WEBVTT 00:00:07.600 --> 00:00:15.540 So, again, I'm Michelle Drennan, alumni association coordinator, and Anne Vail, who's an MSP, master's in psychology alumni. 00:00:16.635 --> 00:00:20.975 We'd like to kinda give you an overview of who Divine Mercy University is. 00:00:21.435 --> 00:00:26.235 First of all, we are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and that's very important. 00:00:26.235 --> 00:00:32.400 You always wanna look at a college that has all their accreditations, and we're able to award master's and a doctorate degree. 00:00:32.620 --> 00:00:40.960 We've been around since about 1998, and we are very excited with the growth that we're seeing throughout all of our programs. 00:00:41.340 --> 00:00:52.265 We also have local accreditation through, CHEV, and, those are some of the, Washington area because we are out of that's almost DC, but it's Sterling, Virginia. 00:00:52.265 --> 00:00:55.625 So you have to have state accreditations as well. 00:00:55.625 --> 00:00:57.405 That's funny, Anne, because you asked. 00:00:57.500 --> 00:01:06.640 There's doctor Clowes Lee and there's, father Charles presenting some degrees, not this past weekend, but, one not too long ago. 00:01:07.420 --> 00:01:08.540 So how are we different? 00:01:08.540 --> 00:01:12.825 Well, first of all, we do do masters in psychology and online very, very well. 00:01:13.065 --> 00:01:20.765 During COVID, many people came to us and really, really tried to give give advice as far as the way we do online masters. 00:01:21.145 --> 00:01:22.765 So the classes are synchronous. 00:01:22.985 --> 00:01:29.470 And what that means is is you have the opportunity to do the courses anytime of day that you are available. 00:01:29.470 --> 00:01:32.130 You do not have to be in class at a certain time. 00:01:32.430 --> 00:01:36.850 Now you will have meetings from time to time and lectures that you have to listen to. 00:01:37.070 --> 00:01:47.245 But how we do it is to make sure that we deliver courses, maximize flexibility, it's convenient, and it does change your heart and your head and your life for the better. 00:01:47.245 --> 00:01:53.585 You do have to find those hours, to be able to go through the degree, but people find their stride. 00:01:53.805 --> 00:02:02.420 So they really have an opportunity to make sure that they're getting their studies done and living their life and using that degree right away with what they're learning. 00:02:02.560 --> 00:02:04.880 All of our faculty are experts in their fields. 00:02:05.120 --> 00:02:06.020 They are PhDs. 00:02:06.240 --> 00:02:14.335 They are people who often are in practice of their counselors or perhaps their behavioral analysis people if they're, still working in the field. 00:02:14.875 --> 00:02:21.535 We find that our psychological training is applicable to a wide variety of professional and ministry settings. 00:02:21.915 --> 00:02:25.770 Does everybody know what they're gonna do when they come into the degree? 00:02:25.770 --> 00:02:26.750 Absolutely not. 00:02:27.050 --> 00:02:32.750 But many times, people are on a goal, and throughout the program, they know exactly what they wanna do. 00:02:33.530 --> 00:02:38.490 We are informed and infused by our unique Catholic Christian meta model. 00:02:38.490 --> 00:02:39.525 What does that mean? 00:02:40.165 --> 00:02:45.065 Many, many schools teach psychology, and they only teach the science of psychology. 00:02:45.445 --> 00:02:53.145 As I'll have let Anne say in just a few minutes, in our psychology, you learn the whole person. 00:02:53.470 --> 00:02:59.810 And that's very, very important because you're not just learning a science, you're learning how to assist people in their life. 00:03:01.390 --> 00:03:02.610 So what are the benefits? 00:03:03.390 --> 00:03:07.490 We gain a deeper understanding of self and others, the functioning behaviors. 00:03:08.075 --> 00:03:11.055 A lot of personal professional development goes on. 00:03:11.195 --> 00:03:14.655 We gain skills to aid individuals and groups in flourishing. 00:03:15.275 --> 00:03:25.510 We also help to evaluate critically one's own biases, assumptions, attitudes, and their effect on decision making planning and interpersonal communication and working in teams. 00:03:25.970 --> 00:03:38.535 So, Anne, take a second and tell this group of people who are listening to the webinar just a quick overview of how even in the beginning, you started to see the subjects really impacting your life. 00:03:39.475 --> 00:03:39.875 Yes. 00:03:39.875 --> 00:03:41.815 Well, thank you very much, Michelle. 00:03:42.595 --> 00:03:54.940 One of the the wonderful elements, in this program, as Michelle said, is that this is, a study of the entire person, mind, body, and soul. 00:03:55.400 --> 00:04:30.105 And, in today's secular society where there's a very relativistic view, you know, we look at, how we are made, you know, in the image and likeness of God and to have respect for everyone, regardless of their circumstances, to treat people with empathy to but at the same time, to also help to lead them to have a a better understanding of their lives and how they can flourish to help them develop their own plans. 00:04:30.405 --> 00:04:38.425 And what's great throughout the program is each one of us as students works on a flourishing development plan. 00:04:38.885 --> 00:04:42.745 And each each course that you take, you develop this plan. 