Bethel’s Graduate Counseling Program Receives CACREP Accreditation
Bethel’s M.A. in Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
By Marcus Dip Silas S'25, student writer
March 27, 2023 | 10 a.m.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) awards accreditation for leadership, stakeholder relationships, faculty credentials, educational support, and quality of the academic programs.
In fall 2017, Bethel’s Graduate School launched its M.A. in Counseling program, which was designed with the intention of attaining accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program has received CACREP Accreditation for the next eight years, through March 31, 2031. Due to the disruption caused by COVID-19, CACREP is granting retroactive accreditation for graduates from July 13, 2020 onward.
CACREP awards accreditation based on leadership, stakeholder relationships, faculty credentials, educational support, and quality of the academic programs. Effort was made to pursue accreditation because it allows program faculty to better meet the needs of students. The CACREP website states that, “CACREP Accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession.”
Amy Evans, associate professor and program director of the M.A. in Counseling is excited because of what this means for the program. “We are so thankful for the news, as this is the maximum length of accreditation possible with CACREP,” Evans says. She credits Jennifer Nelson, core faculty and clinical director as being instrumental in developing and launching the program, working tirelessly through the accreditation process.
Randy Bergen, associate provost, offered his thanks and commendation to the program faculty. “This was a difficult and tedious process that took Dr. Nelson, Dr. Evans, and Dr. Towns hundreds of hours of research and writing. Special thanks go to Dr. Nelson for her leadership and sacrifices to make this happen,” Bergen says.
Discover what’s next.
In Bethel's M.A. in Counseling program, you’ll prepare to become an effective counselor who treats clients with competence and compassion. With the expertise you develop, you’ll be prepared to support, challenge, and encourage people working through some of life’s biggest questions.