(M.A., M.S., M.Ed., C.A.S., Ph.D.)

M.A.: The Master of Arts degree requires a thesis and a minimum of 30 credit hours including credit given for the thesis. The minimum amount of credit for the thesis is 6 hours and in no case may it exceed 15 hours. A graduate student working toward a Master of Arts degree must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours (exclusive of thesis) of 500- and/or 600-level coursework. The M.A. program offers concentrations in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

M.S.: The Master of Science degree requires a thesis and a minimum of 30 credit hours including credit given for the thesis. The minimum amount of credit for the thesis is 6 hours and in no case may it exceed 15 hours. A graduate student working toward a Master of Science degree must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours (exclusive of thesis) of 500- and/or 600-level coursework. The M.S. program offers concentrations in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

M.Ed.: The 48-60 credit hour Master’s degree is designed to offer preparation for entry-level professional counseling in school and mental health settings. The curriculum is comprised of coursework and intensive supervised field experiences considered to be essential in the preparation of professional counselors with a developmental orientation. Therefore, students are provided field experiences in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, and in post-secondary institutions. Opportunities are also available in community contexts. The M.Ed. program offers concentrations in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

C.A.S.: The C.A.S. is offered as a planned program of electives approved by an advisor representing 30 credit hours beyond the Master’s degree. Through the C.A.S., students develop specialized knowledge about counseling with certain client populations, obtain advanced levels of supervision of counseling practice, and qualify for either school counselor certification if they have previously prepared to work in mental health settings, or clinical licensure if they have previously prepared to work in school settings.

Ph.D. (program at capacity; no applications accepted 2011-2012): The doctoral program in Counselor Education prepares students for academic positions in counselor education. In designing this program, the faculty ascribe to the overarching goal of preparing competent scholar-practitioners. The program is closely allied with the faculty of Human Development and Family Studies. Counselor Education doctoral applications are due typically by December 1 for review for Fall acceptance. Admission to the graduate program in Counselor Education, in addition to the basic requirements of the Graduate School, includes separate eligibility standards as established by the faculty. A personal interview also is recommended. The program encourages consultation and collaboration among professionals in schools and community settings.

Opportunities for financial aid may be available to students in Counselor Education in addition to those sources listed elsewhere in this catalog. Employment opportunities often are available in the professional and academic community (e.g., tutoring, proctoring, and part-time in counseling services). Further information may be obtained from the student financial aid office and the coordinator of Counselor Education.