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:53.580 So you take a look at your own life and how you can grow spiritually, emotionally, as well as how you can help others in a variety of ways. 00:04:54.200 --> 00:05:02.605 Whether it's an actual career that you choose or whether it's something you're doing in your church, in your community, as a volunteer. 00:05:03.545 --> 00:05:07.005 There are many different ways to apply what you're learning in the program. 00:05:07.545 --> 00:05:11.325 And for me, it was really a very transformative experience. 00:05:13.130 --> 00:05:13.610 Thank you. 00:05:13.610 --> 00:05:17.070 I'll have you say some other things throughout this as my cohost. 00:05:17.450 --> 00:05:18.510 Interesting story. 00:05:19.370 --> 00:05:22.250 People in the in the cohorts do become very close. 00:05:22.250 --> 00:05:30.715 Anne is about to embark on a short vacation with one of the gals in her cohort, Bernadette, and Bernadette is actually a life coach. 00:05:30.715 --> 00:05:31.535 Is that correct? 00:05:32.155 --> 00:05:32.655 Yes. 00:05:32.875 --> 00:05:33.195 Yes. 00:05:33.195 --> 00:05:35.995 They become very close, and they're gonna spend some time together. 00:05:35.995 --> 00:05:36.495 Right. 00:05:37.035 --> 00:05:37.355 Okay. 00:05:37.355 --> 00:05:42.080 So how are these advanced skills, and what does it include? 00:05:42.460 --> 00:05:59.735 Again, the ability to recognize mental challenges, how to effectively communicate, negotiate, the importance of interpersonal relationship building, how to lead a team through crisis, get advanced training, strategies for program evaluation, fostering very increased cultural awareness. 00:06:01.475 --> 00:06:10.690 So something we have now, Anne, that we didn't have when you graduated, we have actually added through many people asking about this, what we call some concentrations. 00:06:11.150 --> 00:06:18.830 So that people might choose to go a specific direction in marriage and family, in human services, which can be in the industry. 00:06:18.830 --> 00:06:23.250 It can be in, the enforcement of law area, the the governmental system. 00:06:23.595 --> 00:06:25.435 Leadership is a big one right now. 00:06:25.435 --> 00:06:29.455 It's not always great to easy to find leaders leaders in companies. 00:06:29.915 --> 00:06:34.655 A pre PhD for those who think that somewhere down the line, they might be interested in that. 00:06:35.115 --> 00:06:44.950 And also a self design, which is also kind of very popular because many people, can pick and choose, and we'll look at those courses here in a minute. 00:06:45.250 --> 00:06:47.430 It is 100% online. 00:06:47.810 --> 00:06:49.030 What does that mean? 00:06:49.330 --> 00:06:55.895 It means that about fifteen to seventeen hours a week, you've got to find that time. 00:06:55.955 --> 00:06:56.915 Is that about right, Anne? 00:06:56.915 --> 00:06:58.535 Is that about what it took you? 00:06:58.675 --> 00:06:58.915 Yes. 00:06:58.915 --> 00:07:00.055 I would say so. 00:07:00.115 --> 00:07:00.275 Okay. 00:07:00.275 --> 00:07:01.975 Because I like to do that timeline. 00:07:02.195 --> 00:07:06.535 I will share with you that this is not for someone who wants to become a licensed counselor. 00:07:06.860 --> 00:07:10.720 You do not, go out and get a license to become, a counselor. 00:07:11.420 --> 00:07:13.260 However, I will tell you this. 00:07:13.260 --> 00:07:24.835 It's very important to note that the individuals who go through this program find that they're not called to counseling because counselors spend all their life fixing broken people. 00:07:25.695 --> 00:07:30.735 Whereas the master's in psychology helps you fix people before they get broken. 00:07:30.735 --> 00:07:37.440 That's about as simplistic as I could put it, but those are the skills that one does, procure. 00:07:37.440 --> 00:07:44.340 So one of the things to notice, you look at the one, two, three, four, five, six courses at the top. 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:51.460 Everybody, no matter which of the programs they choose as far as a concentration, will take those courses. 00:07:52.335 --> 00:07:58.995 However, as you look at marriage and family concentration, we've added social psychology groups and diversity. 00:08:00.175 --> 00:08:01.075 Excuse me. 00:08:01.855 --> 00:08:03.855 The electives are the ones down at the bottom. 00:08:03.855 --> 00:08:04.515 I apologize. 00:08:05.135 --> 00:08:12.320 Marriage and family systems theory, flourishing and relationships, theology of the body, marriage and family interventions. 00:08:12.940 --> 00:08:19.440 And so the rest of those courses, everybody takes from the standpoint of whatever they choose as a concentration. 00:08:20.565 --> 00:08:30.665 So in human services, those electives would be relationship and intervention skills, personality, individual differences in intelligent, group counseling, and group work. 00:08:30.725 --> 00:08:45.140 And one of the things that priests have told me and students have told me, I start using everything that I'm learning in the first eight weeks, and I've become better priest or I've become a better wife or a better manager or a better husband. 00:08:45.520 --> 00:08:50.020 So I think that's the very wonderful reality about the way we're structured. 00:08:50.025 --> 00:08:53.005 I'm gonna stop just a second and see what the chat says. 00:08:54.105 --> 00:08:55.545 Just joined on my PC. 00:08:55.545 --> 00:08:57.225 I was logged in from my vehicle. 