Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlanta University is a public research school that provides undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple campuses. Commended worldwide for their contributions in the field of research, scholarship, and creative activity, Florida Atlantic University has one of the world’s most diverse student bodies. Students attending this University can choose from a selection of over 170 degree programs including: undergraduate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s, and doctoral programs. Florida Atlantic University adheres to a set of values that strive to excel in teaching, research, accountability, and professionalism.

Florida Atlantic University was opened in Boca Raton in 1964 after raising $100,000 from public funds under the campaign slogan, “Open the Door in 64.” The 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson officiated the dedication of the University coining it, “a new revolution in education.” The school began after visionary Tom Fleming suggested opening a university on a vacant army air base in 1955. After presenting proposals and entering into negotiations with the government, the Florida State Legislature approved the legislation and set the University’s opening date for September of 1964.

While the state had approved the opening of the University, it was left to the community to raise $100,000 in startup capital. Tom Fleming created “Open the Door in 64,” and pledged the first donation himself. Over $300,00 in startup capital was raised in the first week and in April of 1965, the college held its first commencement ceremony.

Over the years the University has undergone massive expansion, has added numerous degree programs, and cycled through several presidents. As the school continues to grow in 2017, they plan to focus on the following goals:

• Enriching the educational experience
• Inspiring research, creative activity, and scholarships
• Increasing community engagement
• Leveraging financial, technological, human, and physical resources

Florida Atlantic University Accreditation Details

Florida Atlantic University receives its accreditation from the Southern Associates of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Every 10 years the commission reviews and awards the University the ability to offer degrees.

In addition to the University’s regional accreditation, the college is awarded discipline specific accreditation which is evaluated and submitted annually by the Florida State Board of Governors. Degrees in the field of counseling are accredited by CACREP, the council for accreditation of counseling and related education programs.

Florida Atlantic University Application Requirements

The following units of study are required in order to be considered for admission into Florida Atlantic University:

• Four units of English
• Four units of Mathematics
• Three units of Natural Science
• Three units of Social Science
• Two units of Foreign Language
• Two units of Academic Electives

Additional consideration is given to honors students, or students in advanced placement courses. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission into the university, applicants are encouraged to go above and beyond requirements.

Transfer students must meet the minimum university requirements for entry, transfer with less than 30 credits and meet the following criteria:

• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college work.
• Applicants must be in good academic standing.
• Applicants must also meet freshman admissions requirements.

Florida Atlantic University Tuition and Financial Aid

According to tuition data sourced from the United States Department of National Center for Education Statistics, Florida residents attending Florida Atlantic University on a full time basis will pay an average of $17,819 each year. This cost includes tuition, room and board, and books. Out of state residents can expect to pay a total cost of $29,671, for the same services.

The financial aid department at Florida Atlantic University has a variety of services available to assist students including loans, grants, scholarships, and veteran’s assistance. The Florida Bright Futures scholarship program is a state funded scholarship program that offers assistance to eligible students. This scholarship is only available to Florida residents with at least 13 enrolled credits.

Students enrolled in a counseling education program may qualify for the Thomas F. Fleming Jr. Memorial Scholarship. This annual award is offered to full-time undergraduate students.

Counseling Education at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University offers a department of counseling dedicated to educating and preparing students to work in a professional practice. Students learn and collaborate beyond the classroom setting and conduct research with local schools, communities, and agencies. The counseling education program strives to achieve an ethically informed identity, a scholarly, research agenda, and a commitment to professional service.

In order to achieve the goals set forth by the program, counseling students are expected to achieve the following objectives:

• Recognize professional and personal perspectives, skill, and authority, and behave in the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Promote research, practice, production, and dissemination.
• Provide and promote compassionate and ethically sensitive counseling services.

The following degrees are offered to students pursuing a counseling degree at Florida Atlantic University:

Master’s Degree -Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares graduates for all the requirements expected of a mental health counselor in Florida. Successful graduates will know how to assess, diagnose, and treat clients with mental disorders.

Master’s Degree- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

Students enrolled in the Master’s program with a specialization in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling will receive the professional training necessary to work with people with disabilities. Graduates of this program can pursue a career as a case manager, administrator, or work in a rehabilitation hospital.

Master’s Degree-School Counseling

The Master’s program with an emphasis on school counseling prepares students to work in counseling programs inside schools. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to work as a counselor in an elementary, middle, or high school. Specific classroom topics include: individual counseling, classroom guidance, group counseling, and consulting with parents.

Ph.D.- Education Specialist Program

This program is designed for students who already possess a Master’s degree in counseling and would like to obtain an additional credential.
Students enrolled in this program benefit from the following advancement in career goals:

• Fosters greater leadership skills in current position through advanced coursework that enhances professional competence.
• This program offers students the ability to seek credentialing in other counseling specialty areas in order to expand their career options.

Ph.D.-Counseling Program

The Ph.D. program in Counseling is a research-oriented degree aimed at students who already have a Master’s degree in Counseling. This degree is modeled after CACREP guidelines and is focused on research, leadership, and enhancing the student’s supervisory skills.

Graduates of the Florida Atlantic University counseling program will have completed all of the requirements necessary to advance as qualified professionals in their respective fields.

See also: The 50 Best Ph.D. Programs in Clinical Psychology