M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
UCA's MS in Mental Health Counseling is a 60-semester-hour program that can serve as a terminal degree for professional practice or as a foundational step for those considering doctoral studies. It emphasizes a strong blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application through required coursework and a crucial one-semester internship. The program's core aim is to ensure graduates possess a comprehensive understanding of ethical and professional standards of care, enabling them to effectively engage in therapeutic relationships within a counseling setting. The department is committed to preparing graduates who can provide evidence-based services to diverse populations.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the 60-credit-hour MS in Mental Health Counseling is comprehensive. While a full list of all 60 hours was not provided, typical required courses include foundational areas such as Theories and Techniques in Counseling, Psychopathology, Group Counseling, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, and Research Methods in Counseling. Additionally, students typically take courses in areas like Crisis Counseling, Couples and Family Counseling, Psychological Testing, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse. The program includes significant practicum and internship components, requiring supervised clinical experience, where students gain hands-on counseling skills.
Research Focus: The MS in Mental Health Counseling program at UCA operates under a "scientist-practitioner model" of education and training. This means that while the primary goal is to prepare skilled practitioners, there's also an emphasis on understanding the scientific basis of psychology and counseling. The curriculum includes a "Research Methods in Counseling" course, designed to equip students with the ability to critically evaluate research literature and apply evidence-based treatment approaches. Faculty members often have active research interests, which can provide students with opportunities to engage in research or develop a deeper understanding of empirically supported interventions.
Industry Engagement: The program's strong industry engagement is evident through its requirement for a one-semester internship and other clinical components. These placements are crucial for providing students with supervised, real-world experience in various mental health centers, community agencies, hospitals, and private practices. UCA maintains affiliations with clinical and internship facilities, ensuring diverse practical experiences for students. The program directly prepares graduates to enter the mental health profession and become Licensed Professional Counselors, indicating a clear alignment with industry demands and professional standards in the field.
Global Perspective: While the program's primary focus is on preparing professionals for licensure within the state of Arkansas and surrounding regions, the curriculum inherently fosters a global perspective through its emphasis on multicultural competence and diversity. Courses like "Multicultural Counseling" are designed to equip future counselors with the understanding and skills to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those from different cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic groups. This focus prepares graduates to provide sensitive and effective mental health services in an increasingly diverse society, acknowledging the global nature of human experience and the impact of cultural factors on mental health.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
An M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) prepares graduates for a profoundly impactful career centered on supporting the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and groups. While it is designed to meet the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Arkansas, providing a strong foundation in ethical practice, therapeutic techniques, and client-centered care across diverse settings.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Community Mental Health Centers: This is a common and direct path. Graduates work in community settings, providing individual, group, and family therapy to a diverse clientele facing various mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide crisis intervention.
Private Practice Counselor: After accumulating supervised hours and obtaining full licensure, many mental health counselors establish their own private practices. This offers autonomy in client selection, specialization areas (e.g., grief counseling, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy), and work-life balance.
Substance Abuse Counselor: Specializing in addiction, these counselors work with individuals and groups struggling with substance use disorders. They provide therapy, facilitate recovery groups, educate on relapse prevention, and often work in inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or specialized clinics.
Hospital-Based Counselor: In hospitals (including psychiatric units, emergency departments, or general medical floors), counselors provide mental health support, crisis intervention, and discharge planning. They assist patients and families coping with illness, trauma, and mental health crises, often as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor: EAP counselors work with organizations to provide short-term counseling, referrals, and support services to employees dealing with personal or work-related issues that might impact their well-being and productivity. This can be an in-house role or with an external EAP provider.
Rehabilitation Counselor: These professionals work with individuals with disabilities (physical, mental, developmental) to help them achieve personal, social, psychological, and vocational goals. They may work in hospitals, non-profit organizations, or private practices, combining mental health support with disability-specific interventions.
Crisis Intervention Specialist: Working in crisis centers, hotlines, or emergency services, these counselors provide immediate support and de-escalation for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, suicidal ideation, or traumatic events.
Trauma-Informed Counselor: With specialized training, counselors can focus on working with individuals who have experienced trauma. They utilize therapeutic modalities like EMDR or trauma-focused CBT to help clients process and heal from past traumatic events.
Grief and Bereavement Counselor: Specializing in loss, these counselors support individuals and families navigating grief and bereavement due to death, divorce, or other significant life changes. They often work in hospices, community centers, or private practice.
Higher Education Counselor: Universities and colleges employ mental health counselors in their counseling centers to support student well-being. They address common student issues like anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and academic stress, often providing individual and group counseling.