00:08:57.225 --> 00:08:57.625 Thank you. 00:08:57.625 --> 00:08:58.765 Jenny from Illinois. 00:09:00.025 --> 00:09:02.285 Michelle Pham to everyone, that was elegant. 00:09:02.425 --> 00:09:03.065 Great quote. 00:09:03.065 --> 00:09:07.700 I'm assuming she was talking about the difference between counseling and and MSP. 00:09:07.920 --> 00:09:08.560 Thank you all. 00:09:08.560 --> 00:09:09.200 I appreciate it. 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:12.740 And put anything in the chat you want to, and I usually stop and talk about it. 00:09:13.600 --> 00:09:19.300 So the next one would be if somebody wanted to, choose the leadership psychology. 00:09:19.775 --> 00:09:31.235 And that would be, again, the same courses that everyone takes, eight weeks at a time, and transformational leadership, lean leading people programs and organizations and applying leadership skills. 00:09:31.535 --> 00:09:33.190 And Anne's going, wow. 00:09:33.190 --> 00:09:35.210 They didn't have that when I started the program. 00:09:35.270 --> 00:09:43.210 But a lot of it was because people were asking for those things, and we like to adapt according to what's going on in the world. 00:09:43.750 --> 00:09:59.955 And the PhD comp pre PhD is for that person who really is not really sure that they'd ever wanna pursue their PhD, but you do do a huge elective on scientific thesis, psychological research, and writing. 00:10:00.690 --> 00:10:02.770 So that's the, the different ones. 00:10:02.770 --> 00:10:14.150 And the self design has become very popular because there are those individuals who say, well, I'd like to have one out of that category and one out of that category and one out of that category. 00:10:14.585 --> 00:10:17.085 So as you look at all of them, you can choose that. 00:10:17.705 --> 00:10:24.205 We like to hope that you will start on what you want when you first start and take that pathway. 00:10:25.305 --> 00:10:33.350 There have been situations where people, you know, say, I'd really like to change over, but it is much, much better for you to go ahead and choose that on your own path. 00:10:34.770 --> 00:10:35.090 Alright. 00:10:35.090 --> 00:10:35.990 Career opportunities. 00:10:36.770 --> 00:10:37.970 I'm gonna have Anne. 00:10:37.970 --> 00:10:41.490 She does a diverse amount of things in what she has done with her degree. 00:10:41.490 --> 00:10:45.270 Could you share that a little bit before we go over some of these career opportunities, Anne? 00:10:46.275 --> 00:10:46.775 Certainly. 00:10:47.315 --> 00:10:57.175 And I just wanted to mention, I re I do recall taking couple of leadership classes at the end of our, program, which were wonderful. 00:10:58.440 --> 00:11:02.600 I actually have a PhD in organizational leadership from That's right. 00:11:02.920 --> 00:11:03.420 University. 00:11:04.280 --> 00:11:09.420 And so, I highly recommend, you know, the courses in leadership as well. 00:11:10.280 --> 00:11:15.245 At the time that I started the program, I was a retired elementary school teacher. 00:11:15.625 --> 00:11:21.485 I had also been an adjunct professor in leadership at Regent University, but I had retired. 00:11:21.705 --> 00:11:26.205 My my parents were aging and needed some assistance. 00:11:26.870 --> 00:11:40.090 So at the time, I lived in Sarasota, Florida, and I used my musical skills because I had been a music teacher to entertain various, assisted living, facilities and nursing homes. 00:11:40.485 --> 00:11:52.885 But I also saw a great need to to have a better understanding of the residents there, the various aspects of dementia and Alzheimer's and various things that happened. 00:11:52.885 --> 00:12:19.775 So I found that, this program helped me, to become more than just an entertainer, but I also, in fact, my capstone project focused on how I could, help these groups with reminiscence therapy, becoming a good listener, and trying to to really reach their emotions through music and these, little groups. 00:12:20.570 --> 00:12:26.110 But then what happened, of course, I ended up moving back to Rhode Island, my home state. 00:12:26.330 --> 00:12:31.630 COVID hit, and I really didn't have those opportunities to work with with the elderly. 00:12:32.305 --> 00:12:35.285 But, this is a flexible kind of a program. 00:12:36.145 --> 00:12:39.525 I had started, a women's group at my church. 00:12:39.665 --> 00:12:53.110 We focused mostly on writing, and that was a wonderful opportunity because through writing, we often reveal special parts of ourselves that we don't necessarily reveal in our daily conversation. 00:12:54.210 --> 00:13:04.585 And, you know, the women who came, some of them did have some emotional needs and so forth, and I felt this program really helped me, in that regard. 00:13:05.045 --> 00:13:21.500 Now, what's happening in near future, I I joined a musical group where we are going we're waiting for a grant to come to fruition, but we're hoping in the next few months as a group to go into, Alzheimer's units once again. 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.720 I can That's beautiful. 00:13:23.660 --> 00:13:26.160 So that's basically what I wanted to say. 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:27.120 That's great. 00:13:27.260 --> 00:13:33.075 So, you know, it it's really interesting because Anne is one of what I'd say we have five different kinds of students. 00:13:33.075 --> 00:13:34.615 One is a lifetime learner. 