Alliance Graduate School of Counseling FAQs

AU Staff Updated by AU Staff

What makes the Masters Degree in Counseling with AGSC so unique?

The programs at Alliance Graduate School of Counseling use the Psychospiritual counseling model, a biblically integrated clinical approach developed by Dr. Craig Ellison, founder of AGSC.

What is the difference between a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy?

  1. Mental health counseling is the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of a disability, problem, or disorder by the use of verbal or behavioral methods. Mental health counselors are trained in counseling and psychotherapy to treat individuals with mental and emotional disorders and other behavioral challenges. Mental health counselors address mental health, human relationship, education and career concerns within developmental and treatment contexts. Mental health counselors demonstrate a concern for the short-term and long-term well being of individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations. The professional license of Mental Health Counselor in New York State (or Licensed Professional Counselor in other states) is associated with this degree program.
  2. Marriage and family therapy is the assessment and treatment of affective, cognitive or behavioral disorders that disrupt individuals and interpersonal family relationships. Marriage and family therapists are trained in individual psychotherapy and family systems theory to assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and address an array of relationship issues within the context of marital/couple, family and various relational systems. Individuals are viewed as relational beings and are fully understood and cared for in the context of their past and current relationships.  The professional license of Marriage and Family Therapist is associated with this degree program.

How much does it cost to attend AGSC?

Tuition for the 2018-19 school year was $800 per credit.

What types of financial aid does AGSC offer?

There are many grants available to AGSC students. Institutional grants are available at both campuses. Once your application is complete, your admissions counselor will inform you of your eligibility for any financial aid available (institutional grants, scholarships, outside aid, etc.). Most grants and scholarships require that the student be full-time (minimum of 9 credits per semester).

Is AGSC accredited?

AGSC is covered by the institution’s Middle States accreditation. AGSC is “In Process” of pursuing accreditation for their clinical MA in Mental Health Counseling degree (both NYC and online) with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The Marriage & Family Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

What kind of work do AGSC alumni do?

Our graduates are serving as pastoral counselors, Marriage & Family counselors, crisis counselors, health care center counselors, hospice counselors, multi-systems therapists, residential counselors, and private clinicians.

Do I need to complete an internship?

Yes, the MA in Mental Health Counseling requires 700 clinical hours (i.e. 100 Practicum hours and 600 Clinical Internship hours) and the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy requires 300 counseling hours and 100 clinical observation hours (i.e. observing MFT faculty conducting live therapy from behind a one-way mirror).

*AGSC has a working relationship with over 30 internship sites and seeks to match students with the best position to meet their professional and educational needs.

What if I didn’t major in psychology as an undergraduate student?

Admission to AGSC does not require a specific undergraduate major. In order for incoming students to be successful, prerequisites are required for each degree program:

  • MA in Mental Health Counseling requires successful completion of General Psych, and Abnormal Psych.
  • MA in Marriage and Family Therapy requires successful completion of Counseling Theories and Abnormal Psych.

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