Loading…
Master of Education
The non-certification program in School Counseling is designed for those who want to work with children and youth in positions that do not require state licensure/certification as a school counselor, or who may want to enter a school counselor licensure/certification program at a later date, or who may want to gain a strong general foundation in areas such as counseling theory, child development, and education best practices in preparation for a variety of other occupations and career paths.
The non-certification program in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling program prepares candidates to address the academic, social/emotional and career developmental needs of children and youth. This graduate program is aligned with the philosophy and vision of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors.
Outcomes Assessment
The assessment of outcomes involves multiple measures throughout the program. Grades on assignments and for courses are the first level of assessment. Course goals, learning outcomes, assignments, and assessments are designed to address program competencies as well as graduation competencies. Other measures may include observation of candidate performance in authentic or simulated settings, surveys, standardized tests, and performance assessments.
Counseling Dispositions and Skills
Counseling dispositions are assessed throughout the program to ensure candidates are acquiring the skill sets to be effective in working with children and youth. MEC instructors assess candidates at the conclusion of each course based on five specific areas: academic performance, intrapersonal factors, interpersonal relationships, professional behavior, and overall evaluation. This evaluative practice allows candidates to be mentored and coached in areas needing work in an effort to promote success in the program. Assessment continues in the clinical portion of the program under the supervision of the clinical faculty mentor. See full description and details of the disposition evaluation process in the MEC Academic Advisement Packet.
Program Competencies
The program competencies are the School Counselor Competencies (American School Counselor Association, 2008) and can be accessed in their entirety through the ASCA website.
Program Design
The non-certification program of the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling curriculum is designed on a three-tiered system focusing on various competencies and skills. Level 1 courses provide content knowledge which establishes the foundation for counseling skill development in Level 2 courses. Levels 1 and 2 provide the necessary competencies and skills to move to the clinical experience at Level 3.
Program Requirements
Completion of the degree includes successful completion of the courses within Levels 1 and 2, and a non-certification 200-hour practicum. Twenty-one (21) semester credits in counseling theories, human behavior, college and career readiness, school counseling ethics, measurement and accountability, consultation, and working with special needs populations are required in Level 1. The minimum passing grade of a C or higher is expected for each Level 1 course; however, a candidate must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to gain access to Level 2 courses.
Twelve (12) semester credits in individual counseling, family counseling, and group counseling strategies and techniques are required in Level 2. The minimum passing grade of a B or higher is expected for all Level 2 courses.
Six (6) semester credits of practicum (locations vary depending on career goals and exclude the K-12 school setting) and an elective course are required to fulfill the clinical portion of the program.
The clinical portion includes a formal application submitted via Watermark for approval by the Internship Placement Coordinator. The application includes, among other items, a state criminal background check, FBI clearance, child abuse clearance, TB results, signed Ethics Policy, and signed confidentiality agreement. Candidates MUST have approval of the MEC Program Chair to begin their practicum. Only approved candidates may register for a clinical course and ONLY registered practicum candidates may participate in a practicum to complete clinical hours.
Candidates must complete the 11 academic courses below in appropriate sequence to meet prerequisite requirements and a supervised non-certification 200-hour practicum:
MED 6102 E-Folio
MEC 6400 Introduction to School Counseling & Theories
MEC 6402 Human Behavior and Child Development
MEC 6607 Ethical Issues in School Counseling
MEC 7213 College & Career Readiness K-12
MEC 7502 The Counselor as Consultant
MEC 7503 Special Education Law and the School Counselor's Role
MEC 7701 Testing, Measurements, and Research in School Counseling
MEC 7202 Group Counseling
MEC 7500 Individual Counseling Skills and Strategies
MEC 7501 Family Counseling
MEC 7600 Non-Certification Supervised Counseling Practicum
AND
MEC 6901 Classification of Psychopathology
OR
MEC 6600 Introduction to Drug/Alcohol Counseling
MEC 6608 Multicultural Counseling
MEC 7806 Research Methods, Statistics, and Accountability in School Counseling
an MEC seminar to be approved by the Program Chair
Qualifications for Degree
To qualify for the non-certification degree program in school counseling, a candidate must successfully complete all 39 credit hours, a 200-hour non-certification practicum, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. The program must be completed within five years.
This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2023-2024 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2022 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.
DESCRIPTION
PREREQUISITES
CROSSLISTING
SYLLABUS
