When I first began looking at graduate programs for clinical mental health counseling, I knew I wanted to be somewhere with a warmer climate than New England. At some point in my search for graduate schools, I stumbled upon UNC Charlotte. After gathering a robust overview of the program, I decided to schedule a visit to Charlotte. I immediately fell in love with the campus. There is something memorable about looking out at the campus from the top of a hill, especially in the fall when the leaves start to change colors. I knew for certain UNC Charlotte was the school for me after I attended a virtual open house lead by Dr. Merlin-Knoblich. Hearing the way she described the faculty connections and the support network available to students solidified my decision to enroll.
UNC Charlotte’s M.A. in Counseling program is well versed in what it takes to become a counselor in the state of North Carolina. Starting with the faculty, UNC Charlotte has recruited faculty from around the country whose interests and lived experiences extend to almost every realm of the counseling field. UNC Charlotte is also accredited by CACREP, the national counseling accreditation board. This accreditation indicates that our program meets rigorous educational and experiential standards aimed at preparing students to become licensed counselors once they enter the field. Many states will only approve licensure for counselors who have graduated from a CACREP accredited institution. Last but certainly not least, the counseling program has made concentrated efforts over the last 50 years to build relationships with the Charlotte community. Over 100 organizations welcome students from our program to participate in internship experiences with them. We are very fortunate to have such a wide array of connection opportunities available to us during our studies as well as after graduation.
Spend some time exploring all that Charlotte and North Carolina has to offer! There are so many different events, activities, parks, beaches, mountains, etc. all within a few hours’ drive. I have a few good friends from my program that are always down for an adventure. Most weekends we are trying new restaurants or going to local/seasonal events. It is a great way to bond with peers and connect with the community.
It requires a lot of time management. Between my work calendar, academic calendar, internship calendar, and personal calendar, it can be a lot to juggle. First and foremost I make sure all of my calendar apps are synced to prevent accidental double-scheduling. I also keep my weekly routine as consistent as possible; certain times of day are dedicated to certain responsibilities each week. I also make sure to set boundaries whether that be putting the textbooks down to make sure I am getting 8 hours of sleep or declining an invitation to go out on the weekends with friends if I have too many things to take care of. Find a balance that works for you and stick to it. It will not be easy, but it is so important to make sure you are taking care of yourself while completing a graduate degree.
Explore the stories of our Graduate Niners and Faculty who are making a meaningful impact at Charlotte.
