M.A. in School Counseling

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy offers two programs to prepare counselors for work in K-12 school settings: the M.A. in School Counseling, and the Post M.A. in School Counseling Certificate.

The program in school counseling emphasizes the development of competence, social consciousness, and reflection. Students are trained for work in ethnically, geographically, and socially diverse K-12 educational settings. Through a 48-credit curriculum, including a 9 credit applied clinical experience, students learn foundational information about individuals, systems, and communities while developing and enhancing personal interaction, therapeutic, and prevention skills.

Consistent with the mission of the College of Education and Human Services, the overarching program goals include preparing school counselors to maximize the potential of all students through comprehensive developmental school counseling programs. The goals also include developing skills as competent school counselors and effective consultants, collaborators, advocates, and leaders in an ever changing global society.

The program works to follow the standards set forth by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) and to meet the credentialing requirements set by the NJ Department of Education, and the National Board of Certified Counselors.

This program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue a license-eligible degree in School Counseling. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained knowledge and skills to

Advocate for the academic, career, and personal-social success of every student.
Implement a comprehensive school counseling program to promote systemic school reform.
Consult with teachers, parents, and school staff, to promote a positive environment for learning.
Provide counseling, prevention, and early identification services to help children and adolescents achieve optimal development
Empower students and their families to overcome educational difficulties through a multidisciplinary team intervention approach.
Provide crisis intervention, disaster response, and coping strategies to students and families in the school community.

M.A. in School Counseling

The M.A. in School Counseling program is a 48 credit curriculum of foundation, counseling and clinical courses culminating in a school counselor internship.

Program Curriculum

Counseling Core

CPSY 6002 Counseling Theory

CPSY 6003 Counseling Skills

CPSY 6301 Career Development and Counseling

CPSY 6316 Group Counseling

CPSY 6601 Couple & Family Dynamics: Systemic Perspectives

Assessment

CPSY 6005 Appraisal and Assessment in Counseling

Psychological Foundations

CPSY 6102 Psychology of Human Development

CPSY 6505 Principles of Learning and Behavior Modification

Sociological Foundations

CPSY 6303 Counseling and Community Agencies

CPSY 8100 Multicultural Counseling and Psychology

Research

CPSY 7101 Research Methods

Supervised Experience

CPSY 7310 Practicum in Counseling

CPSY 7380 Internship in Counseling I

CPSY 7381 Internship in Counseling II

Professional Orientation

CPSY 6305 Counseling and Supervision in School Settings

CPSY 7001 Counselor Ethics in Practice

*Strongly recommended, but not currently required.

CPSY 6302 *Orientation to Professional Counseling

CPSY 6103 *Abnormal Psychology

Post M.A. Certificate in School Counseling

The Post M.A. in School Counseling Certificate program is designed for those who are pursuing or who have obtained an M.A. degree in counseling or a closely related field, but desire a State school counselor license.

The curriculum for the certificate follows the same curriculum requirements as in the M.A. in School Counseling. The program director will review the student’s transcripts in order to evaluate course equivalencies. Students can use courses from their previous M.A., where appropriate, to fulfill program requirements.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Candidates for admission may have earned either their undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited university. The deadlines for the program admissions include November 1^st (for the Summer Term) and June 1^st (for the Fall Semester). Though desirable, we do not require prior study in psychology.

A completed graduate application and official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate work must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions. The program faculty uses the Office of Graduate Admissions minimum requirements for undergraduate and graduate grade point average.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Prospective candidates are reviewed based on the following

Past academic history (official transcripts).
Acceptable scores on the Graduate Records Exam (taken within the last 5 years). Psychology subtest not required.
Three letters of recommendation, one should be from a person who can attest to the person’s ability to interact with others, fit with the counseling profession, and capacity for graduate study (e.g., prior clinical supervisor).
Personal statement, which includes a description of prior related work experience, qualifications, goals for self in the program, and professional goals.
A resume
An interview

Data obtained from these sources provide information regarding student diversity, interests, and prior academic accomplishments in relation to program goals.

PROGRAM RESOURCES:

● Review and Download our Schedule of Courses for current and upcoming semesters.

● Department Policies