Capella Students/Alumni - need your opinion!

Hello,

I'm looking for students doing an MS degree in either Mental Health Counseling, or the MFCC track. What are your thoughts on the respective program(s)? Can a person get both degrees at once? It looks as if much of the coursework is the same. Would the hours be double, or could you use them for both degree requirements (i.e. 3,000 hours for both...as opposed to 6,000 hours split between two degrees)? Of course, I think both programs have a culminating project so that might be a bit much.

Which program is better, do you think? I'm thinking about applying to this school, but not quite at a decision yet. Any trouble with the school? Would you do it again (if you've already graduated)? Anything else you care to add is welcome.

Thank you very much for your input. Your thoughts will help me a great deal.

- Shawn

 

Re:

Minor error:

"....3,000 hours for both...as opposed to 6,000 hours split between two degrees....".

I mistakenly thought of this total number as the academic requirements listed in the internship and practicum for each of the degrees programs. That would correctly be 1,000 hours per program (or 2,000 hours for both if required as such). And my question is the same: Am I able to use the 1,000 hours of one program for both the MH track, and the MFCC track on the same total, or do I need to do a double amount of time in the practicum and internship for BOTH programs? I'm more curious than anything.

I realize the reference to the 3,000 hours earlier applied to licensure through supervision, and after the degree was awarded. This mandate as I understand comes from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). It was a misapplied value to the degree requirements.

Also, is CACREP really that big a deal for these programs? If a school (online or otherwise) functions without this endorsement, is the degree itself worthless? Could I not work in any state without such accreditation, or is this (as one Capella Enrollment Counselor stated) "the gold standard"? Just on thought on that point.

Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for the help.

- Shawn

 

"If a school (online or otherwise) functions without this endorsement, is the degree itself worthless?"

You can apply for licensure without CACREP accreditation. The masters degree should be counseling related and match CACREP accredited courses and state requirements.

Florida will accept a masters degree in psychology that meets licensure requirements. Unfortunately, applying for a license in a few states may be problematic if you earned the majority of your courses through distance education. Let me give you an example from a Liberty University web page. ( http://www.luonline.com/index.cfm?PID=15010 ). However, the problem states apply to Liberty.

Since the Mental Health and Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration at Capella University is CACREP accredited, you may encounter much less resistance. I would encourage you to contact your state of residence and ask if your program of interest will be acceptable for licensure.

The enrollment counselor is correct. CACREP Accreditation is a gold standard for prospective mental heath counselors and therapists. What are the benefits of CACREP accreditation?

Why is CACREP accreditation important for students selecting a program?

- Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to providing quality instruction and and clinical experiences for students
- Streamlines the licensure process for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Most states' LPC laws (including Minnesota) define required coursework and qualifying clinical experience by the CACREP standards
- Graduating students qualify to take the National Certified Counselor Exam, used by most states for LPC licensure
- Meets the application preferences of doctoral programs in counseling and counselor education

http://ed.mnsu.edu/csp/cacrep.html

 

"Can a person get both degrees at once? It looks as if much of the coursework is the same"

- The Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy Specialization prepares a student for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy. The mental health counseling program requires more internship hours. I recommend you enroll in the Mental Health Counseling specialization. Getting both degrees at once is overkill and getting licensed in marriage and family therapy and counseling is overkill as well. You can do marriage and family therapy with a license in professional counseling.

 

That depends. Does your position of interest require licensure? Many organizations require licensure for some positions. Obtaining licensure opens the door to salary increases, greater employment opportunities, and the privilege to open a private practice. All of the above is where CACREP accreditation comes in.

 

Re:

I suppose the CACREP accreditation would be a smart path in the long run. If I moved to a state that did not require it, I've lost nothing. It would not hurt me to have it, and probably better that I do have the "Golden Seal" approval. You're right, doing the MFCC and Mental Health tracks combined would be overkill, but was not sure if the programs were distinct or merely similar.

I am in Washington State. I know California typically uses the MFCC track for counselors in that state, whereas Washington State typically uses the Mental Health track counselors. So, the MH track probably would be better for me in that regard.

Is Capella a good school for this program (aside from it being the only CACREP accredited online school)? Curious to know your thoughts.


Thanks for the ample input. Lots to consider.
- Shawn

 

Philo...

I have some ideas for you.

First, the CACREP accreditation is a big thing in terms of how your are viewed by:

• Your state licensure board (it facilitates paperwork)
  
• Peers in the field who check out your credentials
  
• Counseling/Psychology/Mental Health Ed college/university programs if you are going to teach, especially if they are also CACREP accredited, and ultimately the public for those who care.

Second, why do the Marriage and Family degree when you can:

• Go for a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family (Nova.edu, NCU.edu, etc), and then if you want to get your LMFT license. I have my license under Mental Health and I have a Ph.D. in Family Psychology. I don't need the license in Marriage and Family. As long as my main license and expertise includes those areas then there should be no problem. Your ultimate credential is effective therapy and word of mouth recommendations from patients/clients.
  
• Use your Mental Health License to do Couples and families. Take the electives in Marriage and Family.
  
