The purpose of the program is to provide (a) graduate-level training for individuals seeking employment by community mental health centers, the Arkansas State Department of Human Services, and other community agencies; (b) electives and enrichment for other master’s degree programs; and (c) courses of interest to persons holding a baccalaureate degree.
The mission of the clinical and mental health counseling program is to develop counseling professionals who have evidence-based knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive, ethical, and competent counseling to diverse populations of individuals, groups, and families in a variety of settings. To accomplish this, the program engages students in a curriculum based on relationally oriented evidence-based model of counseling that integrates the best available research, clinical expertise, and client characteristics, culture, and preferences. The program also emphasizes that since counselors work in an increasingly diverse society, counselors must develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively with client diversity in all its aspects (e.g., culture, sexual and gender identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ability) and engage in social justice and advocacy.
A student’s plan of study is designed to meet licensure requirements according to Arkansas law. Southern Arkansas University is not responsible for courses required for licensure if the state changes requirements after the student’s program is approved. Earning a master’s degree from Southern Arkansas University does not mean that the degree recipient will receive a license.
Specific Degree Requirements
Each candidate for the master’s degree in clinical and mental health counseling will be required to complete the 60 semester hours listed below. The Board of Examiners in Counseling accepts only grades of A or B in these courses.
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