Colorado Christian University has announced recently that the Council
for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has
granted accreditation to the University's
Master
of Arts in Counseling degree.
The CACREP accreditation provides
extra opportunity to students. As the only accrediting body for counseling
programs in the United States, a CACREP degree streamlines the licensure
application process and is recognized in all 50 states.
Additionally, research shows that CACREP graduates typically perform better
on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure Certification. Students
going on to doctoral studies will also have easier paths into the school of
their choice -- most doctoral programs have strong preferences toward students
who graduated from a CACREP accredited program.
With the
accreditation, students know that CCU's program meets or exceeds academic
standards while exhibiting professional and financial stability.
AS
CCU moved through the accreditation process, part of the appeal of the program
also proved to be part of the challenge. Since CCU's program is offered in
three locations along the Front Range -- Loveland, Lakewood, and Colorado
Springs -- the accrediting committee wanted to ensure that the same content was
taught at every location. Having confirmed that, the committee was interested
in the short duration of the classes. Aimed at working adults, many classes
meet in the evenings and run for a matter of weeks, not months.
Said Dr. Yvonne Tate, Director of the M.A. in Counseling program, "When they
asked about course requirements, I pulled out my theories course. I explained
what my students have to do: pre-reading, responding online, completing
surveys, watching videos...and by the end I think the committee was glad they
didn't have to take that course!" CCU not only proved that they met the unique
challenges of offering classes in various locations and differing durations:
"They told us we were offering an outstanding education," said Tate.
With the counseling field predicted to outpace national job growth over the
next decade, CCU's accreditation provides another option to potential students
-- especially those already working or needing to schedule school around their
families. Still, while the program is designed to train counselors,
instructors realize they are preparing students for more than just a job. Part
of the strong job prospects in counseling come from turnover and burnout.
Thus, CCU's program stresses self-care and emotional health, which is the key
to staying in the field. "This isn't just a profession; it's a calling. You
really have to be a special person to do this work," Tate said.