• Become licensed in some states in Marriage and Family after two years of full licensure in Mental Health. Such State is the State of Florida. There may be others.

Hope this helps.

BlackBird

 

Philo...

I have some ideas for you.

First, the CACREP accreditation is a big thing in terms of how your are viewed by:

• Your state licensure board (it facilitates paperwork)
  
• Peers in the field who check out your credentials
  
• Counseling/Psychology/Mental Health Ed college/university programs if you are going to teach, especially if they are also CACREP accredited, and ultimately the public for those who care.

Second, why get the Marriage and Family degree? You can:

• Go for a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family (Nova.edu, NCU.edu, etc), and then if you want to get your LMFT license. I have my license under Mental Health and I have a Ph.D. in Family Psychology. I don't need the license in Marriage and Family. As long as my main license and expertise includes those areas then there should be no problem. Your ultimate credential is effective therapy and word of mouth recommendations from patients/clients.
  
• Use your Mental Health License to do Couples and families. Take the electives in Marriage and Family.
  
• Become licensed in some states in Marriage and Family after two years of full licensure in Mental Health. Such State is the State of Florida. There may be others.

Also, I don't know how it works in your State but in Florida, if you take the NCMHCE exam for your licensure then you can automatically get your N.C.C. designation (National Certified Counselor) with simply showing your license, your test scores, and pay a fee.

Hope this helps.

BlackBird

 

RE: Capella

BlackBird,

Thank you very much for your input, especially being a graduate of the university. Everything I've read so far suggests that CACREP is the way to go in terms of standards for such degrees. I've read many comments on the Capella Commons site from students who have expressed enjoyment with the program and the school overall. Some have left an impression in their postings conveying a sense that going through a Master's degree at Capella is a cake-walk. Regardless of the school, we know thats not true about graduate school...lol. I've read some of the horror stories on here over the years.

In any event, although I doubt the program will be 100% easy, the fact that distance learning will remove much of the drama associated with a traditional classroom environment which usually involves multiple personalities (pardon the pun), and it wont be time consuming either in terms of travel (with the exception of the residences periods and graduation at the end). My office desk at home would be my classroom at specified times.

I'm only afraid of not measuring up to a distance program. Aside from one class through Excelsior, I've never done a full distance program before. The fear of failure is there. But I'll likely not let that stop me.

Thanks again, and if you have other insights please feel free to offer them.

- Shawn

 

RE: Capella - Independent Reviews

BlackBird,

I've read some independent reviews that have me a little concerned. Such things as Capella employing teachers with diploma mill degrees, or low quality degree programs. Doing a Google search for reviews on Capella, brought these opinions to light. Perhaps they are true in some way, perhaps not true in others.

Any thoughts, as you have been to school with them? One comment was that the school of Psychology does not have APA recognition, and another says the management cant keep its staff and struggles to stay afloat financially.

Many students reviewed the school and were quite pleased with their program, to be fair. Some are still in school with Capella.

So, I'm looking for an objective opinion on this point, if thats possible.

- Shawn

 

Philo,

I never met any professor nor did I have any that graduated from a diploma mill. I would have been the first to protest. I would recommend that you contact the school to find out if there are any that have graduate degrees not with CHEA based accreditation.

The clinical psychology program does not have APA accreditation at this time. They are working on it. No one knows when that will happen. If you want a distance program that is accredited then look at http://www.Fielding.edu

I do not know about management not keeping staff. I was not aware of that when I went. I graduated in 2006 and my wife is doing a Masters there and we are not aware of this going on. I would encourage that you have a business mind look at Capella since the parent company is publicly traded.

Sorry, this is all I can offer you. I think Capella is a wonderful school. I chose it above all the other distance schools and was not let down. My doctorate has opened doors for me.

Best regards.

 

Shawn,

Although I am not in the counseling track ( I am in the School of Business Ph.D. program), I can tell you that many of the negative comments concerning Capella on the web are the work of one very disgruntled student who was expelled from Capella due to multiple violations of the Capella Learner Code of Conduct.

More information about this former student and his smear campaign against the University can be found here:

http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=6351

http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=17898

http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=5708

My experience with Capella has been very positive - and I have been academically challenged.

Shawn

 

Re:

BlackBird,

Chances are its hot air from someone who just has little credibility. I will make some calls to the school on the other issues that might have some weight. Thank you for the feedback.

- Shawn

 

Hello,

I appreciate your feedback. This helps in my decision, and I am likely going to attend there. Any problems with financial aid issues thus far? Suggestions on how to efficiently start the process? I've never applied to a school and for a loan at the same time. I will review those links you provided in brief (no need to give fuel to someone who loves undeserved attention).

Thanks again.

- Shawn

 

BlackBird,

The issue of the Psychology program not being APA accredited was one of curiosity. My Master's from Capella would be from the School of Human Services (Mental Health). I don't think they are in the same area as the Psychology Dept. So, the APA issue would not likely impact me.

- Shawn

 

The relevant professional accreditor for counseling programs is called the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, which Capella has www.capella.edu/about_capella/accreditation.aspx .

 

To start the process - just call the University, they will point you in the correct direction for admissions and financial aid for the loans.

Shawn