Southern Christian University

Hi everyone. I am still looking around for possible degree programs that will allow me to obtain licensure for counseling. I want to eventually get my PhD in Psychology or Counseling. I have looked at Capella but I'm not sure at this time they will admit me. A phone conversation with the enrollment counselor who was super nice but honest made me realize that my best bet at Capella will be once I've already obtained a masters degree and have had a chance to repair my crappy GPA!!

Liberty is equally difficult to get into because of my low undergrad GPA. I just found Southern Christian whose admittance requirements are not listed on the website other than to say a BA is required. They are accredited from what I can tell and actually the format looks really neat because they broadcast classes over Realplayer.

Does anyone know anything at all about this school. I saw another posting that said they were not ATS accredited (I think that is what they said...don't know what they were referring to...does anyone know?)

Any info on this school GREATLY appreciated!!!!

 

Southern Christian University is regionally accredited, but they are not accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which the "front-line" theology/divinity schools like Harvard, Andover-Newton, & Gordon-Conwell are.

If you're simply looking for a Master's degree to, as you say, "repair your crappy GPA", this won't be an issue. If you were looking for an M.Div. for ordination or admittance to an ATS-accredited Th.M., then it might cause some problems. As an regionally accredited school, I would recommend SCU without reservation, provided the potential student knows about the importance (or lack of, depending on their situation) ATS accreditation.

Best of luck!


Bruce

 

Bear in mind that SCU is a "Church of Christ" sponsored institution and is a part of the same institution that governs Faulkner University. That have, in the past, had some financial difficulties. They will also push the Church of Christ theology. Just thought you should know.

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Howard Rodgers

 

Isn't Kenneth Starr a member of the Church of Christ?

Anyway, yeah--you'll notice a distinct theological imprint the first time you call their voicemail and hear how they inflect "Christian." My general impression of the denomination: Disciples of Christ ecclesiology, Southern Baptist evangelical and social theology, Reformed methodology, and Pentecostal attitude. Of course, your mileage may vary--and it is a regionally accredited M.Div., so it should at least qualify you for a D.Min. program, a teaching gig, and ordination in some denominations.


Cheers,

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Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Ten Speed Press)
co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)

 

No, I goofed -- he worships at an evangelical Bible church. But he is the son of a Church of Christ minister and grew up in the denomination, hence the connection.


Cheers,

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Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Ten Speed Press)
co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)

 

I think you are looking for a counseling masters, if so, you are ok at SCU if you can tolerate their elitist attitude. If you are looking for an MDiv I don't think they will accept you since they believe that only men have the "power" to proclaim the gospel. Also, any religious subjects you take while there will be taught by men from a masculine viewpoint. All this from the Pauline epistles, no less.

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Howard Rodgers

 

Hello and Happy New Year. I know Fort Hays Virtual College has been mentioned before. There is a concentration counseling and education under the MLS listing. This might be something for you. I was surprised by the other new options that are offered and in progress. I hope this helps you. Hille

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I don't think this is correct at all; while the CoC may limit ordination to men, I don't remember reading any gender requirements for the M.Div.


Cheers,

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Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Ten Speed Press)
co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)

 

Holly,

Capella appears to be a viable choice for a number of reasons. First of all after completing a masters degree progam you are automatically eligible to be considered for one of their doctoral level counseling programs. This is not the case at Liberty or SCU because they do not yet have doctoral programs in counseling or psychology! In addition, Capella is seeking CACREP approval which is the highest level of accreditation possible in the counseling field. SCU and Liberty do not possess this level of accreditation although RA. Also the educational programs at Capella are very flexible which I am certain Howard could confirm since he received his doctorate from this school.

If I may suggest,it may be helpful to have direct discussions with the Deans of the schools you are interested in, such as Capella. I am quite certain that if they observe a prospective student showing interest in their program they will most probably place less emphasis on GPAs. However, didn''t you mention in a second posting that you recieved three As in graduate level coursework? That should demonstrate capability to pursue your academic goals!

Good luck!

 

The Dean of the School of Human Services (Professional Counseling) is Pamela Patrick. The Dean of the School of Psychology is Brian Austin. I would suggest the Professional Counseling as the one most likely to work with you. Psychology is somewhat less flexible. Please call 1-800-987-2282 and ask them to get you in touch with Dr. Patrick. Capella is very flexible, and if I can be of assistance let me know.

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Howard Rodgers

 

*******They may let women in the program, but I am not sure how receptive they would be to teaching them a program they believe is intended for men. But the $$$$$$$'s do offer many an enticement to become more flexible.


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Howard Rodgers

 

Simon, Howard and others...thanks again for your encouragement!

Howard...I am going to take your advice and look into the Human Services Department. I may have written them off too early. I had not even considered it but I will say that the enrollment counselor did suggest I consider it. Here are some concerns I have with that degree. I have noticed that the classes are 4 credits rather than 5 and that Professional Counseling in particular only is a 48 quarter hour program which would estimate to probably around 30 semester hours. In Alaska where I will be trying to get licensure I will need 60 hours...the statute actually says 48 plus 12. I don't know why they state it like that but to me I am assuming I need 60. Now they don't care if the degree is in Psych or Human Services but only that it contains 8 out of 10 content areas. I am assuming this means I must have at least one class in each of these areas (Ethics, counseling, psychopathology etc.)...I should be able to do this through Human Services and since I would like to hopefully continue with that to get my PhD needing the additional hours wouldn't matter since I would keep going with it anyway.

