The School Counseling PreK-12 track prepares candidates for careers in school counseling at grade levels Pre K-12, in the elementary, middle and high school settings.  The School Counseling program leads to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) Degree. The primary distinction between the degree programs is the M.Ed. is more practice and application oriented, while the M.S. places greater emphasis on research and evaluation.  The M.S. requires candidates to complete a quantitatively based, data-driven, research thesis and take an additional research course.

The M.Ed. requires a minimum of 48 hours of academic credit hours, which includes a written and oral comprehensive examination.  The M.S. requires a minimum of 54 credit hours, which includes a thesis defense examination.  No more than six (6) credit hours can be transferred from another university, which may not be more than six (6) years old.  All program courses require a grade of “B” or higher.

The outcomes of the School Counseling Prek-12 program have been aligned with the Professional Education Program Unit’s Conceptual Framework outcomes to support the development of Competent, Caring, Effective, and Reflective Professional School Counselors who are committed to addressing the challenges of educating all students for diverse and global learning communities. As Competent Counselors, candidates will understand the central knowledge, concepts and skills necessary in the counseling field. As Caring Counselors, candidates will show respect for all learners and empower them to set achievable goals while maintaining high standards.  As Effective Counselors, candidates will use research-based best practices and performance assessments to guide the learning process and positively impact the educational environment to ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills to face the global challenges of the 21st century. Finally, as Reflective Counselors, candidates will reflect upon and evaluate research and the success of past decisions in an effort to make better decisions in the future.

Admission Requirements

Admission will be competitive, and candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

I.  Criteria for Departmental Unconditional Admissions:

1. Competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination according to University policy. Official scores should be forwarded to the College of Graduate Studies.
2. Minimum undergraduate academic performance of 2.75 (4.0 GPA scale) Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA at the graduate level to be retained in graduate school.  
3. A descriptive statement describing:
   1. personal development,
   2. reasons for seeking this degree,
   3. personal and professional experiences that influenced you to pursue counseling, and
   4. attributes you possess which would contribute to your effectiveness as a counselor.
4. Three (3) Professional Recommendations on letterhead addressing character.  
5. Resume of work experience and education
6. Official Transcripts from all colleges attended.
7. Professional personal disposition team interview and a writing sample of 700 words or more with the Department of School and Community Counseling faculty prior to being formally admitted to the program.

Program Admission and Pre-Candidacy

Summary Requirements

Candidates transferring into the Department of School and Community Counseling will have to adhere to the same program admission criteria as new applicants.

All requirements for the master's degree program must be completed within 6 years from the initial admission into the department.

Candidates must:

PHASE I: ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

• Submitted completed graduate and supplemental application for admission
• A minimum of a 2.75 GPA
• Competitive score on the GRE
• Completion of a required essay
• Admissions interview

PHASE II: CANDIDACY

• Submit University Program Cards
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of course work with advisement
• Maintain a B average or above in all content and core course
• Complete the Disposition Interview
• Submit an application for candidacy
• Join state and national professional counseling associations

PHASE III: CLINICAL PRACTICE

• Submit clinical practice application
• Apply for counseling liability insurance, a background check and fingerprinting may be required by a school division and provide TB screening results
• Complete practicum experience
• Complete internship experience
• Complete all required course work
• Candidates are requested to complete all licensure documents required by the Virginia Department of Health Professions
• Submit practicum and internship electronic portfolio for evaluation
• Receive a B or better on-site supervisor evaluation in clinical practice practicums and internships.
• Receive a B or better on the university supervisor evaluation in all clinical practice experiences.

PHASE IV: PROGRAM COMPLETION

• Successfully complete the oral and written comprehensive exam or thesis defense  
• Complete a candidate exit survey.

PHASE V: GRADUATE FOLLOW-UP

• Participate in a graduate and employer follow-up survey

Courses are restricted to graduate students who have been formally accepted into the counseling program.

Footnotes

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Clinical Practice (6 credit hours) requires: Candidacy status; Completion of 12 program core courses (36 credit hours) and one University Core Course (3 credit hours) Total 39 Credit Hours before Clinical Practice