Are you planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling? If you would like to be licensed in your state, you must complete a Master’s degree program before you can take the licensure testing. As an undergraduate student, it is important to compare all of the traditional and online Master’s degree programs so that you make the best choice to build your skills. While it is not a requirement in each state to complete a CACREP accredited program, for students who would like to become a professional counselor or mental health counselor a CACREP accredited program will prepare students for the examinations given by most states. Read on to learn why to choose a CACREP accredited program, and how you can find a program in your area.
Why Graduate Students Should Choose a CACREP Accredited Program
CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs. This council is a specialized accreditor that looks at the specific professional program to determine if the program meets a long list of standards to prepare students for licensing exams. Unlike other accreditors that review the institution at the institution level, this specialized accreditation focuses on both the program and the institution’s financial stability. By choosing a CACREP accredited program, students who are seeking to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling have peace of mind in knowing that the program that they select meets all of the standards set by the council. Students also have the peace of mind in knowing that the degree will be recognized by prospective employers in the field. Each of the programs that are accredited include quality content and are available through a financially stable institution.
How to Find CACREP Accredited Programs Available in Your Area
Now that you understand why it is in your best interest to take a CACREP accredited program to earn your Master’s in Counseling, you may be wondering how you can go about finding out which programs have been accredited with the council. It is important to be aware of the fact that, if a program is accredited within 12 months of you graduating, accreditation will be acknowledged. To look at programs that have already been accredited, or programs that are in the process of being accredited, you can access the CACREP website directly and browse the Interactive Online Directory. By clicking on the link that directs you to the online directory, you can narrow down programs by State, Program Type, Program Characteristics, ans Keywords, or you can review a list of each program by scrolling down. The search results will show you when the program was accredited, when accreditation ends, and includes a link to the institution’s site.
Master’s degree programs in counseling will be accredited by the CACREP for a period of 2 years or 8 years until the standards will be reviewed. Make sure to keep this in mind when you are selecting a program. Once you narrow down your options, review feedback from prior students, and select a program type that will teach you all of the information you need to know to pass your state licensing test and become a professional counselor.