Our mission and philosophy

Our master’s degree in counseling programs include a variety of courses, practicum and training experiences that offer comprehensive preparation for professional practice as a counselor in various clinical and school settings. Training in counseling begins in the first semester, practicum usually begins in the second semester of the first year, and internships continue into the second year.

The mission of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Master of Arts in School Counseling and the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs is to provide exemplary counselor education based upon the integration of professional counseling knowledge and practice. The program is designed to prepare counselors to be outstanding practitioners, leaders and advocates who are trained to meet the needs of diverse clients and students.

Our programs use a developmental perspective that emphasizes growth and development, improving individuals' quality of life, and focusing on strengths and resources, in addition to psychological deficits and problems. The ability to diagnose and treat psychopathology is an essential skill in our graduates. Additionally, we emphasize prevention and the need for proactive systems interventions. For example, fighting poverty, racism and other destructive societal and community influences are more important in certain contexts than applying individualized counseling interventions.

 

Overview of Degrees

"It was one of the few programs throughout the Midwest that provides specializations instead of getting your degree in just a Master's in Counseling." -- Laura Hughitt on why she chose ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ to major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Child/Adolescent Specialization

Our master’s degree in counseling programs prepare students to work as counselors and therapists in hospitals, schools, clinics, private practices and other community settings.

Our Master of Arts in School Counseling program includes a variety of counseling courses, practica, internship and other training experiences which offer comprehensive preparation for professional practice as a school counselor. Course work focuses on human development, psychopathology, research, assessment, theories of counseling, ethical and legal issues as well as individual, group and other counseling interventions. Training in counseling skills and a practicum experience begins in the first semester and an internship usually begins in the second year. .

Our CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is dedicated to training professional counselors in evidence-based and emerging best practices and prepares students to practice as a professional clinical mental health counselor. Course work focuses on human development, psychopathology, assessment, theories of counseling, consultation, crisis and disaster response, ethical and legal issues, multicultural issues and counseling research, as well as individual, group, family and counseling interventions. Field experiences, small group experiences and practicum and internship are required and lead to the development of science-practice integration in all of our graduates. All students in the master of science in clinical mental health counseling can elect an optional specialization in either addictions counseling or child and adolescent counseling. .

Following a full-time schedule, the programs can be completed in two calendar years. The number of courses and credit hours taken per semester vary even with full-time status so it is important that students follow the recommended course sequences.

Did you know? The College of Education offers an Advanced Degree Program (ADP) in conjunction with our Educational Studies program that allows our undergraduate students to continue on for a master's degree after completing their bachelor's degrees. ADP students take classes during their senior year that meet requirements for both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.