00:13:34.995 --> 00:13:35.655 You know? 00:13:35.715 --> 00:13:39.255 She just knows that she wants to continue reinventing herself. 00:13:39.555 --> 00:13:42.135 One is the person fresh out of a bachelor's degree. 00:13:42.675 --> 00:13:44.855 They've decided they wanna go forward. 00:13:45.315 --> 00:13:50.540 The other, we do have an awful lot of of people that are religious, deacons. 00:13:51.160 --> 00:13:52.120 We have nuns. 00:13:52.120 --> 00:14:00.700 We have priests because they'll say, I did not know that I was going to be dealing these kinds of things in the church that I wasn't trained to do twenty years ago. 00:14:01.035 --> 00:14:09.775 And then we just have the individual who just has a passion to go through this degree and make a choice of what direction they wanna go. 00:14:09.915 --> 00:14:11.775 And and Anne mentioned the capstone. 00:14:11.915 --> 00:14:19.620 We feel so strong about our graduates' capstones that we actually print the capstone title in the graduation program. 00:14:19.620 --> 00:14:29.505 And I just got back from graduation, so I'm still, you know, just on a high of the excitement of seeing all my students that I put in the program back when I was in master's two years ago. 00:14:29.665 --> 00:14:37.985 But you had some time to gaze at some of these psychology career opportunities that are on here, and it's just amazing what it opens up for you. 00:14:37.985 --> 00:14:46.980 I often tell people just go on a site and say, positions that, require a master's in psychology. 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:55.940 It's a very diversified whether you wanna teach or you wanna do something for the church or you wanna be executive coach, you wanna be technicians and caseworkers. 00:14:56.535 --> 00:14:59.835 It's very exciting to see all the areas that are open. 00:15:01.095 --> 00:15:05.035 As as Anne just said, you know, a lot of people work in health care. 00:15:05.895 --> 00:15:14.310 There are many opportunities for individuals who are working in health care, whether it's, you know, grief management, working with the elderly, group homes. 00:15:14.930 --> 00:15:18.310 I just got a job lead the other day from in Cincinnati. 00:15:18.530 --> 00:15:19.590 I I live in Cincinnati. 00:15:20.130 --> 00:15:33.285 And, they are starting out, and they want people to actually live in the maternity home for about a year to help these young women who are with child to teach them all the kinds of opportunities are gonna help them and their child be successful. 00:15:33.665 --> 00:15:42.400 So what a altruistic wonderful thing that, you know, a person would actually live there and do it, and requirements were very related to some of the things we do. 00:15:42.860 --> 00:15:56.905 In the area of business, sales, marketing, advertising, as you can see, I'm not gonna read every one of those to you, but you can just see all the different areas that opens up, you know, public relations, project coordinators, sales representative. 00:15:57.365 --> 00:16:12.350 And because you are getting these leadership opportunities, you start a lot of times at a company and you go up very quickly because you know how to build teams and you know how to work in a very solid fashion of caring that you learn in the the masters in psychology. 00:16:13.450 --> 00:16:29.445 So, again, a lot of individuals in the health in the, diocesan area, many folks here in parishes and diocese, a lot of individuals that are working in all areas as far as colleges, university, high schools, so it does open that up for you as well. 00:16:29.505 --> 00:16:31.605 Let me look at this question up here. 00:16:32.305 --> 00:16:35.765 My career goals are to be an adoption specialist social worker. 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:43.620 This may be a rather specific question, but do you think this program would help me be further equipped and qualified for such a vacation? 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:58.575 So one of the things that I would say to you is if there's a specific area that's an adoption place in your area, whether it's working privately with, attorneys or it isn't a you know, there are many of those kinds of places. 00:16:59.115 --> 00:17:06.090 I oftentimes will say when you look at the course descriptions in this coursework, I would say you absolutely would be. 00:17:06.090 --> 00:17:19.550 It is not a social worker, but it is identified as a person who can really read parents, read the situations that are going on so that they could help this young person be put into a a qualified placement. 00:17:20.115 --> 00:17:21.315 I think that's fair to say. 00:17:21.315 --> 00:17:22.295 Don't you, Anne? 00:17:22.755 --> 00:17:23.735 Oh, absolutely. 00:17:24.755 --> 00:17:31.735 Another thing I I neglected to say is, I'm part of a, mentorship program at Regent University. 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:41.300 I for the last two years, I was a mentor to a graduate student in leadership, and, it was, again, all online. 00:17:41.600 --> 00:17:47.555 And she just graduated down in Virginia Beach, and I finally had the wonderful opportunity to meet her in person. 00:17:48.015 --> 00:17:53.135 And, so it I would say, definitely, this would be a great program for you. 00:17:53.135 --> 00:17:53.635 Absolutely. 00:17:53.775 --> 00:18:03.770 And this this next screen actually kinda shares that with you that there are people in child protection, family services, individuals who are working in nonprofits. 