Graduate Counseling
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions pertain mostly to graduate counseling programs. For other general questions related to graduate school at John Brown University, go to Graduate School FAQ's.
- Where are the Graduate Counseling classes offered?
- Are Graduate Counseling courses offered online?
- Do I have to take an entrance exam?
- Is there an application deadline?
- What counseling degree options are offered?
- How long will it take to get my counseling degree?
- How is the program structured?
- Is financial assistance available?
- Are the programs accredited?
- Do I get practicum/internship experience with face-to-face counseling?
- Will I be licensed upon completion of the counseling program?
- What is the class size in counseling programs?
- Do you accept transfer credit from another institution?
1. Where are the Graduate Counseling classes offered?
All Graduate Counseling classes are offered on a full-time basis at the main campus in Siloam Springs. All counseling classes are also offered on a rotation basis at the Fort Smith Center and the Rogers Center. Beginning Fall 2013, counseling classes will be offered in Little Rock as well. Many counseling classes are also offered online.
2. Are Graduate Counseling courses offered online?
The JBU Graduate Counseling program is pleased to offer students several online courses that might allow for more flexibility in scheduling coursework. JBU has utilized the top standard for delivery of distance coursework making sure that every course has an interactive component and utilizes both synchronous and nonsynchronous modalities. While the degree is not offered online, the identified courses that have been selected for this type of delivery have been approved by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy. Please be advised that different states have different rules and regulations regarding distance online courses. JBU does not assume responsibility for courses that are not recognized (or allowed) in other states. Any student who takes an online counseling course at JBU must determine whether this course will be accepted in that particular state.
All online classes are taught by JBU faculty who interact with you via e-mail, web conferencing and discussion boards. For a list of the current online classes, click here.
3. Do I have to take an entrance exam?
All counseling students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A combined minimum score of 1000 (if taken before 8/1/11) or 300 (if taken after 8/1/11) on the GRE is required for admission into the counseling program.
4. Is there an application deadline?
Yes. To begin a counseling degree program in the fall semester, you must apply by June 30. To begin in the Spring semester, you must apply by October 31. To begin in the summer, you will need to apply prior to summer registration. These deadlines vary for those applying for scholarships.
5. What Graduate Counseling options are available?
Currently, Graduate Counseling offers four majors: Community Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Community Counseling, and School Counseling.
6. How long will it take to get my counseling degree?
- Community Counseling can be completed in 2 years as a full-time student or 3 years as a part-time student.
- Marriage and Family Therapy can be completed in 2 1/2 years as a full-time student or 3 1/2 years a part-time student.
- School Counseling can be completed in 2 1/2 to 3 years on a part-time basis.
7. How is the program structured?
Our program meets the needs of the student who works full time by offering courses every evening. The program also meets the need of the full-time student who wishes to complete the program quickly and return to their state or country of origin. This allows the student to take a maximum load each semester and commute to the Siloam campus one day per week. Offering the program in Fort Smith and Rogers on a rotation basis provides more convenience to busy commuter schedules.
8. Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available to Graduate Counseling students in the form of scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and student loans for counseling degrees. To determine your eligibility for loans, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
9. Are the programs accredited?
Yes. John Brown University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org, 312.263.0456). The School Counseling program is approved by the Arkansas State Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
10. Do I get practicum/internship experience with face-to-face counseling?
Yes. The Graduate Counseling Program provides internship opportunities through JBU's CARE Clinic which has offices in seven locations across Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith. Interns are under the direct supervision of faculty throughout their internship. The students can apply for an internship at the CARE Clinic and complete face-to-face hours with individuals, couples, and families. Practicum and internship experience total 600 hours for Community Counseling candidates and 800 hours for Marriage & Family candidates. Prior to graduation, all Marriage & Family candidates must complete 500 hours of direct client contact and all Community Counseling candidates must complete 375 hours of direct client contact. Students are supervised by faculty through state of the art technology: two way mirrors, videotaping, and "bug in the ear" technology.
11. Will I be licensed upon completion of the counseling program?
The master of science counseling degrees are aligned with Arkansas requirements for professional licensing and/or obtaining public school credentials as described below:
If you are graduating with an M.S. in either the Community Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy programs, you will be ready to sit for an exam granting temporary licensing which readies you for job opportunities in many counseling areas. After approximately three years of continued supervision, you can obtain your permanent state licensure in Arkansas. The program requirements allow students to return to their state of origin to pursue licensure requirements in that state. While course requirements vary for each state, our program requires more than 60 hours in coursework which meets requirements for licensure in most states.
If you are graduating with an M.S. in School Counseling, you are prepared to become a licensed school counselor after passing your Praxis II exam. Minimum score required to pass Praxis II is 600; average score earned by JBU School Counseling students is 635.
12. What is the class size in counseling programs?
Some classes are limited in numbers ranging from 10-15 students. Most of the academic classes range from 15-20 students.
13. Do you accept transfer credit from another institution?
You may transfer up to nine hours of Graduate coursework or 25% of the degree program, whichever is greater, toward fulfillment of a graduate degree. All transferred hours must be applicable toward the degree and approved by the Graduate Counseling Program Director and the Dean of Graduate Studies and they must have a grade of "B-" or better.
