M.A. in School Counseling

The Masters Program in School Counseling prepares students to function as school counselors in a variety of school settings. Teacher certification is required for admission into this program. The program is designed to qualify students to become certified school counselors. Students are exposed to various theoretical models in counseling, including various group counseling and vocational counseling approaches. In addition, students are exposed to the issues of human development, research, and biological perspectives in mental health. Students also learn specific counseling skills through two clinical practicum courses. The two clinical practicum courses are "lecture courses" limited to 12 students where students practice counseling role plays, learn how to integrate theory and practice, and receive feedback about their counseling skills. Students in the school counseling program enroll in the clinical practicum with children in schools as the second course in the clinical practicum sequence. The program emphasizes the reflective practitioner model and encourages students to remain open to ongoing learning experiences so as to increase their sensitivity to the evolving issues of diversity in school counseling.

Students also complete a one year internship at a school of their choosing. The internship usually consists of 10 hours a week and is complemented by enrolling in an internship class during each semester of the internship. The internship class is designed to provide students with the opportunity to discuss their placement, receive feedback about their performance, and learn about others studentsŐ experiences in school counseling.

Admission Requirements

Admission to FSEHD Masters level programs is determined by the quality of the total application. Applicants must submit the following to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs as a measure of their potential for success in graduate level studies.

1. A completed application and $50.00 nonrefundable fee.
2. One copy of all official transcripts of each undergraduate and graduate record.
3. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate course work. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs less than 3.00 may be admitted to degree candidacy upon submission of other evidence of academic potential.
4. Official standardized test scores (Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test).
5. Three candidate reference forms WITH 3 accompanying letters of recommendation.
6. Professional goals essay.
7. Performance-based evaluation of professional work or volunteer experience.
8. A current resume
9. Teaching certificate
10. A minimum of 6 credit hours of coursework in psychology or related field.
    

Retention Requirements

1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Grades below B are not considered of graduate quality and are of limited application to degree work.
2. A minimum grade of B- in Counseling and Educational Psychology 531 or 532. Students who receive a grade of B- or lower in either of these courses must consult with their advisor before registering for any subsequent course in the plan of study.
3. A minimum grade of B in Counseling and Educational Psychology 538, 539, or 540. Students who receive a grade below a B in any of these courses must retake the course. After retaking the course, a recommendation to continue from the student's advisor is also required.
4. Failure to meet any one of the above requirements is sufficient cause for dismissal from the program.

Course Requirements

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