Constance Ervins wanted to help others discover their best self, which led her to the Master鈥檚 Degree in Counseling Psychology at North Park. Since starting the program, she鈥檚 learned from both her tight-knit cohort of fellow students, and professors who share a wealth of real-world experience.
鈥淚鈥檓 impressed with the faculty at North Park, who bring their own life and professional experiences into the classroom,鈥� said Ervins, who plans to eventually counsel older teens and college students.
Ervins, who has a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism and a master鈥檚 in communication studies, said she chose North Park because of its on-campus class offerings and cohort model.
鈥淢y favorite part of the program is the cohort, where I鈥檓 really getting to know my peers and talking with them about difficult topics,鈥� said Ervins, who enjoys learning and practicing skills with her 14 classmates.
Ervins said that learning amid Chicago鈥檚 diverse population is helping prepare her to counsel people of different backgrounds.
鈥淚n the cohort, my peers and I are open and willing to be culturally sensitive,鈥� she said.
Nicole Nalls, in her final semester of the program, chose the MACP over related degrees, such as a master鈥檚 in education or social work.
鈥淐ounseling psychology incorporates a focus on wellness that I feel is missing from related programs, such as the MSW,鈥� Nalls said. 鈥淚 wanted training that would allow me to form therapeutic relationships.鈥�
Students in North Park鈥檚 MACP program develop skills to treat emotional, social, developmental, vocational, and organizational issues, among others. With a broad range of career outcomes, MACP graduates often work as school or career counselors, or counsel in private practices, mental health clinics, and hospitals.
North Park鈥檚 MACP is an accelerated two-year program, and requires a high level of commitment to at-home studying, attending twice-weekly evening classes, and completing an internship.
鈥淥ver time, students really learn to nurture their craft,鈥� said Mary Hendrickson, MACP鈥檚 assistant director of admissions.
North Park鈥檚 MACP program equips students with the skills they need to graduate, practice as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and pursue the area of counseling of their choice. For Rev. Meagan Sherman-Sporrong, 2017 graduate, she passed the licensing exam and plans on combining her MDiv and LPC status by working as a hospice chaplain and bereavement counselor.
To date, North Park鈥檚 MACP graduates have a 100% passing rate in the licensing exam to practice as an LPC.