Bluefield University in the News

Bluefield University Ranked One of Top 15 Online Counseling Master’s Programs

by | Nov 17, 2021

Bluefield, VA Bluefield University has been ranked one of the top 15 online counseling master’s programs by Best Degrees.

According to Best Degrees, to rank the 15 Best Online Counseling Master’s Programs, editors researched programs according to price, accreditation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report.

Bluefield University launched the Master of Arts in Counseling program in summer 2020. Offered through the School of Education and Social Sciences, the program is designed to adhere to the standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and features two specializations – Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling. The curriculum’s focus is on the development of highly skilled mental health professionals that provide comprehensive mental health care to people in need.

60 credit hours are required to complete the program at a cost of $480 per credit hour.  A military discount is available for active-duty military, veterans, reserve/national guard, police, corrections officers, firemen, and first responders.  The program is delivered in a 16-week hybrid format with on-campus intensives held three times per semester. Full-time, half-time, and part-time cohort options available to accommodate schedule demands.  Graduates of the Master of Arts in Counseling program will be prepared to pursue licensure as a mental health counselor in their state.

As part of the 60-credit hour curriculum, students will take core classes in Counseling Theories, Group Counseling, DSM Applications in Counseling, Addictions Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Lifespan Development, Systems in Counseling, and others. Students can choose one class from Expressive Arts in Counseling, Counseling Children & Adolescents, or Integration of Christianity & Counseling. For the Clinical Mental Health Counselor concentration, students will complete a Practicum experience as well as two Internships.

“We are always happy when the excellent work of our students and faculty is recognized,” shared Brandy Smith, Bluefield University Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling. “Our primary goal is to provide access to quality mental health training for school and clinical counselors in Southwest Virginia and beyond through our hybrid program model. In addition, we are committed to developing highly skilled counselors to excel as community leaders, advocates, and practitioners. We are certainly proud that Bluefield University is among the esteemed counseling programs on this list.”

For more information about the Master of Arts in Counseling program, visit: bluefield.edu/counseling/

For more information, contact Rebecca Kasey, director of public relations at [email protected]

Bluefield University

[email protected] • 276.326.4212

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Our team is here for you! How can we help?

This form requires credentials in order to request information.