Counseling Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Preadmission Questions:

Do I have to have a B. A. /B. S. in Psychology or Education to get into this program?

No, actually we are known for the academic diversity of our entering students in this program. People from all walks of life are welcome. There are no undergraduate pre-requisites necessary. Previous students have come from the business world, various fields of education and straight from undergraduate programs.

Do I have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE’s)?

There is no need to take the Graduate Record Examination to be accepted.

What should my GPA be?

Normally, an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required; although other factors will be considered in the decision for admission, such as years of professional experience, high average in major field, scores on required standardized tests, or academic development beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students with lower GPA’s may be accepted as non-matriculated students. If you are accepted on that basis, you may take two classes (6 credits) and then matriculated admission will be evaluated based on your performance and evaluation in those classes. Students who enroll in graduate courses on a non-matriculated basis and apply thereafter for matriculated status will be informed at the time of acceptance which courses may be applied to the degree program. Most often, both courses are applied to the program.

Do I need any experience in the field to get into the program?

No. A Narrative Statement of Interest in the counseling program and interview with the Program Advisor is recommended prior to admission.

What does an M. A. in Counseling allow me to do professionally?

This program prepares people to be Counselors in a variety of settings including schools, agencies and hospitals. The classes provide students with a firm foundation in various theories of counseling, before they go out into the field.

How many credits is the Counseling Program?

The approved degree program for School or General Counseling consists of eleven classes (36 credits) of course work. These programs require a major paper and a practicum/internship. Periodic consultation with an advisor is required to assure proper sequence and progress in developing competencies as a counselor. The programs prepare students for counseling in schools and in other agencies.

What kinds of classes are offered at Manhattan College in the Counseling Program?

Classes are offered in theoretical, practical and research based areas. ‘Theories of Counseling’, which is one of the first classes offered, gives a theoretical overview to the general principals and practices of counseling. This course gives all students, with or without a background in Psychology, a solid foundation in theory. ‘Career Development’ is a course that is designed to give students the opportunity to learn firsthand, about career counseling. Students are able to take interest inventories and discuss future career options. Students are also given a course in the statistical aspects of counseling. ‘Measurement and Appraisal’ explores educational testing and the effects that it has on counselor’s diagnostic skills. ‘Techniques of Counseling the Individual’ teaches students basic counseling techniques and then provides many firsthand experiences for them to utilize what they have learned. Students are also given the opportunity to become familiar and comfortable with using the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) for diagnosis in ‘Psychology of the Emotionally Disturbed’. While working on the first three chapter of their thesis, students are guided in the Research Methods class by a trained research Professor. Students are also able to bond and get to experience being part of a real grouping ‘Introduction to Group Dynamics’. ‘Organization and Administration’ is a very extensive course on how a School Guidance program is organized and run on a daily basis. During your time in the program, students are also able to choose from a variety of electives that fit their own interests and concentration in the field.

What kind of hands-on experience do I get in this program?

There are a number of case studies, as well as dyad counseling sessions required for certain classes. Students must obtain their own clients, but all work done is supervised learning. This allows you the opportunity to begin your training as a counselor under the close direction of your Professors. The true hands-on experience comes when you do your Practicum. During this time, you spend at least 150 hours working with certified counselors, in your specific area of concentration, learning in the field. As in every class, your progress is monitored and supervised by trained professionals that have been in the field for many years. Placements are done in schools, agencies, corporations, and hospitals.

How much does it cost to attend Manhattan College’s Counseling Program?

Manhattan College classes run approximately $ 540.00 per credit. Most classes are 3 credits. There is a 1/3 tuition reduction for students that work in Catholic Schools. Please see the handbook for exact prices because they may change from year to year.

What kind of Financial Assistance is available?

Graduate students are eligible for Financial Assistance and some Federal grants. Once a FAFSA Form is filled out, based on need students can apply for loans that will be paid back based on each loan criteria. If students are eligible for work-study, they can acquire jobs on-campus to help pay for a part of their tuition. Grants and other opportunities are also available.

