MCC offers the program completely online beginning in Fall 2020.
MESA, Arizona – April 30, 2020 – Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, two East Valley colleges, Mesa Community College (MCC) and Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), will offer an Associate in Arts (AA) Degree, Emphasis in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science. This is the first of its kind AA degree emphasis in the nation and may be completed online through MCC or in-person at CGCC.
The new program provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students wishing to specialize in counseling and applied psychological science or who are preparing for graduate programs in counseling or related fields. The curriculum includes a foundation in counseling theories, counseling skills, career and lifespan development, ethics and research methods and multicultural competence.
“Mesa and Chandler-Gilbert Community Colleges are taking the lead in offering the first Associate of Arts, Emphasis in Counseling and Applied Psychology in Arizona. The program provides an opportunity for our diverse community to pursue knowledge and careers in a vital mental health field,” said Sonia Esposito, MCC Counseling faculty. “Annually there are nearly 200 openings for counselors in Maricopa County alone. The online completion option allows us to reach a larger community of learners wishing to pursue careers as licensed counselors. We look forward to helping our students and our state shine on a national level for innovation and the expansion of affordable educational opportunities.”
Currently the program is designed to directly transfer to Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychology.
"This program provides a versatile new liberal arts degree for students in the far East Valley, and opportunities for increasing the pipeline of well-prepared students to pursue graduate studies in counseling given the growing demand for highly-trained mental health professionals in our state,” said Nikki Nieset, Ph.D., CGCC Counseling faculty. “Creating a strong working relationship between our Maricopa Community Colleges and the programs at ASU Polytechnic serves both goals, and honors the commitment of the field of counseling psychology to support inclusion and equity in our educational programs given the high numbers of first-generation students and those from underrepresented groups who start in our community colleges."
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning throughout its 50-year history. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming the ways it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment or advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and more than 50% of its students are the first in their family to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and more than 30 out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) has been nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as the Top 150 community colleges in the United States and is known for experiential and innovative technology program offerings. CGCC offers degree and certificate programs at its four campus locations: Pecos, Williams, Sun Lakes and Queen Creek, as well as online. Whether they are on campus or online, classes are taught by award-winning, nationally recognized faculty who are focused on student success. Transfer partnerships with the three state universities as well as with many out-of-state universities make it easy and convenient for students to complete their bachelor’s degree. Located in the growing East Valley, CGCC proudly supports students from communities in Chandler, Gilbert, Santan and Sun Lakes. CGCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at cgc.edu.
MCC and CGCC are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.