the academic classes range from 15-20 students.

10. Do I get practicum/internship experience with face-to-face counseling?
Yes, the Graduate Counseling Program operates two counseling centers (Siloam Springs & Fort Smith) called the JBU CARE Clinics under the direct supervision of faculty. The students can apply for an internship at the centers and complete face-to-face hours with individuals, couples, and families. Practicum and internship experience total 600 hours for Community Counseling candidates and 800 hours for Marriage & Family candidates. Prior to graduation, all Marriage & Family candidates must complete 500 hours of direct client contact and all Community Counseling candidates must complete 375 hours of direct client contact. Students are supervised by faculty through state of the art technology: two way mirrors, videotaping, and "bug in the ear" technology.

11. Are Graduate Counseling courses offered online?
Because we believe face-to-face interaction with both faculty and fellow students is one of the most valuable facets of our counseling programs, no Graduate Counseling courses are offered online.

12. Do you accept transfer credit from another institution?
A maximum of nine hours of Graduate coursework from another institution can be applied toward a Graduate Counseling Degree. All transferred hours must be applicable toward the degree and approved by the Graduate Counseling program director.