Argosy University
The American Schools of Professional Psychology, the University of Sarasota and the Medical Institute of Minnesota merged in 2001 to form Argosy University. The three institutions believed that merging would allow them to reach more students than as separate entities. By merging the institutions into one larger university, the college is able to offer extensive advanced degrees as well as an innovative online format.
The Illinois School of Professional Psychology, which was founded in 1976 by a group of psychologists, educators and other professionals became the first of the American Schools of Professional Psychology, one of the three schools to merge. The school developed a clinical psychology degree that emphasized teaching and practice training.
The University of Sarasota was founded under a different name in 1969 and had a long history in academia. The school offered an innovative course delivery format that combined distance learning with intense, on-campus study.
The Medical Institute of Minnesota was established in 1961 in an effort to meet the growing needs of the medical community. Graduates were prepared for careers in medical technology.
Argosy was named from the noun "argosy," which means "rich supply" and the logo of the university features a shield decorated with a laurel wreath which is designed to represent academic and professional achievement. The green in the logo symbolizes growth, harmony and academic achievement while yellow symbolizes intelligence, clarification, personal passion and wisdom.
Today, Argosy University has one of the largest graduate student populations in the country, offering 28 campus locations. Online students are provided the flexibility necessary to meet other obligations while they work toward their higher education goals. Courses are available 24-hours per day and students may attend classes anywhere they have Internet availability. The online courses are user-friendly and students learn from faculty members who have been deemed experts in their field.
Faculty and staff provide continued support, career services and an online community that allow students to connect with peers throughout the globe. Students also have access to an online library, allowing full-text searches in over 350 databases that support the academic programs offered through Argosy University.
Argosy University Accreditation Details
Argosy University is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, the different campuses in the Argosy University system offer multiple programmatic accreditations.
Argosy University Application Requirements
Students must complete an application for admission in order to be accepted to Argosy University. Other application requirements exist for specific undergraduate degree programs. Graduate students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Most degree programs also require a minimum grade point average in undergraduate courses. Students must also provide a personal and professional goal statement as part of the graduate admission process. A current resume, three recommendations and official transcripts must be provided as well.
Argosy University Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at Argosy University varies based on the campus attended and the degree program the student is seeking. Tuition per credit hour ranges from $450 to $578 for undergraduate programs. Graduate program tuition also varies based on the campus attended and the degree program sought. Tuition rates range from $731 to $1,197.
Financial aid is available at Argosy University through grants, loans and scholarships. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for financial aid. Argosy University also accepts military benefits and employer-provided tuition.
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counseling Psychology
The Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology is designed to enhance the expertise of professionals in the counseling industry. The program provides skills and knowledge in leadership, supervision, training and teaching positions. Students focus on application of research techniques in relation to the world of counseling. Students entering this program have backgrounds in mental health, social work, school counseling, pastoral counseling, family therapy and psychiatric training at the master's level.
Graduates have been successful in positions in research, career services, higher education settings, as consultants and a wide variety of other industries. Courses included in the program include:
- Advanced Individual Counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Multicultural Issues in Counseling
- Models of Clinical Supervision
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- Ethics in Practice
- Teaching in Higher Education
- Group Counseling Theory and Practice
- Advanced Academic Study and Writing
Students must also complete nine credit hours of elective courses which may vary should they choose to concentrate their studies.
In addition to the courses, students must complete a 12-credit hour dissertation course sequence and will be required to complete a comprehensive examination after the completion of all coursework.
In order to apply for the program, students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and must score the minimum allowed on the Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency examination if English is not their first language. Students must submit an application with the application fee. Arizona residents will have their application fee refunded if the application is cancelled within three days of signing the enrollment agreement. In addition, students must submit a personal and professional goal statement with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the profession. A current resume or career summary as well as three completed Applicant Recommendation Forms are required. Students must also provide official transcripts form all colleges or universities attended.
Out-of-state applicants to Argosy University in Hawaii may be provided the opportunity to conduct their interview by telephone rather than in person.
Adult students often have difficulty furthering their education as many have social, family or employment obligations that may be a hindrance to attending traditional classrooms. Students who need flexibility will find the online format at Argosy University beneficial as they work toward achieving their higher education goals. By advancing their education, students may find better career opportunities in a current career or take the steps to change careers that will provide them with more opportunity. At Argosy University, the ability to take classes online presents working students with the ability to achieve their higher education goals, allowing them to attend classes on a schedule that meets their needs.