Master of Social Work Alumna Moving Up in Counseling Career

The Master of Social Work degree at Saint Leo University supports study in social work and connects classroom learning to client work. The experience described includes applying teachings from instructors while working with clients, and using course work in practical ways such as leadership classes linked to field research. The student’s career focus includes individualized counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy.

The program is delivered online. It translates a face-to-face classroom into an online setting where students can interact with professors and with smaller groups of students for project work. The student also found opportunities to meet classmates in person when they lived within driving distance. Completion is described as finishing the degree in spring, with no other timetable details provided.

Field experience included an internship at The Arc Jacksonville, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The internship work involved designing a program using art as a therapeutic means and conducting research on art intervention. After the degree, the student’s current role is as a mental health clinician with Family Matters of Coastal Georgia, providing individualized counseling for uninsured clients through an internal cash-based program.

• Mental health clinician at Family Matters of Coastal Georgia
• Intern at The Arc Jacksonville