00:18:04.630 --> 00:18:13.130 And there are, you know, Catholic Charities still is a very big, adoption center, and they have hired many of our graduates. 00:18:13.190 --> 00:18:17.115 And I have another chat or q and a. 00:18:19.095 --> 00:18:19.815 Thank you. 00:18:19.815 --> 00:18:20.315 K. 00:18:21.895 --> 00:18:22.395 Excellent. 00:18:22.695 --> 00:18:40.545 But, yes, I think because I I will want you at some point, we'll you know, I'll send you I send you the actual career just, just the the content so that you can kind of see exactly what is included in there, and you will see that you gain those skills that could make that happen. 00:18:40.945 --> 00:19:01.450 Another big area, not just because we're in the Washington DC era, but all over, local state and federal governments throughout, you know, many states are in fact hiring our individuals in the different thing ones that you see right here, from parole officers to psychology program manager to a social service manager. 00:19:01.450 --> 00:19:04.010 You know, you do not necessarily have to have social work. 00:19:04.010 --> 00:19:22.325 That is a different I worked in hospice for a year in education, and I was very interested to see the difference between the social worker and the person who was the, you know, the person who was more in a psychology role that helped the families decide for sure that their relative was ready for hospice, if that makes sense. 00:19:23.910 --> 00:19:40.185 So ministry, again, lots of youth pastors, RCIA directors, pregnancy centers, leaders in churches and houses of worship because, again, our our churches need those kind of individuals to lead and grow the people in their flock. 00:19:42.165 --> 00:19:50.025 So, again, just to reiterate, online classrooms, you have the ability to work anytime, anywhere as long as you have Internet and a computer. 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:51.520 Can't do this on your iPad. 00:19:51.520 --> 00:19:52.720 You can't do it on your phone. 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:54.900 So you do absolutely hope to have a computer. 00:19:55.280 --> 00:19:56.340 It is flexible. 00:19:57.600 --> 00:20:02.320 You do have the same atmosphere for student participation, and people go, how can that be? 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:03.060 You're online. 00:20:03.885 --> 00:20:08.225 Well, because you do a lot of chats and posts and you learn to know these people. 00:20:08.685 --> 00:20:12.385 You'll have your favorites just like Anne's going to visit her good friend. 00:20:12.845 --> 00:20:15.985 You get responsiveness from her professors and your peers. 00:20:16.205 --> 00:20:17.645 Professors will say, my goodness. 00:20:17.645 --> 00:20:21.560 We have amazing students who sometimes we learn things from. 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:31.880 So I if I'm doing an interview with you and some of you may actually set up a time, and I hope you do to go a little deeper into that, I always ask, what's your your best learning mode? 00:20:32.275 --> 00:20:35.335 And the nice thing about us is we cover them all. 00:20:35.795 --> 00:20:43.655 Video, audio, classroom, tutorials, anything that any kind of different person, the way they learn, it's very important. 00:20:44.130 --> 00:20:46.130 I often ask too, do you like to write? 00:20:46.130 --> 00:20:48.610 Because you do write small but meaningful papers. 00:20:48.610 --> 00:20:56.470 If you don't like to write, you're gonna become a better writer in this and find that you will express yourself and be able to share with those around you. 00:20:56.610 --> 00:21:03.495 For those of you who've taken any online classes, you may or may not be familiar with what the platform is. 00:21:03.495 --> 00:21:07.115 Some people use, well, we use Canvas. 00:21:07.255 --> 00:21:13.675 Some people use Blackboard, but we found that Canvas is especially good because some people come in and they've been away from school for a while. 00:21:13.800 --> 00:21:26.940 So they get an orientation on how to man that, woman that so that they really understand how to use it and put their stories in, work with the students or work with each other as far as what you need to know and talk with each other. 00:21:27.235 --> 00:21:28.595 And that's twenty four seven. 00:21:28.595 --> 00:21:28.915 You know? 00:21:28.915 --> 00:21:36.195 I'm a person who gets up at 05:00 in the morning, and that was, you know, time when I took a degree, courses before. 00:21:36.195 --> 00:21:37.415 That's my best time. 00:21:37.715 --> 00:21:39.715 Some people wanna do it at night after work. 00:21:39.715 --> 00:21:41.175 Some people do it on weekends. 00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:51.100 But, again, I say you find a stride because it's kinda like if you like audiobooks and you're listening to one in the car and you just can't wait to get back in the car and listen. 00:21:51.480 --> 00:21:57.755 That's what it is about the next assignment or the next course is that you're very excited about, again, being engaged. 00:21:59.415 --> 00:22:00.775 So who teaches us? 00:22:00.775 --> 00:22:05.015 Well, doctor Clowsely, as Anne asked, is in fact the program director. 00:22:05.015 --> 00:22:10.650 She's really brought the program sky high as far as opportunities and opened up job areas. 