My Progress - Capella MS Counseling Program

Hello all (especially you long timers here),

You've not heard from me in some time. I just wanted to share that as of this month (March) - which at the time of this writing is the end of my academic Winter quarter, I am now just over half way through my online program with Capella. Additionally, I have been inducted into Chi Sigma Iota...I joined the American Mental Health Counseling Association...and throughout the program thus far (for every quarter) I have managed to pull off a 4.00 GPA - from full time study!

I completed the first of two required residencies in November (09') in Minneapolis MN (the school's home base area), and my second residency will be in September, in Phoenix AZ. Spring quarter starts next week, so my rest continues until the pre-start weekend on Friday April 9th.

I'll do my best to keep in touch. Be well.

- Shawn

 

Way to go Shawn!!!!!!!!! Good to hear from you again, glad you are doing well!

I am finishing up the capstone for my MBA as we speak.

Abner

 

Shawn, what did you think of the residencies? I've heard some say that they were pretty good. I've heard others say that they were a waste of time and just another hoop to jump through to get your diploma.

 

Hello Michael,

If you are considering Capella's programs that require these residencies, I think you will find that the answer to your question lies somewhere in the balance of the two extremes. While there was a lot of hype for these residencies (not to mention the expense for traveling to them), you do have a chance to connect face to face with learners and faculty, as well as gain some valuable hands on experiential education on counseling skills - prior to one's practicum. In that sense, it is an important experience. Plus, you have an awesome chance to network with fellow students.

If I were to focus on the "hoop jumping" aspect of this deal (as you've rightly pointed out)...yeah, I might find myself a bit depressed. So I choose to find the positives. This program has enough intensity without my adding to it...lol.

Hope that answers your question Michael.

- Shawn

 

I failed to mention that I also joined Washington state's chapter(?) of the AMHCA, rightly called the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association. Also, if I may, a correction. For those who might not know any differently, the national organization's name is the American Mental Health Counselors Association - not as I had it above from my original post. I was thinking of the ACA at the time of that writing.

- Shawn

 

Shawn,

Congrats - and I am glad to hear that your Capella experience is going well.

As a former doctoral learner, I found colloquia to be very valuable. Besides the f2f interaction, I was able to use the time to get "recharged" for doctoral study.

It is difficult at times to stay motivated in a DL program; I always returned from colloquia fired up and ready to go.

Shawn