How long will it take me to complete the entire program? When are the classes offered? (Day, Night, Weekend, Summer etc.).

The program is 36 credits, which is eleven classes plus a 1 credit research advisement fee to finish the thesis with your advisor. Students can take as many classes as possible per semester. Classes are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer (June, July & August) sessions. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. through as late as 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and weeklong sessions in the summer. In the first year, students can take most courses at 4 P.M. or at 6 P.M. Classes run for 2 hours. On average students take anywhere from a year and a half to two years, to five years to complete their course work. Most students complete the program in two years.

Can I transfer other graduate courses that I have from another college or university?

A certain number of classes can be transferred from other graduate programs. Up to six graduate credits may be transferred from another institution PRIOR to commencement of your work here. This policy is based on a case-by-case evaluation to be certain that the transferred courses are relevant to this program. Please speak to your program advisor to discuss what classes, if any, would be put toward your degree.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE MANHATTAN COLLEGE’S COUNSELING PROGRAM?

Yes – put some quotes here – then my three ideas:

The program has a variety of people from all walks of life both in age and in undergraduate major.

The program is small which enables students to not only get to know their professors, but to also become friends and colleagues with their fellow students.

The program’s placement is ideal: a small pleasant campus set in the heart of New York City. Students can have practicum/internship experiences in many diverse settings.
Initial Acceptance Questions:

What classes should I take first?

There are certain classes that you have to take to move along in the program, sequence to your classes. See the section on program where the sequence is all mapped out.

Are the classes offered in a specific sequence? Are electives offered?

There is an outline that is distributed at orientation and is also in the Electronic Handbook. Certain classes must be taken as prerequisites to other classes. There is not a specific sequence, but rather suggested guidelines to follow, if you want to finish the program in a specific period of time.

Research Paper:

Do I have to do a Research paper or project?

Yes, a research project and final thesis is needed to complete the program. Each student does an original research project in the area of their concentration and writes an APA style paper including the findings and implications for counselors of that research study.

What exactly do I have to do for this paper? Is there help writing, revising and doing the statistics for my paper?

The first three sections of your paper are completed in the ‘Research Methods’ class with the help of your Instructor (EDUG 713). Students are expected to devise a hypothesis, gather literature on their topic and write a paper discussing the issue they want to research. They must also describe the procedures they intend to use to gather their data. Actual data is collected and analyzed. A three credit class will allow you time to finish the last two sections of your paper. The paper is then completed and handed into your advisor for approval. Papers must be completed in final draft form prior to entrance into Practicum. While in Practicum, students will make any revisions on their papers as needed.

When is my thesis due?

The first three sections are completed during the ‘Research Methods’ class. Students then work independently on their data collection. A three-credit class is offered after students have gathered their data and are ready to complete the rest of their thesis. Once all five sections are complete the paper is handed into their program advisor. This is based on when each student gets the paper done.

M. A. in Counseling:

What kinds of positions are available for someone with a 36 credit M. A. in Counseling?

Graduates from this program have gone on to a number of different jobs in the field of Counseling. While a good number of students work in schools as guidance counselors, other students work in hospitals or agencies counseling a variety of different people. Yet others work in corporations and some go on to doctoral work.

Where do I look for positions?

It is always wise to utilize a number of resources. Newspaper ads, Internet websites and affiliations to certain organizations gain you access to many leads on job vacancies in the area. Also talking to people in the field may lead you to jobs that need trained professionals. The faculty at Manhattan College also use their connections to help students find positions.

Can I only work in New York City or is my degree transferable to other areas and states?

In school counseling, the New York certification is accepted by most other states. Some states require 3 years of teaching in order to be certified, so students who want to work in those states compete the required number of teaching years before getting certified in counseling.

Licensing:

What is Licensure?

Licensure is a legislatively established basis of credentialing that is considered even more desirable than certification because it regulates not only the title, but also the practice of the profession. Over 40 states have passed legislation to license professional counselors. New York just recently passed licensure for counselors.