00:22:11.270 --> 00:22:17.050 Assistant professor and, Angela Williamson, Giovanni, most of these people are indeed PhDs. 00:22:17.510 --> 00:22:21.755 Usually, Robin Traptoe, very bright, very fun, is your first instructor. 00:22:21.895 --> 00:22:24.375 Anna Pecoraro, very interesting woman. 00:22:24.375 --> 00:22:27.995 She's not only very educated, but also an opera singer. 00:22:28.535 --> 00:22:32.235 And then Christopher Gross is hands down one of everybody's favorites. 00:22:32.295 --> 00:22:34.315 Gotta brings out the best in everybody. 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:42.540 But I think what it does, it really puts you in touch with so many different kinds of people. 00:22:42.540 --> 00:22:42.860 You know? 00:22:42.860 --> 00:22:49.625 In a traditional college, you really wouldn't be going to, you know, to school with a priest or a missionary from another country. 00:22:49.685 --> 00:22:53.865 You wouldn't be working with business executives and stay at home moms. 00:22:54.405 --> 00:23:01.385 You're really, really getting a whole sense of perhaps in the future the kinds of people that you will work with. 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:03.860 So I think that's a very crucial part of what we do. 00:23:04.640 --> 00:23:05.140 Okay. 00:23:05.280 --> 00:23:08.640 So this is another thing that wasn't around, Anne, when you started the program. 00:23:08.640 --> 00:23:15.795 We've decided that there are those people that are in such a hurry and have extra time that they can get through the program in sixteen months. 00:23:15.955 --> 00:23:18.375 There's a little, reduction on the tuition. 00:23:18.755 --> 00:23:25.815 However, from a time factor, you gotta find about twenty five to maybe twenty eight hours a week to do it that fast. 00:23:26.035 --> 00:23:31.210 You don't take two courses every single eight weeks, but in some of them, you do. 00:23:31.210 --> 00:23:33.390 And they lay that out for you so you know. 00:23:33.530 --> 00:23:40.890 But the normal program, like Anne graduated from, you take eight week courses, takes twenty six months. 00:23:40.890 --> 00:23:46.275 You also have several weeks of break, holiday breaks, holidays, that kind of thing. 00:23:46.415 --> 00:23:50.355 But some people, that's just the pace that they're able to take the degree. 00:23:52.415 --> 00:23:53.715 So what does it require? 00:23:54.015 --> 00:23:55.395 Well, you must have a baccalaureate. 00:23:55.615 --> 00:24:05.830 It does not have to be in psychology, can be in any field, but we do have to have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, although most people come in with a 2.75 or a three. 00:24:06.930 --> 00:24:12.855 We do need if a person we don't require a GRE, by the way. 00:24:13.015 --> 00:24:26.100 But if a person is foreign born and they have not taken, English and courses in English, we do ask them to take a TOEFL test just to make sure we're not putting people in a program that's over their head that they can't manage. 00:24:26.580 --> 00:24:38.040 Two letters of recommendation from a priest, perhaps a previous, boss in your employment, a resume including your employment and other significant history, and then a written statement of intent. 00:24:38.100 --> 00:24:41.735 You know, how you look at this program and say, wow. 00:24:41.735 --> 00:24:44.475 This is a fit for me, and we want it to be a fit. 00:24:44.695 --> 00:24:45.015 You know? 00:24:45.015 --> 00:24:52.315 As I often say when I interview people, if this is the right fit for you, I wanna help you get through this and get through the acceptance process. 00:24:52.615 --> 00:24:54.920 But we're not for everybody because it's intense. 00:24:55.300 --> 00:24:58.520 But the outcomes are worth every bit of the journey. 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:01.460 So how do I afford it? 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:04.360 Well, one of the things about Divine Mercy is we are nonprofit. 00:25:04.660 --> 00:25:10.365 So we do have some donors, and you probably got some a few scholarships when you came on board. 00:25:10.365 --> 00:25:11.665 Almost everybody does. 00:25:12.365 --> 00:25:17.105 Like right now, because we only have one more class, and that starts in August. 00:25:17.645 --> 00:25:26.060 We give a $1,500 early application scholarship plus some of the others that you can actually write essays for. 00:25:26.600 --> 00:25:29.980 And some people are lucky enough to have employer tuition reimbursement. 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:32.460 Some people are VA approved. 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:37.635 And then we do want you to apply for many of the scholarships and grants to reduce your tuition. 00:25:37.695 --> 00:25:49.315 And although you can't get grants like you did with your bachelor's, you can in, fill out your FAFSA, and there are some unsubsidized Stafford loans and graduate plus loans to help you through it. 00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:54.540 When they work with you in financial aid, they do everything within their power to make sure it's affordable. 00:25:54.920 --> 00:26:01.880 You know, some of the priests are helped by private funds, agencies, and some people say, you know, I've been saving this for a long time. 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:06.335 I'd like to pull up a cash plan with the balance and have it be interest free. 00:26:06.475 --> 00:26:09.535 So, again, we just work with everybody from that standpoint. 