Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Arkansas

Students will have to meet some specific requirements for counseling degrees and licenses in Arkansas. The state requires a potential counselor to complete an approved master’s degree (or higher) with a minimum of 60 graduate hours to be licensed to provide counseling services to the public. 

Arkansas also mandates individuals to have a minimum of two years teaching experience in order to become school counselors in the state of Arkansas. Students have two paths to receive certification from the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Individuals who already hold a teaching license in the state of Arkansas take the Professional School Counselor Praxis test. Individuals who are not currently licensed teachers in Arkansas are required to pass the Professional School Counselor Praxis test, and one of the Principles of Learning and Teaching exams: K-6, 5-9, or 7-12 grades. 

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification administers the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) test for rehabilitation counselor certification. Arkansas is one of 12 states that recognize the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam (CRCE) in general counseling licensure. Students who complete an approved rehabilitation counselor education program in Arkansas are encouraged to earn the CRCE credential as it provides for salary increases and easier job placements.

Arkansas also has an office dedicated to addictions counseling certification and licensure. Licensure can be obtained by submitting an application and other required documentation to the Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. The board offers three credentials: a Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC), which requires a master’s degree in the health or behavioral sciences field from an accredited college or university; a Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC), which requires a bachelor’s degree in the health or behavioral sciences field from an accredited college or university; and a Certified Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Technician (CADAT), which requires a high school diploma or equivalent. 

The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy offers licensure for Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (LAMFT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). In Arkansas, LACs must complete 3,000 direct hours with clients over approximately three years in order to become an LPC. In addition, Arkansas law requires all counselors to take the National Counselors Exam (or the National Marital and Family Therapy Examination for MFTs) and pass an oral exam, taken in front of board members in which the applicant is expected to answer questions regarding the rules, regulations, and policies in Arkansas.

According to HealthGrad (2023), average counselor salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2 percent higher than average counselor salaries for job postings nationwide. There is an increased demand for licensed counselors, in Arkansas and everywhere. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) forecasts that careers in counseling fields will grow 18 percent nationally from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for counselors, in general, will grow as a growing population seeks mental health counseling. Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow at a rate of 2 percent. On the other hand, the job outlook for marriage and family therapists is expected to grow at a rate of 15 percent during that same decade. 

Read on for licensed and accredited programs offering counseling degrees and licenses in Arkansas. 

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Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas State University – College of Education & Behavioral Science 

Arkansas State University is the flagship public campus and the second-largest university in Arkansas. The university was founded in 1909.

The Psychology and Counseling department offers a Specialist in Education (EdS) degree, which leads to state licensure in counseling, school psychology, and psychology. Three tracks are available: school psychology, clinical and mental health counseling, and a flexible option, which is based on that student’s career goals and experience. 

The school psychology emphasis prepares students for careers as school psychologists. These professionals work with parents, teachers, students, educators, and others to best meet the educational and mental health needs of children. Students who complete the clinical mental health counseling specialization are eligible to become licensed as School Psychology Specialists with the Arkansas Department of Education (or Licensed School Psychologists in other states). Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) in order to qualify for both National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Arkansas Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) status. 

Online options include a school counseling program with a specialization in crisis and trauma. The MSE in school counseling program offers an emphasis on special populations. This optimizes a student’s chances of working with students from subgroup populations, including gifted and talented, English language learners, and special education. 

These Arkansas State University school counseling online programs prepare students to practice in public or private schools. In addition, the school offers graduate certificates in addiction studies, clinical mental health studies, and play therapy. 

  • Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
  • Duration: The school psychology specialization is 67 credits; the clinical mental health counseling specialization is 60 credits; the school counseling programs are 48 credits
  • Accreditation: The clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by CACREP
  • Tuition: $10,200 total

Harding University – College of Education

Harding University, established in 1924, is a private liberal arts university that is the largest private university in Arkansas. The College of Education’s Mental Health and Wellness department includes master of science degrees in marriage and family counseling/therapy, professional school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and an educational specialist program in counseling. In addition, the school offers a certificate in counseling skills. 

