MS Degree Program

The Master’s degree programs in Counseling prepare entry level counseling professionals with a broad knowledge base in fundamental social/behavioral science (human development, learning and cognition, personality theory, and emerging research on diversity and multiculturalism); counseling and helping skills (individual/group counseling and assessment); research and evaluation tools; and professional identity, role, and function. The School Counseling Master’s degree program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Program objectives are: (1) comprehension of concepts and theories underlying the profession of counseling; (2) ability to collect, analyze, and interpret individual and group data, and to generate and test hypothesis related to human behavior; (3) ability to effectively counsel in both individual and group settings: (4) ability to formulate, implement, and evaluate appropriate counseling programs and interventions; (5) ability to understand and demonstrate ethical behavior and the legal and ethical implications of that behavior; and (6) development of sensitivity and understanding of the needs of persons who are culturally different, including the ability to (a) examine attitudes and myths regarding the culturally different client and (b) the sociopolitical forces impacting the culturally different client.

Program Prerequisites

Students need 6 semester hours of course work at the upper division undergraduate or the graduate level in psychological or cultural foundations.

Program Admission

Program admission for concentrations in the Counseling program

1. Applicants must apply to the Graduate School and to the program. The Master of Science degree in Counseling is a limited access program; not all eligible candidates are admitted. To be considered for admission, applicants must provide:
   1. Official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts of all academic work completed,
   2. Complete a program admission application including a personal statement,
   3. Provide three letters of academic and/or professional reference,
   4. Complete an interview with the faculty.
2. Deadline for the completion of all admissions requirements is March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester. The program selection committee selects students after all application materials and the personal interview are completed. Program admissions forms are available in the department office.

All college transcripts and test score information should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions.

Program Requirements

Notes

Students must have field placements at each level of PK-12 education: elementary, middle, and high school. These requirements can be accomplished through both practicum and internship experiences. Students enrolled in full-time internship (600 hours) will enroll in 6 credit hours. Students enrolled in part-time internship (300 hours) will enroll in 4 credit hours for two semesters.

Students without undergraduate or graduate special education/disability course must take SPED 7000. Students without one year previous school employment must complete a 25 hour orientation to schools experience during their practicum.

Students are also eligible to apply for and enroll in the Certificate in Career and College Counseling as long as they complete those program requirements and may have a placement at the higher education level as long as they meet the PK-12 placement requirements.

Other Requirements

1. All programs include clinical components, practica, and internships; each student’s effectiveness will be evaluated by faculty and supervisors. Prior to contact with clients in practicum and internship, students are expected to provide evidence of good judgment and appropriate emotional functioning. Final decisions regarding student effectiveness will be predicated upon factors that include course grades, demonstrated clinical competence, professional behavior, and any relevant test scores.
2. Comprehensive examination.