00:26:11.195 --> 00:26:12.415 And what is the tuition? 00:26:12.555 --> 00:26:16.715 We currently are excited about the fact that we are keeping it as low as we can. 00:26:16.715 --> 00:26:29.090 If you go the route of the, thirty three credit hours, which is your twenty six month program, it's $850 per credit, for a total of $28.00 $5.00. 00:26:29.090 --> 00:26:36.325 The technology fee is $50 per class, and that's for 11 courses and then five fifty. 00:26:36.325 --> 00:26:43.205 So, Joe, tell us, if they decide on the fast track, how does that tuition plan work? 00:26:43.205 --> 00:26:56.120 Well, the way that works is you pay a 100% for your first class and only 50% for your second class, which, you know, in aggregate, that's that's a 20 aggregate, that's a 25% reduction, which is huge. 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:56.595 Yes. 00:26:56.675 --> 00:27:02.295 And so for the person who can do it fast, there is a savings for sure. 00:27:02.755 --> 00:27:14.870 This time of year when we have, the $1,500 additional upfront, you know, early admission scholarship, we will also weigh you your application fee. 00:27:14.870 --> 00:27:22.730 That just helps you to get your application in, to get started on the journey, to make sure that you're gonna go forward from that standpoint. 00:27:24.525 --> 00:27:29.405 So I think the final questions I'm I'm sure we ask Anne this. 00:27:29.405 --> 00:27:34.385 We'll ask you, and then I'll ask her to tell us if that did help. 00:27:35.550 --> 00:27:37.730 Will this degree help you attain your goals? 00:27:37.790 --> 00:27:40.270 You know, some of you sit here with really big goals. 00:27:40.270 --> 00:27:41.890 Some of you are not totally sure. 00:27:42.510 --> 00:27:48.930 One of the most important things is the program scheduling requirements for successful completion gonna be workable with your schedule. 00:27:49.070 --> 00:27:50.450 Are you a good time manager? 00:27:51.205 --> 00:27:58.025 Is it exciting enough that you feel like you can get to the point where you can make a a real track in doing it? 00:27:58.245 --> 00:28:11.860 Maybe you have to sacrifice something in your personal if you've got a support system, whether it's a wife, a husband, a girlfriend, a mom, or a dad, you know, have to say, I gotta get in a room and finish a paper tonight, so I need you to help me here. 00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:21.495 And and make sure you really look at the financial aid options and help make it more affordable for you for writing those essays for the scholarships. 00:28:22.195 --> 00:28:23.655 And can you start and finish? 00:28:23.955 --> 00:28:26.695 We're very blessed with a very high rate of completion. 00:28:27.715 --> 00:28:34.595 If people, you know, do have to go out for an eight week period, we try to be very understanding and get them right back in there. 00:28:34.595 --> 00:28:38.470 We don't recommended it because you kinda lose your your stroke there. 00:28:39.010 --> 00:28:44.150 And and I guess before I go into the very final stuff, did you look at these, Anne? 00:28:44.690 --> 00:28:46.530 Did all these work for you? 00:28:46.530 --> 00:28:48.710 Did all those categories work for you? 00:28:50.495 --> 00:28:50.895 Yes. 00:28:50.895 --> 00:28:52.515 I I have to be honest. 00:28:53.535 --> 00:29:00.015 As as you mentioned, I think you have to, commit yourself and and look to at your own schedule. 00:29:00.015 --> 00:29:06.660 Where are my strengths and weaknesses in terms of the, am I morning person or evening, whatever? 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:16.660 And I found that the support I received from my fellow students as well as my professors always, helped me to continue. 00:29:17.155 --> 00:29:23.735 I hadn't I had received my PhD in 1999, so it was seventeen years since I've been to school. 00:29:23.875 --> 00:29:26.995 And I remember my first class I wrote to my professor. 00:29:26.995 --> 00:29:29.155 Oh, I think I think I made a mistake. 00:29:29.155 --> 00:29:35.230 I should've Turned out she was so supportive, and the programmer worked out beautifully. 00:29:35.450 --> 00:29:38.910 I was just a little overly, apprehensive. 00:29:39.530 --> 00:29:45.710 But everything worked out beautifully, and I made some very good friends, especially you mentioned my friend, Bernadette. 00:29:46.115 --> 00:29:51.815 And I met incredible people from all over the world from diverse backgrounds. 00:29:51.875 --> 00:29:53.655 So it was really a blessing. 00:29:54.915 --> 00:29:58.695 Thank you, Anne, and we can't thank you enough for your your gift of time tonight. 00:29:58.995 --> 00:30:00.915 So I I I Go ahead. 00:30:00.915 --> 00:30:01.575 I'm sorry. 00:30:02.970 --> 00:30:04.410 I was just saying my pleasure. 00:30:04.410 --> 00:30:11.530 I really was happy to do it, and, I thank you for for all of your wonderful Thank you. 00:30:11.770 --> 00:30:14.970 Patience, and I wish all the prospective students all the best. 00:30:14.970 --> 00:30:17.150 I hope everything works out for you. 00:30:17.855 --> 00:30:19.615 So I think the other thing is okay. 00:30:19.615 --> 00:30:29.075 I have spent all this time and money and and really buckled down for two years, like Anne said, when you're managing your time and your life. 00:30:29.695 --> 00:30:35.450 But what you do learn, these are some really strong skills to be able to listen empathetically as support. 