The graduate program in school counseling prepares students for careers as professional school counselors who work in elementary and/or secondary settings. Throughout the course of study, students have the opportunity to develop a sound theoretical foundation and acquire effective techniques for counseling school-aged youth. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible for state certification as a school counselor. In addition to schools, various public and private agencies outside of the educational field are interested in obtaining the services of counselors.

Internship and practicum must be completed in schools during regular school hours. Practicum may be completed one day a week or an equivalent of one day per week. Internship requires students to work part-time (2 to 3 days a week) or full-time (five days a week) in schools. There are no exceptions. To avoid dual relationships, internship cannot be completed at an intern's school of employment. In cases where the intern is working in a paid counseling position, internship may be completed if the position meets the requirements for the types of activities we expect (often requiring new responsibilities) and supervision that meets CACREP requirements. In these cases, a proposal must be drafted by the intern and approved by faculty prior to placement.

Students are required to complete criminal background checks prior to beginning practicum and internship along with professional liability insurance. All students are required to have valid background checks on file for the duration of their experience and are responsible to know their site's background check procedure/requirements. Procedures and fees for this process may vary slightly depending upon clinical experience site. More information on this process is given to students as they apply for practicum and internship.

Master's Comprehensive Examination

A candidate's mastery of course content is assessed near the end of the candidate's program using a comprehensive examination. The examination is given twice a year in March and November, and each candidate must pass it in order to graduate. Degree candidates are responsible for applying to sit for the examination at the appropriate time, no sooner than one semester before the semester in which the candidate is scheduled to graduate. No candidate may take the examination more than three times. Students who document licensure as a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC or equivalent) are not required to take the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).