The demand for mental health professionals continues to surge nationwide. Many practitioners want multiple licenses to expand their career options. Earning two distinct graduate degrees usually requires years of study. Amberton University offers a surprisingly efficient alternative for working adults. Students can earn a second counseling degree in under a year. This unique pathway significantly changes the game for aspiring therapists. It provides massive value without compromising academic quality. Adults can fast-track their practice while balancing jobs and families.
Building the Foundation
The journey typically begins with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. This master’s program officially launched in 1990. Today, it stands as the largest degree at the university. The rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for licensure in Texas. It provides a broad foundation for treating individual clients. The complete program requires exactly sixty graduate credit hours. Students learn vital concepts, knowledge, techniques, and professional counseling skills. They evaluate biological, psychological, and social functioning using appropriate assessments. Many students choose to further expand their clinical expertise. They often pursue the Marriage and Family Therapy degree next. This second master’s degree dramatically broadens their clinical perspective.
The Streamlined Path to a Dual Degree
A second graduate degree typically requires a significant time commitment. Amberton successfully removes traditional roadblocks to this valuable dual credential. The university created a highly streamlined academic path for students. Counseling students do not have to repeat overlapping coursework. To obtain a second degree, they only need fifteen credit hours. This minimal requirement translates to exactly five additional classes. Students can easily complete this workload in six to nine months. This fast-tracked option is incredibly rare in higher education today. The University fully recognizes the hard work students already completed. Advisors efficiently apply earned credits directly to the new program.
Smart Practicum Transfers
Clinical training often delays graduation in traditional counseling programs. Amberton solves this issue through a logical and fair transfer policy. Clinical Mental Health graduates already completed pre-practicum and two practicums. The university applies those clinical credits to the second degree. Dual-degree students just have to take the third required practicum. This practical approach saves students significant time and money. Dr. Don Hebbard helped start the university counseling program. He perfectly summarizes this unique and highly efficient academic structure. Dr. Hebbard notes, “Amberton’s got a nice deal where if you earn the clinical mental health…” He adds, “…you can earn that second master’s degree by just picking up a few of those other courses that you’re missing.” It is an exceptionally efficient route to dual licensure.
Learning From Active Professionals
A fast program means little without high-quality instruction. Amberton relies heavily on working professionals to teach its courses. Instructors blend real-world experience directly into their classes. Dr. Hebbard explains the immense value of this specific hiring philosophy. “Most of Amberton’s faculty members have doctoral degrees and are also out there working, consulting, counseling, that sort of thing.” Students receive practical advice instead of purely theoretical concepts. This perspective ensures lessons apply immediately to actual client sessions. Dr. Hebbard gladly shares his own personal teaching approach. “When a student asks me a question… what comes to mind is not something out of a textbook.” He proudly emphasizes that his response “tends to be a story.” This real-world connection deeply engages hardworking adult learners. Students consistently praise the passion and stories shared by faculty. Furthermore, “Amberton has tended to keep good faculty over an extended period of time.” Consistent leadership creates a stable environment for future therapists. High faculty retention directly improves the overall student experience.
Two Complementary Perspectives
The two counseling degrees complement each other seamlessly. Clinical Mental Health focuses closely on the individual client. Marriage and Family Therapy examines the entire family system. Therapists learn to see clients within their broader relational contexts. Understanding both perspectives makes a practitioner highly effective. Graduates leave the university with a highly versatile skill set. They can confidently treat individuals, couples, and entire families. Dual licensure effortlessly opens doors to diverse private practice roles. It also provides a massive edge in community and clinical settings.
Affordable and Flexible Education
Affordability remains a central pillar of the Amberton educational experience. The university utilizes a brilliant pay-as-you-go tuition model. Students pay exactly $325 per credit hour for their classes. There are absolutely no hidden fees or large session bills. Adults can budget effectively without taking on massive student debt. Completing the five extra classes costs a fraction of the cost of a full degree. This transparent pricing structure maximizes the return on educational investment. Flexibility is another major advantage for busy working adult students. The university offers four distinct ten-week academic sessions each year. This accelerated schedule lets students progress at their own pace. They never have to pause their careers or relocate.
A Support System for Success
Adult students face unique challenges balancing full-time work and school. Amberton provides a strong support system for these dedicated adult learners. Faculty members actively work to keep every student engaged. Instructors reach out directly to offer immediate assistance when needed. The university closely monitors student performance to ensure consistent success. Student services advisors also contact students to offer ongoing encouragement. This personalized attention helps adults overcome academic hurdles easily. It is a vibrant community built entirely for mature learners.
Taking the Next Step
Working adults desperately need educational paths that respect their limited time. Amberton University delivers exactly that with its renowned counseling programs. Students gain two respected degrees without sacrificing years of their lives. They receive exceptional training from experienced and caring industry professionals. Earning a dual credential has never been more straightforward. The academic transition from one master’s degree to the next is seamless. Graduates consistently praise their educational experience at the university. They feel completely prepared to solve real problems in their field. Amberton continues to redefine graduate education for adult learners.
About Amberton University
Founded in 1971, Amberton University specializes in affordable, flexible degree programs for working adults. Programs are offered online and on campus, taught by practitioner-faculty, and anchored in career relevance and service excellence.