00:30:35.450 --> 00:30:37.290 You don't diagnose mental illness. 00:30:37.290 --> 00:30:40.510 Like you say, that the counselor is a person who is fixing broken people. 00:30:41.290 --> 00:30:45.390 Listening to and assisting struggling persons, not as a counselor or psychotherapy. 00:30:46.355 --> 00:30:55.735 I think I often ask people, are you the kind of person that people come to you automatically because they trust you and they really believe that your advice is sound? 00:30:56.435 --> 00:31:01.335 And if that's already the kind of person you are, this is a very good degree for you to get into. 00:31:02.140 --> 00:31:13.760 A non licensed helper would be that referral if the person showed any signs of being a danger to self or others because we do have people in very many areas, whether it's health care or the court systems. 00:31:14.035 --> 00:31:24.935 But you do facilitate psychoeducational programs that would be like marriage seminars, parenting seminars, seminars that work to help people grow and flourish and become leaders in any kind of business. 00:31:25.395 --> 00:31:28.535 You do work alongside licensed mental health professionals. 00:31:30.050 --> 00:31:34.070 Again, she's going to see a a classmate who's in wellness and life coaching. 00:31:34.370 --> 00:31:38.930 Some people go out and get additional certifications depending on the state they live in. 00:31:38.930 --> 00:31:46.095 If maybe they wanted to help as a behavioral analyst or something like that, you can get some certifications for that or for life coachings. 00:31:46.635 --> 00:31:54.255 And, also, you would refer to a licensed mental health professional, and you would learn to know who those people are in your area, and they would value. 00:31:54.875 --> 00:31:58.140 That's one of the things that I've done in the alumni association. 00:31:58.360 --> 00:32:11.260 We now have a website that is everybody's where they are, if they have a website, what they're doing so we can all keep in touch and and then and the public can find help from them. 00:32:12.865 --> 00:32:35.910 And as we get close here, we also wanna know that you build trust so that people will follow you on suggestions, gather data about history, what's going on, offer new perspectives, seek input from other professionals, become more effective in lay ministries, cystic clergies, religious, and a deeper understanding of the interrelatedness of body and spirit, which Anne told us about. 00:32:36.130 --> 00:32:45.455 And, also, I think just the increased opportunity for job promotion, whether you're in military, human resources, educational settings, any of those things. 00:32:45.595 --> 00:32:52.735 Couple of our military graduates have said, I would have never got the promotion that I got had I not had this education. 00:32:55.060 --> 00:33:06.520 So, again, these are all the different, concentrations, and I will be, sending out course descriptions so that you can dive a little bit deeper into it. 00:33:06.555 --> 00:33:14.415 But I think it's important to know the different areas as you read through these that it can help you be very strong in. 00:33:16.795 --> 00:33:19.435 So I would love any more questions and answers. 00:33:19.755 --> 00:33:27.730 For the next week, I will be doing the applications and the interviews, and then after that, it will be Joe Drennan, my husband, who I dragged back into education. 00:33:27.730 --> 00:33:33.330 We met forty years ago in education, and I think he hears me upstairs talking to graduates. 00:33:33.330 --> 00:33:34.530 And he said, you know what? 00:33:34.530 --> 00:33:36.050 I think they wanna come back and do this. 00:33:36.050 --> 00:33:36.945 I like this place. 00:33:36.945 --> 00:33:40.805 And he just went to his first graduation over the weekend, so it was very, very fun. 00:33:42.385 --> 00:33:50.645 So I think that pretty much completes everything in a nutshell, but, I certainly will call you or you call me. 00:33:51.390 --> 00:33:57.870 I'm gonna do that tomorrow and just see if people want any additional information or if they have questions on financial aid or anything. 00:33:57.870 --> 00:34:00.290 Do anybody else have any questions this evening? 00:34:03.965 --> 00:34:06.285 Looks like we had 12 wonderful people on here. 00:34:06.285 --> 00:34:09.025 I know I had some pre questions that I'll answer tomorrow. 00:34:11.885 --> 00:34:14.285 But if that's it, God bless each one of you. 00:34:14.285 --> 00:34:18.145 Thanks again, Anne, for being a graduate on the program and My pleasure. 00:34:18.410 --> 00:34:18.730 You bet. 00:34:18.730 --> 00:34:22.750 And if this is the right direction for you to go, I see a chat there. 00:34:23.610 --> 00:34:24.990 Just lots of thank yous. 00:34:25.050 --> 00:34:31.870 So thank you so much, and I'll look forward to connecting with some of you and seeing if you would like to go forward. 00:34:32.025 --> 00:34:33.145 Lots of thank yous here. 00:34:33.145 --> 00:34:33.805 Thank you. 00:34:34.345 --> 00:34:37.245 And see if this might be something you wanna explore deeper. 00:34:37.785 --> 00:34:43.405 Again, August is the last class of the year, so wanna get in and get going so you don't have to wait. 00:34:43.914 --> 00:34:45.054 God bless to you everyone. 00:34:45.594 --> 00:34:45.994 Thank you. 00:34:45.994 --> 00:34:47.294 God bless you all. 00:34:47.354 --> 00:34:47.674 Uh-huh. 00:34:47.674 --> 00:34:48.574 Bye bye now. 00:34:48.634 --> 00:34:49.454 Bye now.