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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.
Program Purpose
The Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling non-certification program prepares candidates to address the academic, career, and social/emotional, 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 Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs, the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. These standards emphasize training in the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program promoting leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change to enhance student achievement and success.
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.
Dispositions and Skills
Counselor dispositions and skills are assessed throughout the program to ensure candidates are prepared to effectively work with children and youth. MEC instructors assess candidates based on five specific areas: academic performance, intrapersonal factors, interpersonal relationships, and professional behavior. This comprehensive evaluation process enables candidates to receive mentoring and coaching to foster growth necessary for success as a school counselor. See full description and details of the disposition and skills evaluation process in the MEC Program Handbook.
Program Competencies
Program competencies, the ASCA Professional Standards and Competencies and the ASCA Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs (ASCA, 2019), are implemented and assessed throughout the program. Both sets of ASCA standards and competencies outline the mindsets, behaviors, and skills school counselors need to meet the demands of the school counseling profession. The MEC program implements and assesses ASCA mindsets and behaviors to ensure aspiring school counselors are equipped in establishing, maintaining, and enhancing school counseling programs that address academic achievement, career planning, and social/emotional well-being. The standards and competencies 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 including a supervised 200-hour practicum.
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. Three (3) 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.All degree-seeking candidates in the MEC program are required to demonstrate graduation and program competencies by engaging in a prescribed variety of related counseling activities.
Candidates must complete the 11 academic courses below in appropriate sequence to meet prerequisite requirements and a supervised non-certification 200-hour practicum:
E-Folio
Introduction to School Counseling & Theories
Human Behavior and Child Development
Ethical Issues in School Counseling
College & Career Readiness K-12
The Counselor as Consultant
Special Education Law and the School Counselor's Role
Testing, Measurements, and Research in School Counseling
Group Counseling
Individual Counseling Skills and Strategies
Family Counseling
Non-Certification Supervised Counseling Practicum
AND
Classification of Psychopathology
OR
Introduction to Drug/Alcohol Counseling
Multicultural Counseling
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 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.
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