MS Programs in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Awarded Eight-year Accreditation

By Jeff Murphy, August 22, 2018

WARRENSBURG, MO – Contributing to its reputation as a leader among Missouri public higher education institutions with accredited programs, the University of Central Missouri has received good news about its Master of Science degrees in the counseling area. Both the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the MS in School Counseling have been re-accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

“We are overjoyed. Actually, validated,” said Nancy Forth Ph.D., who serves as professor and coordinator for the Counselor Education Program in UCM’s School of Professional Education and Leadership.  “We know that we have a solid, stellar program, but this was great validation and confirmation that we are doing what we need to do to prepare future counselors.”

She pointed out this accreditation is for an eight-year period. This is the longest continuous accreditation for these programs since they initially gained CACREP approval for two years, beginning in 2009. The programs are accredited through Oct. 31, 2026.

 Forth said UCM is one of only four public institutions of higher education in the state that have the CACREP distinction.  Both are offered in a hybrid delivery format on the Warrensburg campus and at UCM-Lee’s Summit at the Missouri Innovation Campus, and include online course offerings (for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration).

UCM was notified of the CACREP’s decision to re-accredit the programs in late July. Action taken by the organizations’ Board of Directors was based on an extensive review of self-study documents, a three-day site visit conducted by a CACREP team in April, and UCM’s response to the visiting team’s report.

“Specialty areas receiving accreditation for an eight-year period deserve to be commended for the
work completed throughout the accreditation process,” said M. Sylvia Fernandez, Ph.D., president and CEO of CACREP, in a letter announcing the organization’s decision. “This is indeed a worthy achievement.”

Forth noted that accreditation benefits students in that some employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs. It lets them know that UCM has met a rigorous set of standards that ensures it is providing a quality curriculum and other learning opportunities that enable students to develop skills and values they need to succeed in their professional careers. CACREP accreditation also helps graduates who are moving to another state, making it easier for them to transfer credentials such as certification or licensure.

Students seeking the MS in School Counseling will work with K-12 students in public and private schools. Opportunities for those who graduate with an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling include working in community mental health, not-for-profit organizations, hospital settings, and positions leading to private practice.

The UCM programs have a reputation for being rigorous, which is something alumni who have worked professionally value as do their employers.

“Our reputation is very strong in this area. Our alumni come back and say ‘thank you,’ because once they graduated from the program, they knew what to do,” Forth said. “I have had school principals and mental health agency supervisors call me and say “who have you got?” We want your graduates.’ We also have some clinical sites in the Kansas City area that hold slots for our practicum students and interns because they know that they come prepared.”

Preparation for the CACREP accreditation spanned approximately two years. While the next site visit is eight years away, Forth said CACREP will conduct a four-year review to ensure there are no changes in the accredited programs.

Commenting about factors that contributed to CACREP’s stamp of approval, Forth acknowledged the efforts of quality faculty but also added, “It’s because of our support from our administration, starting with our school chair, dean, provost, all the way up to the president, that we are able to achieve accreditation. Their support makes it possible for us to continue to have a nationally accredited program.”

CACREP’s mission is to promote the professional competence of counseling and related practitioners through the development of preparation standards; the encouragement of excellence in program development; and the accreditation of professional preparation programs.

To learn more about UCM’s MS programs in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, visit ucmo.edu/academics/programs/masters-degrees/counseling-ms-53-820/ or contact Dr. Forth at 660-543-8903 or nforth@ucmo.edu.