Doctor of Philosophy in Education-Counseling Concentration
The Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Counseling is intended to prepare individuals for employment as counselor educators in college and universities, clinicians in private practice and mental health agencies, and for counseling leadership positions in the public schools.This program provides doctoral students with the skills to carry our scholarly research, lead organizations, and create new knowledge.
Master's Degree in Counseling (M.S. Ed.)
The Master's Program in Counseling requires 48 to 60 credits, a 100-hour practicum, a 600 to 900 hour internship, and a comprehensive examination. The program faculty are particularly committed to educating students who are dedicated to reducing disparities in society based on race, gender, class, and sexual orientation, and other social group membership.
Four specializations are available in the program. All master's degree students complete a core curriculum that prepares counselors for professional practice in all settings. The core course work in the master's program covers a range of counseling and human development issues including approaches to individual and group counseling; ethical and professional issues in counseling; fundamentals of the counseling profession; counseling ethics; measurement and evaluation in counseling; lifespan and career development; research in counseling; and social and cultural issues.
In addition, students select one of four specializations:
- College Counseling (48 credits)
- Community Counseling (48 credits)
- Mental Health Counseling (60 credits)
- School Counseling (48 credits)
Preparation for specialized practice in counseling includes two to four unique courses important for particular specializations and a 600 to 900 hour internship in a setting appropriate for the specialization chosen.
National Accreditation
The Counseling Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). The school counselor certification program is also approved by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Ed.S. in Counseling
The Ed.S. program in Counseling is a terminal practitioner degree. It offers a course of study to further develop professional skills, broaden knowledge of counseling, and provide fundamentals for leadership in the field. The program can also be designed to fulfill the academic requirements for state licensure as a professional counselor (LPC).
The Ed.S. is a thirty (30) hour degree program beyond the master's degree, providing that prerequisites have been met.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
The LPC track provides a coherent advanced curriculum for future licensed professional counselors and therapists.These studies are designed to educate counselors in advanced theory, advanced group counseling, client assessment and treatment planning, counseling supervision, and addictions counseling.