Concordia University Irvine's Master's Counseling Program Earns National Accreditation
Accreditation is a first for the three year-old program in partnership with the Townsend Institute
IRVINE, Calif. (September 3, 2019) –The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the national association that accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling offered by colleges and universities, has granted accreditation to the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Concordia University Irvine in partnership with the Townsend Institute. The voluntary accreditation assures that graduates have met the majority of the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a counselor in most states.
After a multi-stage external review process, Concordia Irvine’s Master of Arts in Counseling program, as well as its curriculum and faculty, were found to have substantially met the critical quality-related program requirements for accredited status. The initial CACREP accreditation is renewable in two years.
“Since Concordia launched its Master of Arts in Counseling program three years ago, we’ve been witnessing a steady growth pattern in our enrollment,” said School of Professional Studies Dean Mike Shurance. “CACREP accreditation assures our students that their degree in counseling is from an institution that has voluntarily met the standards set by the profession.” The Council for CACREP is the recognized training standard for counselors by the Institute of Medicine, and the Veteran’s Administration.
The Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling at Concordia University Irvine, launched in 2016, enrolls over 300 students annually. Founded by New York Times bestselling author, leadership consultant, psychologist and relationship expert John Townsend, the institute offers Master’s degree programs in Counseling, Executive Coaching and Consultation, and Organizational Leadership. Certificate programs are offered in Executive Coaching, Helping Professions, and Organizational Leadership. To learn more about the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine, visit www.cui.edu/townsend.