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Two new programs launched at NU

by jmaloni

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Thu, Feb 20th 2014 02:10 pm

Niagara University establishes dual degree program in psychology and clinical mental health counseling

Niagara University's College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences are partnering to offer a new dual-degree program designed to train the next generation of mental health practitioners.

The 4+2 program allows individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology to take graduate courses in clinical mental health counseling during their senior year, thereby accelerating their progress through the master's program.

Graduates of the dual-degree (4+2) program will possess a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. in clinical mental health counseling.

Classes for the new program will begin this summer.

Dr. Peter Butera, department chairperson, said, "The department of psychology is pleased to partner with faculty in the College of Education to make this opportunity available to our current students and future NU psychology graduates. Our students typically have high rates of acceptance into graduate programs in psychology and related fields, and this new dual-degree program will provide psychology majors with another option for a career in mental health counseling."

Ideal for individuals seeking employment in an agency counseling setting, the 60-credit master's program qualifies students for licensure in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

Clinical mental health counselors may also be employed in:

•Community mental health adult and child-serving programs

•Family service programs

•School-based intervention programs

•Alcohol and drug programs

•Criminal justice correctional settings

•Hospitals and residential service programs

•Employee assistance programs

•Crisis intervention centers

•Vocational and career development programs

•Private practices

•College and university counseling centers

"Clinical mental health counseling is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States, which is part of the reason why our graduates are employed at a rate exceeding 90 percent," said Dr. Debra Colley, dean of the College of Education. "Furthermore, it's a profession that allows practitioners to simultaneously achieve personal, educational and relational goals. It's very rewarding."

Clinical mental health counseling is the provision of professional counseling services, involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families and groups for the purposes of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health.

For more information, call Dr. Shannon Hodges at 716-286-8328 or email [email protected].

Niagara University launches M.S. program in finance

Niagara University is set to launch a new master's degree program intended to provide students with a rigorous, advanced course of study in the areas of corporate finance, investments and financial planning.

Offered through Niagara's AACSB-accredited College of Business Administration, the M.S. in finance program requires completion of 12 graduate-level courses (36 credits), and can be completed within one year, with evening and Saturday classes offered.

Students completing the program will be qualified to work at banks, investment management firms, consulting firms, investment banks and financial planning firms.

Applications are being accepted immediately, with classes slated to begin this fall.

The program is suitable for:

•Recent undergraduates hoping to embark on careers in finance with additional preparation.

•Graduates in quantitative disciplines such as science, math or engineering who want to prepare for careers in finance.

•Students interested in obtaining the CFA charter or CFP certification.

•International students interested in studying in the U.S.

•Working professionals looking to add relevant financial analysis skills.

Niagara University will continue to offer a finance concentration through its master of business administration program, which is ranked among the best in the world by CEO Magazine.

"The M.S. in finance is really geared toward those individuals who possess some background in finance, economics, accounting, mathematics or science, and are looking to take their careers to the next level," said Dr. Daniel Tompkins, chair of NU's economics and finance departments and director of the new M.S. program. "This is a profession that meets a tremendous need in the marketplace and presents great opportunities for lucrative careers."

Eight required classes provide a thorough foundation in the field of finance, with the ability to choose four electives in two tracks, based on a student's desired career path.

The chartered financial analyst track is built on the CFA level one curriculum and prepares students for careers in financial and investment management for institutions, and is recognized by the CFA Institute.

The certified financial planner program focuses on money management for personal finance. As a result of Niagara University's achievement as a recognized education provider by the CFP Board of Standards, students are eligible to sit for the certified financial planner exam.

The master's program will utilize the advanced analytical capabilities of the Niagara University Financial Services Laboratory. In this environment, students have access to financial databases and software analysis tools found in the financial workplace. In addition to the theoretical coursework, students gain experience through the management of real money investment portfolios.

For more information, call 716-286-8157 or email [email protected].

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