Counseling Celebrates Program's First Online-Only Grads

Designed with working adults in mind, the Master of Arts in counseling program offers students three degree paths, with specialties in mental health counseling, school counseling and rehabilitation counseling. Nine students comprise the first cohort of graduates, with five from the mental health counseling track and four from the school counseling track.

Kathleen Haas participated in the program as a means of advancing her career. Participating online afforded her the opportunity to be close to family in Marceline, Missouri, while completing the required coursework. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, the addition of a master’s degree will allow her to work directly with clients.

“I have always had the dream of being a mental health counselor since middle school, and I knew Truman was a good choice for me since the program was online and trustworthy,” she said. “This degree will enable me to work with clients and hopefully begin to help people attain their wellness and mental health goals.”   

Several Truman programs have offered a blend of in-person and online course options for years. Online options are expanding in programs including accountancy, data science and analytical storytelling, design, disability studies, English, gifted education and leadership. Many of the options are master’s degrees or certificate programs in an effort to reach more adult learners who may be interested in adding to their education while also pursuing a career.

“Truman is still committed to making its undergraduate program a residential one because of the value that experience holds,” said Kevin Minch, associate provost. “In time, I think demographic changes and an increase desire nationally to educate adult learners who have some college, but no degree, will necessitate many universities exploring degree completion programs or other undergraduate pathways that leverage online to make coursework accessible to these audiences.”

The Master of Arts in counseling program has been in development for nearly a decade. Assistance in getting it established has come from A.T. Still University’s graduate school in the form of planning and instructional design, with financial support from a MoExcels grant through the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Currently, five faculty members are affiliated with the program, and like their students, they are also spread across a variety of states in the country. To ensure academic quality and integrity, Truman online faculty members participate in additional training.

“We require all of our faculty teaching online to undergo training through Quality Matters, a national consortium that supports quality assurance in online education,” Minch said. “A number of our faculty have pursued advanced training in Quality Matters and/or have pursued certification for their courses. We also provide additional advising support specifically focused on the needs of the adult and online learner.”

Faculty member Cameron Ortega teaches “Introduction to Addictions,” “Assessment and Appraisal,” “Counseling Skills” and “Rehabilitation Foundation and Ethics.” Although she is based in Texas, the same state where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D., she will be in Kirksville for graduation, along with Elsa Leggett, associate professor of counseling, and Karl Witt, department chair.

“I am looking forward to coming to campus to celebrate our graduating students,” Ortega said. “Seeing my students’ graduate fills me with excitement as they embark on a new adventure. Students put a lot of hard work into a graduate program, and getting to be there and celebrate them with their friends and family is humbling and an honor.”

While the counseling program may be entirely online, that does not mean participating students are isolated. The program follows a research-based cohort model. Haas cited connections with faculty and classmates as components of her successful completion of the program.
 
“I felt supported by the faculty members and my cohort in working toward my degree,” she said. “Zoom meetings especially helped to feel more connected despite the distance, and they generated a sense of community, all from the comfort of my home. I am grateful to have had the support of friends I made in my own cohort and could not have done it without their encouragement.”

Prior to commencement, the counseling program will celebrate graduates in a special ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 in Violette Hall 1320. All are invited to attend.

Admission to the Master of Arts in counseling program is made on a rolling basis and limited to 24 students per cohort. Start dates are available in January and August. Interested students are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration. More information about the program, including admission requirements, courses, internships and practicums, and professional practice, can be found online at truman.edu/majors-programs/graduate-studies/ma-counseling. Questions about admission can be directed to gradinfo@truman.edu or 660.785.4114.