Two New Degree Options Coming Soon
MOUNT OLIVE –The University of Mount Olive has two new programs in the works: the master of science in counseling psychology and the bachelor of science in communication science disorders.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there is a predicted above average growth rate of 20% through the year 2026 in the area of counseling psychology. UMO is helping to meet that need with the development of the online MS in counseling psychology degree.
According to Psychology Professor Dr. C. Ray Taylor, prospective students can enter the program from a variety of bachelor degree backgrounds including psychology, human services, social work, theology, criminal justice, recreation and leisure, or education. Upon graduation and fulfillment of required clinical supervision hours, graduates of the program will be eligible to take licensure examinations in three areas of practice: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Licensed Professional Counselor.
Taylor said, “Licensed professionals will provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans for individuals, couples, or families. The expected annual salary range for someone in this line of work is between $50K+ and $90K+.”
The program will be 60 semester hours and can be completed in six semesters if the student is full-time. Courses will be eight weeks in length.
The BS in communication science disorders is also a degree that is being developed to meet demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above average growth rate of 21% through the year 2024 for Speech Language Pathologists. According to the stats, the demand is being driven by growth in the older population within the U.S, increased survival rates of individuals who have experienced a stroke or other issues affecting speech, earlier identification and diagnosis, increased elementary and secondary school enrollment, and Bilingualism.
UMO’s BS in communication science disorders will prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills to meet the necessary requirements for entry into a masters of speech language pathology (SLP) program within the state of North Carolina. According to Dr. Burt Lewis, Dean of Arts and Sciences, if a student desires to work in the field upon graduation, a speech language pathology assistant certification will be available.
The BS program will be 126 semester hours. Online courses will be eight weeks in length, while traditional seated courses will be 16 weeks.
Both the MS in counseling psychology and the BS in communication science disorders are anticipated to be available in the fall of 2020 pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has education service centers in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