Now here is one question I have. They have several emphasis like Prof. Couns. you mentioned and then they also have the General program where it seems each individual gets to choose the specialization classes. Since I know exactly what 10 areas I need classes in I am thinking of just going with the General program because then I would totally tailor it to what I need....that is of course jumping the gun and assuming they give me a chance!

Any advice is appreciated. thank you sooooo much!!!!!!!

 

The General seems ok if you tailor-make it, but one questions is whether or not you will ever need a transcript that says you have a degree with a Professional Counseling major. There are enough electives in the Prof. Cou. program for you to pick up the extra hours you need. A specific degree is, IMO, better than a general one in the professional arena. Simon?

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Howard Rodgers

 

Although it appears that any of the graduate degree programs you mentioned would probably meet the criteria for licensure in Alaska, It would be a good idea to corroborate this directly with the Alaska Board for counselor licensure.

In terms of graduate degree program selection, the question that you may need to explore is which area of counseling may best serve you in the future. Although the Human Services Program offers a great deal of flexibility and appears to meet Alaska's criteria for counseling licensure will it provide you with opportunities for specific areas of employment? Does it meet your professional interests and goals?

For example, certain employers may specify that the job candidate have a masters degree in Professional or mental health Counseling. WIll a degree in Human Services meet their specifications? The same question applies to private practice. Does advertising oneself as a professional or mental health counselor have more clout attracting private clients and receiving greated crediblity from colleagues than one entitled Human Services? These are issues that need careful thought and clarification and perhaps discussion with the chairperson of Capella would assist you in formulating a "good fit".

In terms of credits, It is my impression (please verify) that four quarter credits is equivalent to a three semester hours. Therefore, 48 quarter credits is equivalvent to thirty six credits. The primary factors to focus on is the ten competency domains that your state requires and ensuring that you are taking courses that will meet this requirement. BTW are the three graduate courses in which you received an A counseling related? If they are they may be applicable towards the 60 credit requirement. Keep in touch with the board on a regular basis in order to keep on top of any modifications or changes in their criteria for licensure. Once again a discussion with the chairperson of Capella, not the admissions person, is your best bet for making viable plans for licensure.

Good luck!

 

BTW keep in mind the substantial practicum/internship requirements of the board of counseling of your state. It also pays to give thought as to which client population you may wish to work with as part of your intership requirement and a discussion with a mentor may assist in clarifying this issue if you are not certain.

 

All great advice and I have been thinking it over. There seems to be so much middle ground with the counseling degrees and various states. For example they are not precisely clear on whether the degree has to be counseling or something related but it must have the content areas...yet at the same time when I look at job descriptions it is all varied. On the other hand the one thing I have noticed consistently ever since I first graduated was that all my friends who majored in social work had no problem finding jobs whereas my friends who majored in Psych like myself had to really do a lot of maneuvering to get a foot in the door.

My husband has suggested that I go back to school and complete a second degree in Social Work. This is not something I had considered because I want to go forward instead of backwards. However being employed is important to me and I can't afford to continue to put money out on an education that "might" get me a job. Really I have no specific inclination towards one degree or the other. All I wanted to do was just work in the helping profession in some capacity.

So I checked out the University of Alaska program at Fairbanks for Social Work and believe it or not I found they are offering the whole program through distance learning (if you live in the state of Alaska). However I'll be living right there so I could physically go to the school. Now after adding the classes up I feel that I could probably transfer in about half of what I have for their program. I really would only have about 30 credits to take which is not bad. Then I would have a BSW which I feel would help me to find a job in this field. Then I suppose I could still get a Masters in counseling or somehting else but at least I would have that BSW which would get me employed.

Any thoughts on this? What do you think about the social work route?

 

I think you have hit a gold mine. A BS in Social Work will get you a job....a BS in Psychology will allow you to say "may I take your order, please?"

Also, a Masters in Social Work is more marketable in the world of helping professions than a Masters in Counseling or Psychology. In short, if your are not going for a PhD in Clinical Psychology you would be better off going for the Social Work degree.

Also, going back at the Bachelor's level makes the GPA point mute.

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Howard Rodgers

 

A masters degree in social work is a more versatile degree in terms of diversity of job opportunities and viability than a degree in counseling. Generally, There are signficantly more jobs available in the social work field than in counseling.

Yes, a BSW is an entry level degree which has potential for job opportunities. However, as you are probably aware, the salary range at the bachelors degree level is usually very low as is the status amongst interdisciplinary peers. It does offer a conduit to pursuing a masters degree in social work in the future, if you should decide to.

 

Like you did before, I would suggest you contact someone at the school to check out the situation. I would suggest Ann Wilson, Program Coordinator for Allied Health at he TVC campus. She is a very open person , and being on the Faculty Senate, knoweldgable about the school.




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M. C. (Mike) Albrecht, PE