Through its Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC), University of the Cumberlands offers a graduate program for those students aspiring to become Licensed Professional Counselors. The program is designed to serve both recent baccalaureate graduates and licensed professionals who desire to broaden their expertise as community and mental health counselors. Students beginning the program at the entry level can complete their degree in two years. Students who choose the Intensive Study Abroad option can complete their degree in one year. The aim of this degree program is to provide students with the academic background and requirements that enable one to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Program Features

• Multiple Program Tracks

Entry Level Coursework and Practicum Program (2 years)
Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in psychology, social work, human services or a related field and who do not hold any professional licenses would begin the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in this track. The 60-hour curriculum includes both online and on-campus courses, and includes two clinical practicum rotations. One year of the curriculum can be completed online and is followed by the first practicum rotation. The second year courses of the curriculum are delivered on campus. The masters degree is confirmed upon successful completion of the second practicum rotation.

Advanced Standing Thesis or Case Report Program (2 years)
Experienced counselors who hold an unrestricted license (LCSW, MFT, LCPC, etc) who wish to attain Licensed Professional Counselor status would enroll in this 60-hour “bridge” curriculum. Based on their academic record and counseling experience, these candidates would be granted advanced standing toward their masters degree. In lieu of the clinical practicum, these students would complete a 60-80 page masters thesis or case reports documenting their clinical experience. As with the entry level program, the curriculum is delivered in a combination of online and on-campus courses.

•Class Schedule

Courses are scheduled during the regular academic year in eight-week terms. There are two terms per semester. Degree candidates normally take two classes during each eight- week term. During the summer term, additional courses (including the clinical practicum courses) can be taken.

• Blended Online and On-Campus Evening Format

As stated earlier, the course curriculum will be delivered in both online and on-campus classes. Online courses will have one online “meeting” per week (i.e. Thursday from 8:00-9:30 pm) to discuss course content, as well as significant reading, writing, and research assignments to be completed by students on their own time. On-campus courses will be taught in the evening. Each on-campus course will meet one night per week for 4 hours (i.e. Tuesday, 5:00-9:00 p.m.). The curriculum has been scheduled in such a way that students can complete the first year (24 hours) of the curriculum online with the remaining 36 hours either in residence or in practicum rotations. Students with advanced standing will complete the thesis or case reports in lieu of the practicum rotations.

Sample Program Schedules

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