Accelerated BA/MA in Counseling Program

This combined bachelor’s and master’s option allows exceptional, well-prepared undergraduate students at The University of Olivet to apply for early admission to the university’s Master of Arts in Counseling program. Students undertaking this combined degree program option complete graduate-level coursework as undergraduate students, thus enabling courses to be applied toward both degree programs.

The combined degree program should be undertaken according to the individual career interests and goals of the student and should be an integrated learning experience rather than merely the completion of a certain number of undergraduate and graduate credits. Acceptance into the combined degree program requires the approval of the chair(s) of both the undergraduate and the graduate programs involved, as well as the university’s chief academic officer.

Students should indicate their interest in completing this combined program option at time of application or early into their undergraduate program. This will allow for proper academic advising to occur. Undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits at The University of Olivet.

Students choosing the combined BA/MA in Counseling degree program option may apply a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate-level coursework toward their undergraduate degree. This coursework will also fulfill requirements towards the graduate degree, i.e., courses are double-counted. Undergraduate students must complete 120 credit hours of study as specified in the Academic Catalog.

Application and Acceptance into the MA in Counseling Program - Applications to the MA in Counseling program are initiated by students in consultation with their academic advisor in the second year of undergraduate study. The completion of a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits is required for admission within the MA in Counseling program. A minimum overall GPA of 3.2 as well as a GPA of 3.2 in the major is required. The program features selective admission that follows the general admission process of the MA in Counseling program. Standards of admission have been established to make sure students have the necessary aptitude and background for success. Students applying for a program may be required to take additional tests and/or meet certain course requirements for admission to the MA in Counseling program.

Dual Counting of Earned Graduate Course Credits - Upon acceptance, the student may begin taking graduate courses. No more than two graduate level courses may be taken in one semester prior to earning 108 undergraduate credits. Students having been admitted to the Master of Arts in Counseling program under this option may dually count a maximum of thirty-three percent of the total credits required for the master’s degree program at the graduate Master of Arts in Counseling work in satisfaction of the requirements for both the undergraduate and graduate degree. All other master’s degree requirements must be met, including a graduate capstone course.

To be eligible for dual counting within these two programs, coursework must meet all the following criteria:

1. Be of graduate level - under no circumstances will undergraduate-level coursework be applied toward the master’s degree.
2. Fulfill degree requirements for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
3. Are not awarded as credit by examination.
4. All prerequisite courses for the undergraduate course being substituted by the graduate course must be completed prior to enrolling in the graduate course.
5. Meet minimum standards as described in the Graduate Studies section of the university’s Academic Catalog.

For further information regarding the Master of Arts in Counseling program, see the Graduate Programs  section of this catalog.