Questions about attending graduate school at USM (Counseling)

Submitted by retro-galaxy t3_yeutny in Maine

Curious, do any folks in here have any experience themselves, or know of someone else's experience, with attending graduate school at USM? I went to USM for my undergraduate degree and have been thinking long and hard about going back to school one day for an MS in Counseling, with the ultimate goal/dream of becoming a licensed psychotherapist. I work full time so I wasn't sure what the class schedule is like for graduate programs (if classes take place more often during day or night), and if scheduling differs based off the department. Is working full time & pursuing a graduate degree realistic or idealistic? For those who have gone through a graduate degree program, what insight can you share in this regard? Just looking to gain a better understanding of what it's really like to attend grad school, specifically at USM, and how to balance it with work life. Any thoughts/comments/advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

Edit: I'm open minded towards considering any graduate school recommendations in Maine, not just USM! (I just happen to be loyal to USM since I went there for undergrad and had a good experience.)

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Thevioletsock t1_iu1zgoh wrote

Hello, therapist here. I’ve heard mixed opinions about USM from other friends who went there. Mostly in terms of the teaching style. I’ve heard good things about UMF’s newer counseling program from a recent grad. Husson also has a very well known counseling program as well (the program is 3 years as opposed to the standard 2.5)

Edit: I enjoyed grad school a lot more than undergrad. The work is “easier” if you enjoy it. Genuinely I think the issue is less “comprehension of the material” and more “I’m burnt out of school and don’t want to do papers.” If you’re fine powering through 2.5 years its not that bad (worked 40 hours a week and did grad). Also, some people recommend UNE for LMSW, I wouldn’t recommend this unless your Bachelors is in Social Work, as it takes longer to complete the program. Also, UNE is obscenely expensive compared to other graduate programs.

DM me if you have more specific questions.

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Extreme-Status-5776 t1_iu02zce wrote

UNE has an MSW program that a couple friends of mine just came out of. They had mostly positive things to say about it and immediately landed jobs upon graduation doing counseling/therapy. I’m not familiar with the industry so apologies if this is different than psychotherapy

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Sleuthiestofsleuths t1_iu1sm7r wrote

Sister & neice both went this route and are now counselors. Sister has a private practice and makes bank! Neice is in the "supervised hours" stage of the licensing process (you have to work 2,000 hours under the supervision of a licensed therapist to get your license.) My sister did this by working as a school counselor and made $35k a year. Then she got her license and started her own practice. My neice is working in a hospital as a counselor for $55k. She loves it so much she's thinking she'll stay in this job even after she has her hours and is licensed (at which time her salary will jump up to $75k). Aaaaand, my son is currently at USM majoring in Behavioral Science. He's doing it all online now, which they started doing because of covid, and it works for him because he can have a full time job and do his classes online when he has the time. Your goals are 100% worthwhile and achievable!! Mental wellness is a HUGE growth industry in this country and I hope you decide to pursue it!!

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Electronic-Stop-1954 t1_iu3yfxb wrote

SNHU is completely online and the cheapest in the nation. Easiest to complete with a full time work schedule. I’m currently debating whether do do the counseling program or another program.

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New-Work-139 t1_iu0m8xk wrote

Honestly I’d recommend against this path in general. Lots of debt, low income, and a pretty thankless job on the whole with high stress

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