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"Online tour"

(Table of Contents)
Chpt 1: History of the MAC program
Chpt 2: Purposes of the MAC program
Chpt 3: MAC contrasted w/ other programs
Chpt 4: A proposed timeline for the program
Chpt 5: Instruction and MAC courses
Chpt 6: MAC program flexibility
Chpt 7: Employment options with MAC
Chpt 8: Credentials available with MAC
Chpt 9: Expected costs
Chpt 10: Financial aid

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC")

The MAC "Online tour"
Chapter 3: MAC contrasted with other programs

Saint Martin's University is not the only master's-level program that teaches counseling skills, of course. There are a number of alternative programs in the Puget Sound area. Some of them place a high emphasis on students' self-awareness; others place a heavy emphasis on assessment and research skills necessary for doctoral programs. Some programs are broad in scope, while others focus on a more narrow area such as preparing students for careers in a specialty area such as marriage and family therapy.

The MAC faculty encourage you to investigate the options and weigh your choices carefully. Please feel free to discuss them with the MAC Director or other faculty who will respond honestly and frankly. It is in the long-term interest of the Program to attract informed students who are fully committed to study at Saint Martin's University.

Some people are interested in careers where they specialize in counseling children within educational settings. The State of Washington requires school counselors to hold an "Educational Staff Associate" (ESA) certificate. This certification is granted to those who have completed a master's degree including specific coursework at an institution with an approved ESA program.

Saint Martin's University has an approved ESA counseling program, which can be completed either with the MAC Program or within the Masters of Education. The majority of students seeking the ESA certificate enroll in the counseling strand of the MEd Program (this choice includes enrollment in two MAC classes). A number of other graduate students have chosen to earn the ESA certificate along with completing the MAC Program -- in a sense "double majoring." This obviously involves more time, effort, and cost. However, it provides more depth in counseling psychology. Finally, some graduate students have secured jobs in educational settings without a formal ESA certificate.

For more information about these options or names of students with whom you may discuss these options, contact the MAC Director or the Director of the ESA strand in the MEd Program (360) 438-4509.

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