FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington and the University of Southern Maine have partnered to offer a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation service and master’s degree in counseling in five years, rather than the typical six.

Counseling 3+2 (B.S. to M.S.C.)  addresses the national shortage of counselors.

“We are very excited about this creative partnership with USM,” said Kathryn A. Foster, UMF president. “This innovative program showcases the collaborative spirit between our two campuses and how together we can help our students achieve their professional goals.”

Developed for more than two years by Jewel Jones, UMF associate professor of rehabilitation services, and Charles Bernacchio, USM associate professor of counselor education in rehabilitation counseling, the program is unique in New England. It provides students interested in a master’s degree in counseling with the opportunity to graduate a year ahead of time, making it possible for them to enter the work force early, while acquiring less debt.

Graduates of the five-year program can qualify for state licensing for counseling and national certification for rehabilitation counseling, making them highly employable in many settings, including at alcohol and drug treatment facilities, counseling agencies, correctional facilities, independent living programs and mental health centers.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this streamlined approach to becoming a professional counselor to our students,” Jones said. “There’s a shortage of counselors throughout the country, and this program will help students be successful in this growing professional field.”

Available beginning in fall 2015, Counseling 3+2 (B.S. to M.S.C.) is nationally recognized at the highest level of academic standards with accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs and the Council on Rehabilitation Education.

Students will complete their first three years at UMF, earning their Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Service. During their time at UMF, students will take a wide range of applied human service courses in the rehabilitation field.

Three field experiences and a full-time 450-hour summer internship in a variety of settings will help students gain valuable, hands-on experience and explore working with the populations they are most interested in serving. Upon completion of their bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation service, UMF graduates may apply for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Community certification, allowing them to work within the mental health field in Maine. 

A streamlined graduate application process will pave the way for them to gain early acceptance to the USM graduate program. Once enrolled at USM, students will complete much of their master’s coursework online while continuing to gain valuable hands-on experience in their practicum and internship under the supervision of faculty experts and experienced agency professionals. These real-world experiences will help students gain advanced skills and develop counseling competency. 

“The students in this unique track have the chance to accelerate their education and complete both degrees in less time with a significant cost reduction. It will also include streamlining graduate admission requirements that helps them access graduate studies smoothly without interruption,” Bernacchio said.

All students will be required to take the National Counselor Exam and the international Certified Rehabilitation Counselor examinations in order to acquire state counseling licensure and national CRC certification.

For more information, please visit the UMF website at www.umf.maine.edu/counseling3plus2/ .

Copy the Story Link