Table of Contents LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE

1 Table of Contents LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE . MASTER OF ARTS. Professional counseling ( ONLINE ). HANDBOOK. School of Behavioral Sciences Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies 2017-2018. Table of Contents Table OF Contents . AUTHORITY OF THE HANDBOOK .. 4. PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION .. 5. FROM THE PROFESSIONAL counseling PROGRAM 6. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY GENERAL 7. Campus .. 7. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Mission and Purpose .. 7. Accreditation .. 8. THE GRADUATE counseling PROGRAM .. 9. Overview .. 9. Mission Statement .. 9. Purpose Statement .. 9. Diversity 10. ADMISSION POLICIES .. 11. Admission & Licensure .. 11. Admission Requirements.

2 11. Application Checklist & Procedures .. 12. Notification of Admission to the Program .. 13. Matriculation Requirements .. 13. Special Student (Non-Degree) 13. ACADEMIC POLICIES .. 14. Program Learning Objectives .. 14. M. A. Programs .. 14. Course Requirements .. 15. Transfer of 15. Independent Studies & Directed Studies .. 15. Program of Study .. 15. Recommended Course Sequence .. 16. Course Prerequisites .. 17. Dual Degrees .. 18. Faculty and Academic Advising .. 18. Comprehensive Examination .. 18. Practicum and Internship .. 21. Break in 22. Statute of Limitations .. 22. Course Repeat Policy .. 22. Administrative Dismissal.

3 22. Attendance & Interruption of Study .. 23. American Psychological Association Format .. 23. Graduation .. 23. 2. FINANCIAL POLICIES .. 24. Tuition and Fees .. 24. Financial Aid .. 24. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS .. 24. Professional 24. Academic Honesty & Plagiarism .. 24. Academic Appeal Policy .. 24. counseling Faculty-Student 24. Professional Development .. 25. Remediation .. 27. Sexual Harassment .. 33. Sexual Violence Consultation & counseling Policy .33. Personal counseling .. 33. Faculty Endorsement .. 33. GENERAL INFORMATION .. 34. Method of Instruction (Course Delivery Formats) .. 34. Graduate 34. Computer Needs.

4 35. Email Account & Communication .. 35. Dress 35. APPENDICES .. 36. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS .. 37. ACADEMIC PLANNING SHEET (Degree Completion Plan) .. 43. STUDENT AGREEMENT FORMS .. 45. 3. Authority of the Handbook The policies and procedures described in this handbook supersede those described in previous handbooks and replace all other communications on issues addressed herein. Particular policies and procedures are Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies specific. The policies and procedures apply to current and newly accepted students. Students who are currently taking Master's courses in Professional counseling and must adhere to these guidelines with the exception of any changes in the academic program.

5 Disclosure Statement The 60-hour Professional counseling degree is designed to lead to professional licensure as outlined by the Virginia Board of counseling . All state boards have unique licensure requirements. Therefore, before enrolling in a licensure program at LIBERTY UNIVERSITY , students should consult the rules and regulations regarding Professional counseling for the particular state that they intend to seek licensure after graduation. To obtain your state's web address, view State Licensure Boards. Enrollment in one of the MA licensure programs does not guarantee a degree from LIBERTY or qualification for professional licensure.

6 Students are responsible for meeting all academic and professional requirements for graduation. Further information regarding these academic and professional requirements is outlined in this handbook. Students enrolled a MA counseling licensure program are responsible for knowing the material outlined in this handbook. Further, it is the sole responsibility of the student, not the program, to obtain information regarding prerequisites for licensure as outlined by their particular state board of counseling . /. 4. For issues regarding the program, contact advising. Then, if needed, contact the Director, Dr. Laurel Shaler at For Practicum & Internship, please contact the respective offices or Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies Administration (For further information call 434-592-4049).

7 Leadership Email Phone/Fax Ronald E. Hawkins, 434-592-4030. Provost Fax: 434-522-0442. Founding Dean, School of Behavioral Sciences Steve Warren, 434-592-4048. Dean, School of Behavioral Sciences Fax: 434-522-0447. Kevin Van Wynsberg, 434-592-4040. Senior Associate Dean, Behavioral Sciences Fax: 434-522-0447. Jeffrey Boatner, 434-592- 4033. Associate Dean, School of Behavioral Sciences Fax: 434-522-0447. Elias Moitinho, 434-592- 4084. Residential Chair Fax: 434-522-0447. Patricia A. Hinkley, 434-592-4026. ONLINE Chair Fax: 434-592-0477. Laurel Shaler, PhD 434-592-7155. ONLINE Chair and Program Director Fax: 434-522-0477.

8 In Professional counseling Program Contact Information (For further information call 434-592-4049). Leadership Email Phone Laurel Shaler, PhD 434-592-7155. Director, in Professional counseling Fax: 434-522-0442. Steve Johnson, 434-592-7154. Clinical Director, Department of Counselor Fax: 434-522-0442. Education and Family Studies 5. From the Professional counseling Program Director On behalf of the faculty of the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies (CEFS), we would like to welcome you to the in Professional counseling program. The faculty are honored that you have chosen to pursue your studies here at LIBERTY UNIVERSITY !

9 This 2017-2018 in Professional counseling Program Handbook serves as a guide to help you better understand the program, courses, requirements, policies and procedures, and student rights and responsibilities as of Fall 2017. The faculty consider the handbook to be required reading for all Licensure counseling students, and it should be read in its entirety. Although you are assigned an ONLINE academic advisor when you start the program, it is ultimately your responsibility to know the information contained in this handbook. Review this handbook periodically, and if questions arise, contact your advisor. You can find the contact information for each faculty member listed in this handbook.

10 Because program policies and requirements may change from one year to the next, it is essential that you always refer to the most current handbook as you plan your graduate program, enroll in classes, and arrange for field placements and graduation. Although there is a lot of information contained in this handbook, it may not provide answers to all of your questions. This handbook is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all LIBERTY UNIVERSITY policies. Therefore, in addition to talking with your advisor and other faculty members, you can access the LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Graduate Catalog at: For information about current UNIVERSITY and departmental policies, please refer to the 2017-2018 Graduate Catalog.