Questions Most Frequently Asked by CMHC Applicants
- How does a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling differ from the master’s degree in Social Work (M.S.W.)?
The focus of the CMHC Program is to provide in-depth training in counseling skills and theory. Our students are prepared in the areas of individual, family, marital and group counseling to work as practicing counselors and therapists. The emphasis of the M.S.W. degree is to work with individuals from a sociological and case management perspective.
- Will this counseling degree help me to get a job with an agency and also to do private practice work?
The CMHC degree prepares individuals to work in various agencies and provides coursework, practicum, and internship necessary to attain National Counselor Certification (NCC), as well as Delaware Counselor Licensure (LPCMH). The licensed Professional Counselor is accepted as a provider by all managed care companies. There are very good career opportunities for the Master’s Degree counselor currently and in the future to meet the community’s needs for highly trained counselors.
- How long will it take me to complete the 60 credit hour program? This seems like a great deal of time and coursework.
The CMHC Program has been designed for completion in 3 years. Some of the courses are scheduled on a semester long (15-week) basis and other courses are scheduled in a weekend (Friday evening and Saturday) modular format to be completed over the course of 1-3 weekends. Semester length classes are usually 1 evening per week and may begin at either 5:30 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. The length of the program (60 credit hours) is mandated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Is the CMHC Program a competitive program in terms of admission standards?
Admission to the program is competitive based on the balance of a number of factors including undergraduate academic performance (GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred), prior work/volunteer experience, personal maturity, and personal/professional goals. We have a selection process that is utilized to evaluate a person’s readiness for graduate study and their suitability for the field of counseling.
- Does my undergraduate degree have to be in psychology or sociology for consideration?
No, we have, as a matter of fact, applicants with undergraduate degrees in business, education, criminal justice, science, music, etc. It is an advantage, however, to have had course work in psychology, sociology, and behavioral sciences.
- Is there financial aid available?
Yes, a significant number of our students utilize the Guaranteed Student Loan, which is based on need. You can get an application from a local bank which processes the loan for the federal government. The University’s Financial Aid Office can provide you with information about their loan program. Many students have benefited from this low interest program.
- Is the CMHC Program fully accredited?
We have received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) which grants accredited status to graduate level programs in the field of professional counseling for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree.
- If I am accepted into the CMHC Program, when can I start?
In order to be able to complete the program in 3 calendar years, students are admitted to begin classes in the Summer Term by submitting a fully completed application by no later than the Admission Deadline (February 1st of each year).
- Does the CMHC Program accept transfer credits?
A maximum of six credits may be transferred into the program in graduate courses that are deemed equivalent to the courses in the CMHC program.
- If for any reason, I need to withdraw from the program (financial, illness, etc.), would it be possible to re-enter the program without re-applying?
Students have a five-year time limit to complete the program. From time to time some students need to take a leave from the program and go on inactive status for a short time period. Students must contact their faculty academic advisor if there is a deviation from their program of study including becoming inactive. Typically, return to active status involves only notification of the faculty academic advisor. All students needing more than 5 years to complete their program of study must reapply for admission to the CMHC Program. Exceptions to this policy may be made in extenuating circumstances, which will be considered by the CMHC faculty on a case by case basis.
- How much time do I have to spend in an agency setting to complete the program?
The CMHC Program requires students to complete a 100-hour practicum at an agency in the Summer Term at the beginning of their third year. Beginning in the Fall Term and running through the Spring Term of the third year, they complete a 600-hour internship at an agency. The average time in the field during practicum is 8 hours per week and 20 hours per week during internship. Although many agencies have flexible hours, which enable students to work around their regular jobs, students often find that they must make arrangements with their employer to insure availability to complete the 600 hours of internship in the prescribed time period of two semesters (i.e., 32 weeks).
- Is it possible that practicum and/or internship experiences be done where a student is employed?
Yes, some students do work in agencies where practicum and/or internship can be completed. The site must meet all of the regular practicum and internship requirements and the practicum and internship duties must offer the opportunity for new learning and professional growth. In addition, supervision must be provided by someone who meets the CMHC Program’s site supervisor requirements for education and experience and who is not the student’s regular supervisor. Many students have worked out a creative experience with their agency supervisor and administrator that will enable them to perform in a different area, or to pilot an idea that will enhance their agency’s services.