Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) announced the availability of its new Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC) and its Master of Science in School Counseling (SC) programs.
Students may apply now for either of the two programs. Students seeking training in the field of counseling may also take a dual-degree program comprising both degrees. The application deadline for both programs for summer semester is April 17, 2020.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC and SC programs are prepared to help individuals deal with issues that affect mental health and wellbeing and to help individuals influence their personal development, learn to make positive adjustments, build productive vocational skills, and master the dynamics of the human experience. Each degree is a 60-credit hour program. Upon graduation, students are eligible for licensure or certification or both in their respective specialties.
The MHC prepares students for counseling positions in various community agencies, such as mental health centers, private counseling agencies, drug abuse centers, centers for counseling the elderly, child protective services, child counseling clinics, family counseling centers, pastoral counseling settings, as well as business and industry.
The SC program prepares students to become professional school counselors. They become familiar with school counseling services, develop better self-understanding, and develop the competencies of comprehensive school counselors who build and lead school counseling programs. The program meets coursework specifications for professional school counselor certification/licensure.
According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, the Utah population is expected to nearly double between 2015 and 2065. This indicates there will be a growing need for school and mental health counselors in Utah to meet population growth.
Dr. Verl Pope is the Program Director for the new Master of Science degree programs in Counseling.“The need for well-trained school and mental health counselors has never been more important than now,” said Dr. Verl Pope, counseling program director for RMUoHP. “There is a shortage of counseling professionals in the State of Utah. With a growing population, these two programs will help those who want to become counselors and meet the mental health needs of Utahns.”
Applications are being accepted for both programs. Currently, application fees are waived and, for the time being, the programs will provide online courses only. Eventually, the courses will be conducted both online and in person.
