Capella University Receives Second CACREP Accreditation; Capella's Marital, Couple and Family Counseling/Therapy Specialization Accredited Through 2011.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Capella University is the first and only online university to have not just one, but two counseling specializations in its School of Human Services accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Capella's marital, couple and family counseling/therapy specialization just received accreditation, and its mental health counseling specialization was accredited in 2003. The online university's counselor education specializations prepare graduates to apply for licensure as marriage and family therapists or mental health counselors in their respective states and in relation to individual state regulations.

"For anyone considering a counseling career, CACREP accreditation is an important criterion for selecting a school," said Michael Offerman, president and chief executive officer of Capella University. "Only quality schools that agree to rigorous initial and ongoing evaluations of their programs achieve accreditation."

CACREP accreditation assures potential and current students that a school's counseling program(s) meet the standards developed by a national consensus of professionals in the counseling field. State licensing bodies and national certification agencies often recognize that programs accredited by CACREP provide a quality education for preparing students for counselor credentialing, which may include national certification, state licensure or state certification.

"Online degree programs accredited by CACREP benefit the entire counseling profession," said Pamela Patrick, executive director of the School of Human Services, Capella University. "Only a handful of schools in each state have CACREP accreditation, making it difficult for people to enroll in a CACREP accredited program. Now regardless of where you live, you have access to accredited counseling programs through Capella. And because our counseling specializations are taught online, it's easier for people to fit earning a counseling degree into their busy lives."

Caitlin Shaw is nearing the completion of her master's degree in human services with a specialization in marital, couple and family counseling/therapy from Capella University. Shaw, a former property manager, wanted a career change and chose couple and family counseling because it allows for a more flexible work schedule and the work is fulfilling. Because her husband is in the U.S. Navy, the flexibility of an online university appealed to her. "I knew I would be moving (she has moved twice) while attending school and I needed to fit the course work into my busy life," said Shaw. Shaw has 18-month old twins and volunteers at a crisis center.

"I chose Capella for my online school because it was close to becoming CACREP accredited, which will make it easier for me to get licensed," said Shaw. "It's extremely difficult to get licensing if your degree is from a non-CACREP accredited school." Shaw's goal is to become licensed in Maryland after completing her schooling in October 2006.

For more information about Capella University's marital, couple and family counseling/therapy, mental health and other counselor education specializations in the School of Human Services, visit www.capella.edu/humanservices.

For more information about CACREP accreditation, visit www.cacrep.org.

About Capella University

Founded in 1993 to serve working adults and employers, Capella University is an online accredited(a) academic institution. Capella University offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services and psychology, plus the Bachelor of Science with 10 specializations in business and information technology. The university currently serves nearly 13,000 enrolled learners from all 50 states and 55 countries. Central to Capella's approach are achievement-oriented learners, expert faculty, and a university staff that is passionate about each individual's success. Capella is a national leader in online education, committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

(a) Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, located at 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, [phone], www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.

EDITORIAL SIDEBAR

IMPORTANCE OF CACREP ACCREDITATION TO COUNSELING PROFESSION

Benefits of CACREP Accreditation Now Available at Online University

For people considering a counseling career, choosing an online counseling education program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has significant benefits that, until recently, were unavailable at most online universities:

--CACREP accreditation recognizes that a university's program meets or exceeds national standards of excellence established by counseling professionals.

--State licensing organizations and national certification agencies often recognize that programs accredited by CACREP meet higher professional standards of academic and professional preparation relevant to contemporary practice.

--Only a handful of land-based universities in each state have CACREP accredited programs. Through Capella, an online university, you now have access to a CACREP accredited program no matter where you live.

--Online degree programs allow people to fit education into their busy lives. A 24/7 class schedule allows adults to attend classes whenever it's convenient for them -day or night.

--Capella University is the only online university to have counseling specializations in its School of Human Services accredited by CACREP.

--Capella's marital, couple and family counseling/therapy and mental health counseling specializations are accredited through 2011, the longest term CACREP grants to any of its accredited institutions.