Students who complete the marriage and family counseling/therapy program can graduate and immediately pursue licensure for both LMFT and LPC. The professional school counseling program is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. The clinical mental health counseling program can lead to professional credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Clinical Mental Health Counselor. 

The educational specialist in counseling program prepares candidates to become practitioners in three concentrations with additional credits completed: marriage and family counseling/therapy (15 credits), professional clinical mental health counseling (15 credits), and professional school counseling (12 credits).

  • Location: Searcy, Arkansas
  • Duration: 60 to 75 credits 
  • Accreditation: The marriage and family counseling/therapy program is seeking CACREP accreditation
  • Tuition: $550 per credit

Henderson State University

Henderson State University is a public university founded in 1890. The Henderson graduate school offers a master of science in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and an online educational specialist degree. 

The clinical mental health counseling program prepares students to attain their Licensed Counseling Associate credentialing. Graduates of this program may achieve full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arkansas. 

The school counseling program prepares students to work in public or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools in the state of Arkansas. The master of science in education degree in school counseling is a state-approved accredited school counselor preparation program. 

  • Location: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
  • Duration: 60 credits
  • Accreditation: CACREP; the MSE in school counseling is also accredited by NCATE
  • Tuition: $7,704 per year, plus fees, Arkansas residents; $9,632, non-residents

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public research university that is the largest university in Arkansas. The Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Arkansas offers degrees in counseling with four concentrations: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and addiction counseling. 

School counseling students must meet certain Arkansas Department of Education requirements in addition to completing the master’s degree. 

  • Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • Duration: 60 credits
  • Accreditation: The counselor education program’s school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and rehabilitation counseling programs are accredited by CACREP
  • Tuition: $10,500 per year for 24 credits, Arkansas residents; $28,560 per year for 24 credits, non-residents; the standard in-state graduate tuition rate is $437.54 per credit

University of Arkansas at Little Rock 

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public research university established in 1927. The Education department offers a master of arts in counseling with an emphasis in rehabilitation counseling. The master of arts in counseling (COUN) offers classes in a 24-month sequence. 

All coursework is web-based with the exception of two skill-building courses. The two courses require on campus activities for three days each. Students are admitted on a full- or part-time basis. Graduates of this program qualify for licensure as professional counselors in Arkansas and many other states.

  • Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Duration: Two years, full- or part-time
  • Accreditation: The rehabilitation counseling program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and recognized by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling
  • Tuition: $325 plus fees per credit, Arkansas residents; $737 plus fees, non-residents

How Much Do Counselors Make in Arkansas?

These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2022—the latest data available as of November 2023.

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

United StatesArkansas
Number employed308,0002,220
Average annual salary (mean)$64,200$55,950
10th percentile$38,280$37,970
50th percentile (median)$60,140$55,190
90th percentile$98,530$73,570

Marriage and Family Therapists

United StatesArkansas
Number employed62,080Not available
Average annual salary (mean)$63,300$42,620
10th percentile$36,840$36,270
50th percentile (median)$56,570$37,950
90th percentile$98,700$57,940

Rehabilitation Counselors

United StatesArkansas
Number employed82,420260
Average annual salary (mean)$46,020$35,430
10th percentile$29,120$23,700
50th percentile (median)$39,990$32,340
90th percentile$71,270$48,940

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

United StatesArkansas
Number employed344,9702,190
Average annual salary (mean)$56,230$63,250
10th percentile$34,580$28,830
50th percentile (median)$49,710$52,680
90th percentile$82,710$104,940

All Other Counselors

United StatesArkansas
Number employed37,270160
Average annual salary (mean)$49,770$42,380
10th percentile$31,930$38,340
50th percentile (median)$43,390$40,200
90th percentile$75,340$46,520

Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Arkansas

  • Arkansas Association for Play Therapy (ArAPT)
  • Arkansas Counseling Association (ArCA)
  • Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA)
  • Arkansas Mental Health Counselors Association (ArMHCA)
  • Family Violence Prevention and Rape Crisis Center (S.A.I.L.)
  • Women and Children First: Center Against Family Violence
  • Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter
  • The Haven of Northeast Arkansas
  • Women’s Crisis Center of Southern Arkansas
  • Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas
  • Southwest Arkansas Crisis Center
  • Committee Against Spouse Abuse (CASA)
  • White County Domestic Violence Prevention
  • Association For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender Issues In Counseling
  • Arkansas Physical Therapy Association
  • Arkansas Addiction Professionals Association (ARAPA)
  • Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board 
  • Mental Health Council of Arkansas 
  • Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence
  • Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC)
  • Northeast Arkansas Migrant Education Cooperative

Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Arkansas: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

All prospective counselors in Arkansas are first credentialed as Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC). There are several steps to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). For the initial application, they must:

  • Submit a completed LAC application form
  • Pay the $200 application fee
  • Include a color passport photo no less than 12 months old
  • Submit a completed core curriculum summary
  • Provide an unofficial transcript if in the last semester of grad school or an official transcript if already graduated

For the written exams and file building, the board issues an authorization for the candidate to take the NCE exam through the NBCC upon verification that education requirements have been met. Candidates schedule, pay for, and take the exam after they:

  • Submit a letter of intent
  • Provide four letters of recommendation, two of which must be from faculty or adjuncts, one from a clinical supervisor, and one from another mental health professional
  • Complete a fingerprint packet from the board for federal and state background checks.
  • Submit official transcripts showing awarded master’s degree

Candidates then prepare for an oral interview and file completion. They should verify with the board that they have received official transcripts, official test scores, and background check results.

Candidates then schedule an oral interview once the board has sent the email requesting the candidate to do so. They may attend other oral interviews to know the format and better prepare.

Finally, after passing the oral interview, they can obtain an LAC license. To do this, they must:

  • Submit a signed supervision agreement
  • Provide the board with a revised statement of intent if requested
  • Pay a new license fee. Contact the board to know the correct prorated amount

To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester-hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling. Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC.

Arkansas LAC and LPC licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st in even-numbered years. Renewals cost $250 for LACs and $300 for LPCs.

In addition, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours.

School Counseling Licenses in Arkansas

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

School counselors in Arkansas apply for endorsement through the school district. The requirements are:

  • Hold an Arkansas educator license or pass the Praxis exam Principles of Learning and Teaching for K-6, 5-9, or 7-12.
  • Have a master’s degree or higher in guidance and school counseling or another field; if the degree is not in school counseling, the applicant must complete an approved graduate, non-degree program of study in guidance and school counseling
  • Complete a 100-hour practicum over ten weeks with at least 40 hours of direct service to students and at least one hour of supervision per week
  • Complete a 600-hour internship with at least 240 hours of direct student contact and one hour of supervision per week
  • Submit a complete application
  • Pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam
  • Pass a background check
  • Pay the application fee

Teaching licenses with a counseling endorsement must be renewed every five years. To renew, candidates must:

  • Complete a new background check
  • Pay $75 application fee
  • Submit a completed application
  • Complete the required professional development hours

Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Arkansas

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC)


Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB)

The Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC) and the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB) are the two agencies certifying substance abuse counselors in Arkansas.

SBEADAC issues both Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC) and Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) certifications.

Applicants for the certifications must:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Have three years and 6,000 hours of supervised work experience approved and documented by a Certified Clinical Supervisor in good standing with the Board
  • Hold 270 hours of approved education
  • Have completed a master’s for a LAADAC or a bachelor’s for a LADAC
  • Pass a national qualifying written exam approved by SBEADAC, sufficient to “ensure professional competence in keeping with the highest standards of the alcoholism and drug abuse counseling profession”
  • Submit a completed application
  • Send three letters of recommendation
  • Pay $265 license fee
  • Submit a Notarized Statement of Agreement
  • Sign a copy of the Code of Ethics

Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) certifications are issued by the ASACB.

