This 48-hour program is designed to prepare counselors to work with children and youth across all levels in schools from kindergarten to high school (P-12). Candidates may plan programs of study from either an Eclectic theoretical approach to counseling or a specialized approach emphasizing the individual psychology school of thought of Alfred Adler. The program places heavy emphasis on interpersonal and helping relationships, which require considerable commitment on the part of the candidate. Candidates complete ten hours of Professional Development Activity (PDA) in the community for each 3-credit-hour course. In addition, candidates participate in field experiences in the schools throughout the program, complete a school practicum field placement (100 clock hours) and a field internship experience (600 hours), pass a written comprehensive examination, and write a research paper.

School Counseling Sequence

*Candidates must have completed Levels I, II, and III and have passed the comprehensive examination before registering for this class.

Steps to Follow

1. As can be observed, the initial course taken by all candidates is PSYC 502: Principles and Philosophy of Counseling. There are three other courses, which Candidates may choose to take concurrently with this introductory course. They are: GUCO 633: Multicultural Counseling, EDUC 507: Adv. Human Growth and Development, and PSYC 503: Mental Hygiene
2. At the second level, candidates may enroll in COUN702 Introduction to School Counseling, GUCO 508: Career Counseling and Development, PSYC 734: Counseling Theory and Practice, PSYC 780: Legal and Ethical Issues and GUCO 610: Appraisal, Assessment and Evaluation.
3. At the completion of 12-15 credit hours in the program, candidates are required to make application for Advancement to Candidacy. The Counseling Faculty at this point reviews each application. If candidates have a 3.25 grade point average and are recommended by at least two members of the full-time faculty, they are advanced to candidacy in the degree program.
4. At the third level, candidates may enroll in one or both of the following courses: GUCO 731: Group Counseling, and EDUC 706: Introduction to Research. After completing the first (1st) thirty (30) credit hours (Levels I, II, and III) in the program, each Candidate is eligible to take the three-hour written Comprehensive Examination. The examination is designed to assess candidates' mastery of the program objectives.
5. At the fourth level, candidates may enroll in one or both of the following courses: GUCO 840: Counseling Children and Adolescents and SPED 511: Special Education Perspective At the fifth level, Candidates may enroll in GUCO 836: Practicum in Guidance and Counseling (100 hrs) and GUCO 861: Seminar in Guidance and Counseling concurrently. However, candidates must have successfully completed the Comprehensive Examination prior to enrolling in either course, and must complete the 100 hour GUCO 836: Practicum in Guidance and Counseling before enrolling in GUCO 837: Internship in Guidance and Counseling.

(Note: Candidates may not enroll in Level V courses until they have completed courses in Levels I, II, III, and IV and passed the Comprehensive Examination.)

Important Links

American School Counselor Association

http://www.schoolcounselor.org/