John Brown University’s graduate counseling program, the largest in the state, reached record enrollment with over 350 students registered this fall, a 20 percent increase. With four emphases offered, 80 percent of graduate counseling students double major in marriage and family therapy and clinical mental health counseling to receive licensure as both a therapist and counselor.

“JBU’s graduate counseling program is growing not only because students are interested in the field, but because they understand that JBU provides the knowledge, experience and flexibility to accomplish their goals,” Dr. John Carmack, program director for graduate counseling, said. “As one of only two universities in the state that offers the marriage and family therapy track, we are glad to provide the resources to equip students as they bring healing to hurting people.

In addition to marriage and family therapy and clinical mental health counseling, JBU’s graduate counseling program offers school counseling and play therapy. On average, graduates from the program score 90 percent on national board exams and clinical preparation.

The graduate program provides students flexible options to pursue a master’s degree with multiple locations in Fort Smith, Little Rock, Rogers and JBU’s main campus, as well as evening and online classes.

“The way professors teach the material in an engaging manner, the way they provide flexible hours, the way you are able to gain real-world experience — I learned quickly that JBU sets you up for success,” Rodney Holmstrom, JBU graduate counseling student in marriage and family

therapy, said. “To hear from trained professionals gives the program a lot of credibility. You walk in with a hunger to learn and you leave with the skills to make a difference.”

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Ranked No. 2 among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News, JBU enrolls more than 2,700 students from 42 states and 39 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 39 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.