“I was raised in a family where service was highly valued and encouraged, inspiring me to choose counseling as a career. As a counseling professional, colleagues made me aware of Marymount’s reputation for its graduate counseling programs. Marymount interns are considered to be well trained, assets to the counseling profession, and often obtain employment immediately after graduating. I have valued the program’s focus on research and evidence-based practices. As such, it has provided opportunities to integrate information gathered through research projects and class discussions in my daily practice. I now feel more comfortable reviewing and utilizing the data offered by researchers in my own work with clients. I am working toward licensure in my current position and ultimately, intend to build a group practice serving adolescents with substance related disorders.”

“I chose Marymount’s CMHC program because it focuses on the student’s professional growth from a holistic perspective. Through research and word of mouth, I found out their CACREP-accredited program has an excellent reputation for being a top counseling program in the United States that prepares students for licensure and to be successful in their internship. Since my undergraduate degree was from a large university, I chose MU because of the small class size and personal attention. During study abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, I was able to make a presentation internationally, immerse myself in the European counseling culture, and network with counseling professionals abroad. Currently, I am working on two research projects, one qualitative and one quantitative, with two of my MU professors. As president of Chi Sigma Iota, Mu Upsilon Gamma chapter (international counseling honors society), I have been able to witness firsthand the passion our students and professors have for advocating and serving the community for the betterment of the counseling profession. After graduation, I plan to work in a private practice as a resident while simultaneously working toward obtaining licensure in Virginia.”

“I chose MU because of the CACREP- accredited program so I could get my NCC certification along with my master’s. The welcoming and collegial atmosphere was evident from day one. Classes felt more like an exchange of ideas than a lecture because the faculty supports engagement and critical thinking. Opportunities to get involved with professional organizations and give local and national presentations were also a great way to bond with my peers and professors. The personal connection continues long after graduation. Marymount prepares you to provide interventions, and to gather, track and share the effects of your work on student success. Data speaks in education and Marymount teaches best professional practices on how to use that to your advantage to advocate for students. Marymount’s program will prepare you for all the expected and unexpected responsibilities. You are coached to consider the holistic student and to be an influential leader in student success.”

“I loved the small class sizes and students-to-professor ratio. Listening to recent grads and current students speak at an open house was extremely influential. I was inspired by so many students eager to share their experiences. It made me realize that Marymount’s program was the place for me. After I applied, I was impressed with Marymount’s responsiveness. I applied in March, was accepted in April, and started classes in May. The staff was so helpful to make the program work with my schedule for the best and most convenient outcome for me. From student teaching and field experiences every semester, to creating educational opportunities for children in the community through the STEM-A organization, Marymount’s experiences allow students to take their studies to the next level. From the bottom of my heart, I am so proud to be a Marymount M.Ed. grad. Not only did I feel fully prepared to take on student-teaching, I was hired before I even graduated.”

“I decided I wanted to teach after exposure to many careers: officer in the US Air Force, military defense contractor manager, youth care worker, soccer referee, and mom. After researching all of my options in Northern Virginia, I decided Marymount met my needs: small classrooms, flexibility, interpersonal relationships with teachers, and schools in the neighboring communities. Marymount had a great program which gave me flexibility to complete my degree in a timely manner, while facilitating an opportunity to spend time in the classroom with each class I was enrolled in. I was fortunate to have been invited to become a Kappa Delta Pi member, as well as leading a new student program, the Marymount University International Association for Stem Leaders Chapter.  These opportunities helped me support Marymount’s mission and vision of service to others, which I discovered brought as much joy to my life (if not more) as it brought to the people I was serving. And, I was offered a classroom teaching position before entering my student teaching semester.”