When I am done with the program, do I get a license to practice counseling?

Once 36 credits is completed, the practicum experience was done in a certified school, under the direction of a certified person, and the Master’s requirements are completed, graduates may file for their provisional license. A provisional license is good for five (5) years. Within those five (5) years, another 24 credits must be accumulated in the field of counseling to obtain permanent certification in New York State as a school counselor. There is not certification for general counseling in an agency or other professional setting.

Certification:

What is Certification?

Certification, unlike licensure, is established through independent, nonlegislative organizations that help to regulate the use of a particular title. Counselors can be certified through the State of New York as described above, the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), and rehabilitation counselors are certified through the Commission fro Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The NBCC examination is also the examination that is used by many states for licensure.

Does getting a PD automatically certify me as a Counselor?

Getting your Professional Diploma allows you to get permanent certification in the field of counseling in New York State.

What is the difference between provisional and permanent certification?

Provisional certification is only temporary. With 36 credits you are only provisionally certified to be a counselor. You have this provisional certification for only 5 years. By that time you must acquire another 24 credits in the concentrated area of counseling. This can be done by either getting your Professional Diploma or with continuing education classes in Counseling. With 60 credits in total, you are now able to apply for your permanent certification.

Professional Diploma (PD):

What is a Professional Diploma?

A Professional Diploma is an advanced Counseling degree. This diploma consists of 24 credits. Students that have already received their MA can get their PD to get permanently certified as a Counselor. Classes are at an advanced level for Counselors that are already in the field. Students take classes such as Laws and Ethics of Counseling and Supervision of Counseling students.

Do I have to get my PD?

You must get another 24 credits to be permanently certified within 5 years of obtaining your MA. This is one option to achieve that permanent certification. You may just take credits as well but they must relate to counseling. Often the Professional Diploma is a better elarning experience because the course are specifically designed for developing your skills.

Do I have to get my PD from Manhattan College because I got my MA from here? Do other schools offer the PD?

No. Other schools do offer the Professional Diploma.



