Choosing the Right Program:
Choosing a master’s program is one of the most important steps you’ll take in your educational journey. Aside from simply offering the right program, you have to make sure the school has the appropriate accreditations, the professors are experienced and respected in the career field, and, above all, the program needs to adequately prepare you for the career ahead. Finding the right fit for a career in counseling is even more imperative - there are other people counting on your education and abilities.
The Art and Science of Counseling:
“There is an art and a science to counseling. You learn academically, you learn the science of counseling. Then you bring your own artistic nature into the counseling setting. If you care about people, if you’re interested in helping people, if you’re able to separate your own life from their life, then you’re a good candidate for the counseling program,” said Amberton Counseling Professor Dr. Lee Paul.
Unique Faculty Perspectives:
Working as a counselor requires a softened heart for others, and maintaining a professional and personal separation. Every counselor has special traits, empathies, attributes and interests that would make better counselors in certain areas. Becoming a counselor can be incredibly rewarding, but it will be vastly more rewarding if you use your gifts to bolster your education and to truly develop into the best counselor you can be.
Master's Programs in Counseling:
“All of our faculty, whether they are full-time or adjunct faculty, are clinicians first. I am really excited and glad to be a part of this team because everyone here brings something unique from a clinical perspective and not necessarily just from a research standpoint,” Amberton Associate Faculty member Dr. Levi Armstrong said.
For More Information:
Amberton offers three master’s programs focused in counseling—a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (formerly Professional Counseling), a Master of Arts in School Counseling, and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. For professor insight about Amberton’s counseling programs, click here. To speak with advisors about Amberton being the right fit for you, call 972.694.4830 x180 or email advisor@amberton.edu.
Introduction to Online Course Management Systems
Traditional classes are familiar to many: attending lectures, interacting face-to-face with professors and peers, and submitting hard copies of assignments. But how do online courses actually function? Online classes operate through specialized platforms called course management systems. These platforms, hosted on university servers, serve as the bridge between students, professors, and course materials. While each system may have its unique features, they typically encompass tools for class discussions, announcements, assignments, content delivery, communication, assessments, and grading.Navigating Your Virtual Classroom
Upon entering the virtual classroom, it's essential to become acquainted with the platform's functionalities. Most online course management systems are designed to be intuitive, allowing for easy navigation and interaction with course materials. Take the time to explore the various commands and components available. Whether it's accessing discussion boards, submitting assignments, or checking grades, understanding these features enhances your online learning experience.Flexibility and Convenience
Embracing Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of online classes is their flexibility. Unlike traditional classes with fixed schedules, online courses offer the freedom to complete coursework at your own pace and convenience. With access to course materials anytime and anywhere, including via mobile devices, you have the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments.Leveraging Mobile Accessibility
Most course management systems are compatible with mobile devices, allowing you to stay connected and engaged with your coursework on the go. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or simply prefer mobile access, this flexibility empowers you to manage your education efficiently.Engaging in Online Learning
Diverse Engagement Methods
Online classes encompass a variety of engagement methods, ranging from written discussions to multimedia presentations. Each course may adopt different approaches to foster student participation and collaboration. Regardless of the format, embrace these diverse engagement methods as opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Whether it's contributing to discussion threads or delivering video presentations, active participation enriches your learning experience.Academic Rigor and Self-Discipline
Dispelling the notion of online classes being easier, they demand the same level of academic rigor as traditional courses. In fact, the absence of scheduled class times requires a higher degree of self-discipline and focus. Maintain a proactive approach to your studies, avoiding procrastination and staying committed to deadlines. By upholding high standards and dedicating yourself to learning, you'll achieve academic success in online courses.Considering Online Education
If you're considering enrolling in online classes or seeking guidance on their suitability for your educational goals, reach out to academic advisors. They can provide valuable insights and support to navigate the online learning landscape effectively. Contact our advisors at 972.694.4162 or online at advisor@amberton.edu to explore online education opportunities and embark on your educational journey with confidence.Undoubtedly, technology has revolutionized the face of college education and how students access various opportunities.
Working adult students have more options to further their education than ever before. Now is a prime time to take advantage of these opportunities and change your “someday” into “today."
So why should you choose to enroll in online courses? Easy.
1. Convenience and Flexibility
You can learn at your own pace. Schedule your time to log in for your courses and to complete your assignments. Additionally, you can review your lessons as often as you need.
2. Comfortable Learning Environment
Who doesn’t love the freedom of learning and working at home? Or outside or at the local coffee shop? But that’s not the kind of comfort we’re talking about here. For some, large classroom settings can be intimidating.
In online classes, the playing field is leveled. Students can freely comment on posts, videos, and student work or participate in class in a comfortable environment.
Even though you’re not face-to-face with the other students, online courses offer various outlets to share thoughts and ideas.
3. Continue Real-Life Routine
Learning at your own pace and being unbound from commuting to campus for lectures -- it’s golden.
To achieve your goals, you don’t have to put everything in your life on hold. You can log in and complete all your work in one go or in small pieces as time allows.
No need to worry about missing bedtime for the little ones or taking time off work to attend a lecture.
4. Improve Self-Discipline
You’re a working adult, and you’re used to project deadlines. There’s something to be said for working through complex ideas and new thought processes with a due date looming.
Independent learning places more accountability on you. You’re in charge and can take as much or as little time as you need to master the skills and material in your class.
5. Learning New Skills and Improving Existing Ones
Online education is more practical because you can relate what you learn to the job you do every day and improve your job performance.
Honing your skills and increasing your repertoire boosts your earning potential. The fact is that college graduates earn more money throughout their careers. It allows you to get that job you’ve always wanted and not settle for second best.
If you’re interested in pursuing your education with the flexibility online classes can give you, click to connect with our advising staff today!
We’d appreciate the opportunity to work with you to get you started on this journey. Contact an advisor today!
The economy is currently robust and dynamic. However, as history shows, economic cycles fluctuate, and downturns are inevitable.
Considering this, prospective students might wonder about the wisdom of investing time and money into a degree. While nothing is certain, certain career paths offer stability even in times of economic contraction.
According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national unemployment stands at 4.1 percent as of January 2024. So, while the present seems promising, it's prudent to prepare for the future.