Bluefield College, NCI Announce New Partnership to Offer Master of Arts in Counselor Education Degree Program

Martinsville –New College Institute (NCI) and Bluefield College announced a partnership today to offer a Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education beginning with the fall 2020 semester.

This partnership aims to provide access to graduate-level training in Counselor Education with tracks in both clinical mental health and school counseling in Southern Virginia.  Students seeking admission to the MA program can expect flexible programming options (full and part-time), online and hybrid delivery with intensives held on-campus in Bluefield and at NCI, and adherence to CACREP standards and outcomes.

“The collaboration springs from a shared commitment to expand high-quality and impactful educational opportunities throughout rural Virginia,” said Karen Jackson, Interim Executive Director at NCI.  “NCI is pleased to partner with Bluefield College to bring the MA in Counselor Education degree to Southern Virginia.”

“Bluefield College is committed to developing well-trained mental health practitioners to serve their communities.  Students in the Master of Arts in Counselor Education program will learn to respond to individual and group needs across the lifespan, work as social justice advocates, and become transformational servant leaders. We are excited and eager to partner with NCI to provide additional opportunities in Southern Virginia,” said Dr. Marshall Flowers, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Bluefield College.

As part of the partnership, NCI and Bluefield College will engage prospective students through a collection of printed materials, digital initiatives, and individualized advising opportunities.

The first informational sessions will be held via Zoom from 1:00 – 2:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:00 pm on June 9th, 2020. For more information, contact Brandy Smith at Bluefield College, bsmith@bluefield.edu or Steve Keyser at NCI, skeyser@newcollegeinstitute.org.