AGSC Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Master’s degrees in counseling with AGSC so distinct?
AGSC founder, Dr. Craig Ellison, developed the Psychospiritual model. This is what makes our biblically integrated program so unique; we are intentionally Christian and thoroughly professional. Both degree programs seek to prepare professional counselors to bring God’s healing to hurting people.
 
Does AGSC offer an online degree?
No. AGSC programs are designed to develop the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual self-care needed as a professional counselor; there is also a focus on the growth of self-awareness within the counselor. Thus, face-to-face training is an essential part of the program.
 
What is the difference between a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy?
  • 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 shortterm and long-term well being of individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations.
     
  • Marriage and family therapy is the assessment and treatment of affective, cognitive or behavioral disorders that disrupt interpersonal family relationships. Marriage and family therapists are trained in individual psychotherapy and family systems 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.
     
How much does it cost to attend AGSC?
Tuition for the 2010 – 2011 school year is $650 per credit.
 
Are there housing options?
Housing is only available on the Rockland Campus for full-time AGSC students who have relocated to attend graduate school.
 
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 12 credits per semester).
 
Is AGSC accredited?
AGSC has Middle States regional accreditation; we are in the process of attaining CCREP and AAMFT accreditation.
 
What kind of work do AGSC alumni do?
Our graduates are serving in churches as pastoral counselors, crisis counselors and as Marriage and Family counselors. We also have graduates serving as 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 hours and the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy requires 500 hours.
*AGSC has a working relationship with 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, Abnormal Psych, & Theories of Personality.
     
  • MA in Marriage and Family Therapy requires successful completion of Counseling Theories, Abnormal Psych, and Developmental Psych/Family Studies.
 


For help with this page contact

 
From the President

What's Happening at Nyack
Quick Links

Subscriptions