Requirements for an ADC credential include:

  • Three years and 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in drug and alcohol counseling (1,000 hours may be waived for an associate degree, 2,000 hours for a bachelor’s, and 4,000 for a master’s or higher)
  • A minimum of 300 clock hours of education related to substance abuse
  • A 300-hour supervised practicum, including at least ten hours in each of the IC&RC/AODA Twelve Core Functions
  • Signed code of ethics
  • $250.00 testing fee
  • Passing score on the ADC exam
  • A completed application

AADC certification applicants must meet the requirements for ADC, as well as:

  • Pass the AADC exam
  • Hold a master’s degree in behavioral science or human services field with a clinical application
  • Have one year and 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in drug and alcohol counseling

SBEADAC renewals are required every two years.

The requirements are:

  • Pay the appropriate fee (LADAC $250 and LAADAC $200)
  • Complete a renewal application
  • Complete 40 hours of continuing education; more than half of the hours must be in addiction or substance abuse, and no more than half of the hours can be online

ASACB renewals are on a two-year certification cycle and expire November 1 of odd numbered years.

Renewal fees are $250 per biennium and must be accompanied by 40 hours of approved continuing education, of which six hours must be in ethics.

Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Arkansas

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

Rehabilitation counselors in Arkansas must be Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).

All prospective counselors in Arkansas are first credentialed as Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC). There are several steps to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). For the initial application, they must:

  • Submit a completed LAC application form
  • Pay the $100 application fee
  • Include a color passport photo no less than 12 months old
  • Submit a completed core curriculum summary
  • Provide an unofficial transcript if in the last semester of grad school or an official transcript if already graduated

For the written exams and file building, the board issues an authorization for the candidate to take the NCE exam through the NBCC upon verification that education requirements have been met. Candidates schedule, pay for, and take the exam after they:

  • Submit a letter of intent
  • Provide four letters of recommendation, two of which must be from faculty or adjuncts, one from a clinical supervisor, and one from another mental health professional
  • Complete a fingerprint packet from the board for federal and state background checks.
  • Submit official transcripts showing awarded master’s degree

Candidates then prepare for an oral interview and file completion. They should verify with the board that they have received official transcripts, official test scores, and background check results.

Candidates then schedule an oral interview once the board has sent the email requesting the candidate to do so. They may attend other oral interviews to know the format and better prepare.

Finally, after passing the oral interview, they can obtain an LAC license. To do this, they must:

  • Submit a signed supervision agreement
  • Provide the board with a revised statement of intent if requested
  • Pay a new license fee. Contact the board to know the correct prorated amount

To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester-hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling. Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC.

SBEADAC renewals are required every two years.

The requirements are:

  • Pay the appropriate fee (LADAC $250 and LAADAC $200)
  • Complete a renewal application
  • Complete 40 hours of continuing education; more than half of the hours must be in addiction or substance abuse, and no more than half of the hours can be online

Arkansas LAC and LPC licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st on even-numbered years. Renewals cost $200 for LACs and $250 for LPCs.

In addition, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours with at least three of those hours in ethics.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Arkansas

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

There are no state requirements for licensing behavior analysts in the state of Arkansas. Board-certified behavior analysts with BCBA certification can enroll in the state registry to be eligible to bill Medicaid.

However, applied behavior analysts who have completed graduate education in counseling can be Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and submit an application for a specialized license as a Behavior Analyst.

LPCs must first earn a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) license. The steps for licensure are:

  • Submit a completed LAC application form
  • Pay the $100 application fee
  • Include a color passport photo (no less than 12 months old)
  • Submit a completed core curriculum summary
  • Provide an unofficial transcript if in the last semester of grad school or an official transcript if already graduated
  • Pass the NCE exam through the NBCC
  • Submit a letter of intent
  • Provide four letters of recommendation, two of which must be from faculty or adjuncts, one from a clinical supervisor, and one from another mental health professional
  • Complete a fingerprint packet from the board for federal and state background checks.
  • Submit official transcripts showing master’s degree completion
  • Pass an oral interview
  • Submit a signed supervision agreement
  • Provide the board with a revised statement of intent if requested
  • Pay a new license fee; contact the board for correct prorated amount

To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling.

Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC. After an LPC license has been approved, candidates may pay a $100 fee and submit an application for a behavior analyst specialization, including proof of BCBA certification.

Arkansas LPC licenses must be renewed biennially on May 31st on odd-numbered years. Renewals cost $300 for LPCs.

For each renewal cycle, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours, including at least two hours of ethics.

LPCs must renew their specialized Behavior Analyst license concurrently.

Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Arkansas

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling issues Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licenses.

The requirements for an LAMFT license are:

  • Pay the $100 application fee
  • Submit a completed application
  • Provide proof of eligibility work in the US
  • Complete the core curriculum summary for LAMFT
  • Show proof of current enrollment in an MFT program or official transcripts demonstrating a master’s degree or higher in marriage and family therapy (CACREP- or COAMFTE-accredited programs only)
  • Pass a fingerprint background check
  • Pass the AMFTRB written exam
  • Submit a letter of intent
  • Provide four letters of recommendation, two of which must be from faculty or adjuncts
  • Complete a fingerprint packet from the board for federal and state background checks
  • Pass an oral interview
  • Submit a signed supervision agreement
  • Provide the board with a revised statement of intent if requested
  • Pay a new license fee

To become an LMFT, applicants must:

  • Submit a complete application
  • Submit official transcripts showing awarded master’s degree
  • Complete three years of supervised work experience (30 semester-hours of postgraduate graduate coursework may substitute for one year of experience)
  • Pay a prorated new license fee

Arkansas LAMFT and LMFT licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st on even-numbered years. Renewals cost $200 for LAMFTs and $250 for LMFTs.

In addition, LMFTs must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours, two of which must be in ethics.

Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Arkansas

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

Child therapists in Arkansas must be Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). While there is no specialization in pediatric counseling, child therapists can apply for a play therapy specialization.

All prospective counselors in Arkansas are first credentialed as Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC). There are several steps to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). For the initial application, they must:

  • Submit a completed LAC application form
  • Pay the $200 application fee
  • Include a color passport photo no less than 12 months old
  • Submit a completed core curriculum summary
  • Provide an unofficial transcript if in the last semester of grad school or an official transcript if already graduated
  • Pay $100 application fee

For the written exams and file building, the board issues an authorization for the candidate to take the NCE exam through the NBCC and the AR Jurisprudence Exam upon verification that education requirements have been met. Candidates schedule, pay for, and take the exams after they:

  • Submit a letter of intent
  • Provide four letters of recommendation, two of which must be from faculty or adjuncts, one from a clinical supervisor, and one from another mental health professional
  • Complete a fingerprint packet from the board for federal and state background checks.
  • Submit official transcripts showing awarded master’s degree

Candidates then prepare for an oral interview and file completion. They should verify with the board that they have received official transcripts, official test scores, and background check results.

Candidates then schedule an oral interview once the board has sent the email requesting the candidate to do so. They may attend other oral interviews to know the format and better prepare.

Finally, after passing the oral interview, they can obtain an LAC license. To do this, they must:

  • Submit a signed supervision agreement
  • Provide the board with a revised statement of intent if requested
  • Pay a new license fee. Contact the board to know the correct prorated amount

To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester-hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling. Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC.

Arkansas LAC and LPC licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st on even-numbered years. Renewals cost $250 for LACs and $300 for LPCs.

In addition, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours, including three hours of ethics.

Vanessa Salvia

Vanessa Salvia

Writer

Vanessa Salvia is an Oregon-based freelance writer and editor with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As fun as rigorous studies in math and science were, Vanessa took an independent path and developed a prolific career covering lifestyle and healthcare topics for magazines and newspapers, important industries such as concrete construction and building waterproofing, and even hard science. You can get in touch at Sage Media and Marketing.