Frequently Asked Questions Preadmission Questions: Do I have to have a B. A. /B. S. in Psychology or Education to get into this program? No, actually we are known for the academic diversity of our entering students in this program. People from all walks of life are welcome. There are no undergraduate pre-requisites necessary. Previous students have come from the business world, various fields of education and straight from undergraduate programs. Do I have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE’s)? There is no need to take the Graduate Record Examination to be accepted. What should my GPA be? Normally, an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required; although other factors will be considered in the decision for admission, such as years of professional experience, high average in major field, scores on required standardized tests, or academic development beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students with lower GPA’s may be accepted as non-matriculated students. If you are accepted on that basis, you may take two classes (6 credits) and then matriculated admission will be evaluated based on your performance and evaluation in those classes. Students who enroll in graduate courses on a non-matriculated basis and apply thereafter for matriculated status will be informed at the time of acceptance which courses may be applied to the degree program. Most often, both courses are applied to the program. Do I need any experience in the field to get into the program? No. A Narrative Statement of Interest in the counseling program and interview with the Program Advisor is recommended prior to admission. What does an M. A. in Counseling allow me to do professionally? This program prepares people to be Counselors in a variety of settings including schools, agencies and hospitals. The classes provide students with a firm foundation in various theories of counseling, before they go out into the field. How many credits is the Counseling Program? The approved degree program for School or General Counseling consists of eleven classes (36 credits) of course work. These programs require a major paper and a practicum/internship. Periodic consultation with an advisor is required to assure proper sequence and progress in developing competencies as a counselor. The programs prepare students for counseling in schools and in other agencies. What kinds of classes are offered at Manhattan College in the Counseling Program? Classes are offered in theoretical, practical and research based areas. ‘Theories of Counseling’, which is one of the first classes offered, gives a theoretical overview to the general principals and practices of counseling. This course gives all students, with or without a background in Psychology, a solid foundation in theory. ‘Career Development’ is a course that is designed to give students the opportunity to learn firsthand, about career counseling. Students are able to take interest inventories and discuss future career options. Students are also given a course in the statistical aspects of counseling. ‘Measurement and Appraisal’ explores educational testing and the effects that it has on counselor’s diagnostic skills. ‘Techniques of Counseling the Individual’ teaches students basic counseling techniques and then provides many firsthand experiences for them to utilize what they have learned. Students are also given the opportunity to become familiar and comfortable with using the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) for diagnosis in ‘Psychology of the Emotionally Disturbed’. While working on the first three chapter of their thesis, students are guided in the Research Methods class by a trained research Professor. Students are also able to bond and get to experience being part of a real grouping ‘Introduction to Group Dynamics’. ‘Organization and Administration’ is a very extensive course on how a School Guidance program is organized and run on a daily basis. During your time in the program, students are also able to choose from a variety of electives that fit their own interests and concentration in the field. What kind of hands-on experience do I get in this program? There are a number of case studies, as well as dyad counseling sessions required for certain classes. Students must obtain their own clients, but all work done is supervised learning. This allows you the opportunity to begin your training as a counselor under the close direction of your Professors. The true hands-on experience comes when you do your Practicum. During this time, you spend at least 150 hours working with certified counselors, in your specific area of concentration, learning in the field. As in every class, your progress is monitored and supervised by trained professionals that have been in the field for many years. Placements are done in schools, agencies, corporations, and hospitals. How much does it cost to attend Manhattan College’s Counseling Program? Manhattan College classes run approximately $ 540.00 per credit. Most classes are 3 credits. There is a 1/3 tuition reduction for students that work in Catholic Schools. Please see the handbook for exact prices because they may change from year to year. What kind of Financial Assistance is available? Graduate students are eligible for Financial Assistance and some Federal grants. Once a FAFSA Form is filled out, based on need students can apply for loans that will be paid back based on each loan criteria. If students are eligible for work-study, they can acquire jobs on-campus to help pay for a part of their tuition. Grants and other opportunities are also available. How long will it take me to complete the entire program? When are the classes offered? (Day, Night, Weekend, Summer etc.). The program is 36 credits, which is eleven classes plus a 1 credit research advisement fee to finish the thesis with your advisor. Students can take as many classes as possible per semester. Classes are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer (June, July & August) sessions. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. through as late as 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and weeklong sessions in the summer. In the first year, students can take most courses at 4 P.M. or at 6 P.M. Classes run for 2 hours. On average students take anywhere from a year and a half to two years, to five years to complete their course work. Most students complete the program in two years. Can I transfer other graduate courses that I have from another college or university? A certain number of classes can be transferred from other graduate programs. Up to six graduate credits may be transferred from another institution PRIOR to commencement of your work here. This policy is based on a case-by-case evaluation to be certain that the transferred courses are relevant to this program. Please speak to your program advisor to discuss what classes, if any, would be put toward your degree. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE MANHATTAN COLLEGE’S COUNSELING PROGRAM? Yes – put some quotes here – then my three ideas: The program has a variety of people from all walks of life both in age and in undergraduate major. The program is small which enables students to not only get to know their professors, but to also become friends and colleagues with their fellow students. The program’s placement is ideal: a small pleasant campus set in the heart of New York City. Students can have practicum/internship experiences in many diverse settings. Initial Acceptance Questions: What classes should I take first? There are certain classes that you have to take to move along in the program, sequence to your classes. See the section on program where the sequence is all mapped out. Are the classes offered in a specific sequence? Are electives offered? There is an outline that is distributed at orientation and is also in the Electronic Handbook. Certain classes must be taken as prerequisites to other classes. There is not a specific sequence, but rather suggested guidelines to follow, if you want to finish the program in a specific period of time. Research Paper: Do I have to do a Research paper or project? Yes, a research project and final thesis is needed to complete the program. Each student does an original research project in the area of their concentration and writes an APA style paper including the findings and implications for counselors of that research study. What exactly do I have to do for this paper? Is there help writing, revising and doing the statistics for my paper? The first three sections of your paper are completed in the ‘Research Methods’ class with the help of your Instructor (EDUG 713). Students are expected to devise a hypothesis, gather literature on their topic and write a paper discussing the issue they want to research. They must also describe the procedures they intend to use to gather their data. Actual data is collected and analyzed. A three credit class will allow you time to finish the last two sections of your paper. The paper is then completed and handed into your advisor for approval. Papers must be completed in final draft form prior to entrance into Practicum. While in Practicum, students will make any revisions on their papers as needed. When is my thesis due? The first three sections are completed during the ‘Research Methods’ class. Students then work independently on their data collection. A three-credit class is offered after students have gathered their data and are ready to complete the rest of their thesis. Once all five sections are complete the paper is handed into their program advisor. This is based on when each student gets the paper done. M. A. in Counseling: What kinds of positions are available for someone with a 36 credit M. A. in Counseling? Graduates from this program have gone on to a number of different jobs in the field of Counseling. While a good number of students work in schools as guidance counselors, other students work in hospitals or agencies counseling a variety of different people. Yet others work in corporations and some go on to doctoral work. Where do I look for positions? It is always wise to utilize a number of resources. Newspaper ads, Internet websites and affiliations to certain organizations gain you access to many leads on job vacancies in the area. Also talking to people in the field may lead you to jobs that need trained professionals. The faculty at Manhattan College also use their connections to help students find positions. Can I only work in New York City or is my degree transferable to other areas and states? In school counseling, the New York certification is accepted by most other states. Some states require 3 years of teaching in order to be certified, so students who want to work in those states compete the required number of teaching years before getting certified in counseling. Licensing: What is Licensure? Licensure is a legislatively established basis of credentialing that is considered even more desirable than certification because it regulates not only the title, but also the practice of the profession. Over 40 states have passed legislation to license professional counselors. New York just recently passed licensure for counselors. When I am done with the program, do I get a license to practice counseling? Once 36 credits is completed, the practicum experience was done in a certified school, under the direction of a certified person, and the Master’s requirements are completed, graduates may file for their provisional license. A provisional license is good for five (5) years. Within those five (5) years, another 24 credits must be accumulated in the field of counseling to obtain permanent certification in New York State as a school counselor. There is not certification for general counseling in an agency or other professional setting. Certification: What is Certification? Certification, unlike licensure, is established through independent, nonlegislative organizations that help to regulate the use of a particular title. Counselors can be certified through the State of New York as described above, the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), and rehabilitation counselors are certified through the Commission fro Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The NBCC examination is also the examination that is used by many states for licensure. Does getting a PD automatically certify me as a Counselor? Getting your Professional Diploma allows you to get permanent certification in the field of counseling in New York State. What is the difference between provisional and permanent certification? Provisional certification is only temporary. With 36 credits you are only provisionally certified to be a counselor. You have this provisional certification for only 5 years. By that time you must acquire another 24 credits in the concentrated area of counseling. This can be done by either getting your Professional Diploma or with continuing education classes in Counseling. With 60 credits in total, you are now able to apply for your permanent certification. Professional Diploma (PD): What is a Professional Diploma? A Professional Diploma is an advanced Counseling degree. This diploma consists of 24 credits. Students that have already received their MA can get their PD to get permanently certified as a Counselor. Classes are at an advanced level for Counselors that are already in the field. Students take classes such as Laws and Ethics of Counseling and Supervision of Counseling students. Do I have to get my PD? You must get another 24 credits to be permanently certified within 5 years of obtaining your MA. This is one option to achieve that permanent certification. You may just take credits as well but they must relate to counseling. Often the Professional Diploma is a better elarning experience because the course are specifically designed for developing your skills. Do I have to get my PD from Manhattan College because I got my MA from here? Do other schools offer the PD? No. Other schools do offer the Professional Diploma.