University of Phoenix (Campus) Reviews of Master's in Counseling

"The instruction I received at U of P not only prepared me for a career as a counselor, it resulted in life-long friendships with my fellow students and professors. The faculty genuinely cared about my development and success and I look back on those few years of my masters program with fondness."

"As a 45 year, old returning to school, I was very nervous. I had been working as a professional for twenty years and had reached the limit of career progression. My experience was excellent; however, my lack of a graduate degree limiting. I researched local traditional Universities, but after looking at my finances I decided I would need to continue working while attending school. A friend suggested I explore University of Phoenix. I did. I discovered the program I was interested in had a preprogram which evaluated graduate level skills. My first day I was anxious. Upon entering the classroom, I found other people who had also worked in professional venues for years. Often we use our education to help us understand our daily employment responsibilities and challenges. The experience they brought was so different than what I would have had in a traditional University. I have found my professors extremely knowledgeable and approachable. They also have been working in the field for years. I love they are working professionals and the wealth of stories they bring to the classroom prepares me for my future endeavors. My undergraduate degree was before the time of computer based education. University of Phoenix is wonderful in bringing students up to date in an educational computer based program. The program materials are challenging, but provides multiple insights in topics and opinions. I appreciate all the wrap around services the school provides to assist my success. It is invaluable to edit my papers on line and use grammar check. The online library provides thousands of resources for papers and independent studying. I would encourage everyone to check out University of Phoenix, regardless of age or station in life. I am currently half through a master degree in mental health counseling. My academic and financial aid counselors are amazing. They are always available and whenever I have had questions, they have immediately contacted me. University of Phoenix has provided what I need to advance my education, career, and life. The welcoming academic environment has hooked me into succeeding in my classes. The curriculum builds on itself. It is easy to look through each class and mark my learning, and how this weaves into my current class. At times it is overwhelming to finish papers and presentations. However, there is ample support with instructors, support staff and class members. My cohort is small, but diverse. The team projects have taught us to compromise, educate and support each other. For me, the program as fit perfectly into my full time work. I have learned to balance my personal, employment and educational pursuits. As a 23 year old I was not ready for graduate school, but I began when it was right for me. The University of Phoenix has provided me with the opportunity, and for a working professional it is an amazing fit."

"Excellent program, Fit my time line and had working professionals that could relate."

"University of Phoenix has been a great school to me from the very beginning. University of Phoenix is where I'm suppose to be from my adviser to my instructors are great people. They have been there for me when I needed questions answered or just advise."

"This program works great if you are working full time and or a stay at home mother, you attend school once a week. The rest of the work is done on your own and the professors are actually counselors. I have learned so much about counseling from great leaders, who know what we will expect in the program. If anyone ever had any questions I would be happy to answer them for you. Thank you!"

"Classes in my program, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, are hit and miss. About half of my instructors have been good, some have been dismal. The program is way too long and way too expensive to be worth your while. Go to a state school for better value. My program is considered full time, yet it is 3 and a half years long, where similar programs at other schools are 2 years. By keeping us in school so long University of Phoenix gets to keep charging fees. Due to the length of the program, and the cost, pick another school."

"The Master's degree for Clinical Mental Health Counselor at the University of Phoenix has been the best educational experience of my schooling career. The instructors are all seasoned counselors and that experience allows for rich, real-life discussions of what my desired career can hold for me. I enjoy learning from and networking with professionals from the field of counseling. I also appreciate the wide range of experience that I receive from the program curriculum."

"Pros: Faculty who are working in the field. Courses relevant to the license I'm pursuing. Good balance of work and school due to schedule layout. Cons: Full time program, but somewhat longer than usual programs due to schedule. Online Learning System is somewhat glitchy (but they are working on this)."

"I am really enjoying my graduate program. I appreciate that I can go to class one night a week and still keep my full-time job. I am also finding that working in learning teams has been an unexpected plus to this program. The one con I can really come up with is the cost. I cannot help but fear the payments that will come once I graduate but I trust that it will all be worthwhile."

"The pros about this programs is that it caters to the full time worker. This program challenges you to think critically and deliver that information professionally. The cons would be that University of Phoenix has not built up the reputation of a really good grad school. I hope in the near future that if goes that way."

"The University of Phoenix San Diego Campus offers an incredible amount of academic and social support. The faculty works extremely hard to ensure that all students are aware of work shops that offer help with things such as Microsoft Office, career development, and special services for veterans and returning students. The array of programs available to students is very impressive and the amount of time that faculty is willing to spend with students to ensure adequate learning is very encouraging. There are times when class assignments do not flow exactly with the lesson plan, but the overall quality of work that is required per class is adequate in helping students learn the material. Faculty members are always encouraging on assignments and offer appropriate feedback to help students work on weaknesses and build upon strengths. UoP definitely strives to ensure that each student succeeds. Group work is a requirement for all courses and although it can seem tedious at times, it is extrememly beneficial in the end; students learn to collaborate with individuals of varying backgrounds and value systems, which helps to build good communication and cooperative skills. I would definitely recommend UoP to anyone seeking a college education! I have been able to work full time all while pursuing a Master's degree that I am excited to implement in the work force."

"I am pleased with the level of difficulty of the classes and the commitment the school has to sending out graduates who will be able to represent the State of Colorado as well as the University of Phoenix. The individuals in these cohorts take it seriously, as they should. Therefore we are able to learn from one another and help each other prepare for the next step in our careers."

"I am currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. The program is great, the faculty are well educated and can provide up-to-date information about the field as all of them also work in the field. I believe i will graduate the program well prepared and able to pass the certification exams, because of the education provided by the program and the staff of the University."

"Pros are support from professors. Cons are there are not a lot of scholarships and grants available so the only way to pay for school is student loans."

"The attended the University of Phoenix for my undergraduate degree. I had many options for my post graduate studies. I chose to return to the University of Phoenix. This is an awesome institution of higher learning."

"I would highly recommend the University of Phoenix Clinical Counseling Mental Health program. It was rigorous and challenging but worth the time and money."

"convenient class time, great support from faculty and staff. I learned SOOO much."

"I like how University of Phoenix is provides to alternative education for working students. The School Counselor Education program puts students in a cohort, which is beneficial for networking and building support systems during and beyond the program. However, the program does not prepare students for both the counseling experience and the CPCE certification exam. The instructors are not consistent in adhering to the same APA formatting expectations that are laid out by the university and their is not consistent feedback. Overall, my experience at University of Phoenix has been successful and I hope they utilize student feedback for program improvement."

"I love my grad program because I am able to do it and work full-time. My classes are only one night a week. I spend weekends doing my assignments. I have also enjoyed working with my fellow learning team members."

"This is a very positive learning environment and the instructors are very informative and helpful. I have not experienced any negative aspects thus for and would like to continue my progressive educational experience at the University of Phoenix."