Graduate Studies in Counseling & Behavioral Health

Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) offers several compelling reasons to choose it for a graduate degree:

1. Academic Excellence: FHU is known for its top-tier academics and commitment to providing high-quality education. The university offers a range of graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, counseling, education, and theology.
2. Mentorship and Support: FHU emphasizes personalized mentorship and support for graduate students. Faculty members are experienced professionals who guide and assist throughout the program, helping students succeed academically and professionally.
3. Christian Foundation: FHU is a private Christian university providing a unique learning environment integrating faith into academics. This foundation can enhance personal growth and ethical decision-making, preparing students to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
4. Hands-on Learning: FHU’s graduate programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences, such as internships and projects, help develop practical skills and enhance career readiness.
5. Strong Alumni Network: FHU boasts a strong alum network, offering valuable networking opportunities for graduate students. Alumni have succeeded in various industries and can provide guidance, mentorship, and potential career connections.
6. Career Opportunities: FHU graduates have a track record of success in securing employment or pursuing further education. The university’s focus on academic excellence, professional development, and networking opportunities equips students with the skills and credentials needed for career advancement.

When considering a graduate degree, evaluating the specific program and its alignment with your career goals is essential. Factors such as faculty expertise, campus culture, and financial considerations should also be considered.

Yes, the counseling graduate programs at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) are accredited. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has granted accreditation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program offered by FHU.

CACREP is a widely recognized and respected accrediting body for counseling programs in the United States. It ensures that counseling programs meet rigorous standards of quality and excellence in counselor education. Accreditation from CACREP is vital as it assures students that they are receiving high-quality education and that employers and licensing boards will recognize their degrees.

Choosing an accredited counseling program is crucial for individuals pursuing a career in counseling. It demonstrates that the program meets industry standards and prepares students for success in the field. Accreditation also plays a significant role in licensure requirements, as many licensing boards prefer or require candidates to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program.

By choosing FHU’s accredited counseling graduate programs, students can expect a comprehensive education that meets the highest standards of academic excellence and professional preparation in counseling.

Not entirely. You can complete a master’s degree in counseling mostly online at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU). The Graduate Studies in Counseling program at FHU offers flexible scheduling and course formats to accommodate working professionals and individuals with busy schedules. Graduate students will have the opportunity to participate in online, web-conference, and hybrid courses. Throughout the master’s in counseling programs, students should be expected to attend 3-4 weekend intensive in-person classes. The Doctor of Behavioral Health program, however, can be completed entirely online via web-conference classes.

Freed-Hardeman University offers a successful Doctorate in Behavioral Health program, an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and an M.S. in School Counseling. These are well-designed, with many graduates obtaining full-time employment, state licensure, and doctoral degrees and achieving high scores on National Exams.

Attending FHU for your master’s degree in counseling offers several benefits:FHU’s program offers flexible scheduling options, allowing working professionals and individuals with busy schedules to pursue their degrees while balancing other commitments.

The program utilizes a combination of online, web-conference, and hybrid courses, providing students with a dynamic and interactive learning experience.FHU’s Graduate Studies in Counseling program has received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring the program meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence in counselor education.

A graduate degree in counseling or behavioral health can significantly impact your career by opening up a wide range of opportunities and enhancing your professional growth. Here are some ways in which a graduate degree in counseling or behavioral health can benefit your career:

1. Expanded Career Options: With a graduate degree in counseling or behavioral health, you can pursue various career paths, such as a licensed professional counselor, licensed mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse counselor, career counselor, and more. This degree equips you with the skills and knowledge required to work in diverse settings like schools, hospitals, private practice, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
2.  Increased Demand: The demand for qualified mental health professionals is rising. As society becomes more aware of the importance of mental well-being, the need for skilled counselors and behavioral health specialists continues to grow. A graduate degree in this field allows you to take advantage of these expanding job opportunities.
3.  Higher Earning Potential: Obtaining a counseling or behavioral health graduate degree can lead to higher earning potential. Advanced education and specialization often correlate with increased salary and better job prospects. Additionally, some positions, such as working in private practice, offer the potential for higher income through client referrals and self-employment.
4. Personal and Professional Development: A counseling or behavioral health graduate degree involves in-depth study, research, and practical experience in counseling theory. This journey allows for personal and professional growth as you deeply understand human behavior, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices. You will also gain valuable skills in communication, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
5. Fulfilling and Rewarding Work: Many individuals choose a career in counseling or behavioral health because of the opportunity to impact people’s lives positively. Helping others overcome challenges, improve their mental well-being, and reach their full potential can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

A graduate degree in counseling or behavioral health can provide diverse career options, increased job demand, higher earning potential, personal and professional development, and the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives. It is a valuable investment that can pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career in the field of mental health.