CIP Code: 13.1101

Program of Study for the Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling

Basic Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a complete application to the Graduate School . 

Additional Admission Requirements:

• Interview
• Questionnaire

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting this condition does not guarantee admission.

Letters of Recommendation: Two, must be professional or academic

Location: Boone Campus

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling

Total Required (Minimum 60 Credits)

Required Courses (48 Credits)

Students should pay particular attention to the prerequisites listed in each course description; the curriculum is carefully structured to ensure that students have the necessary prerequisite knowledge before enrolling in courses.

• CED 5000 - Counseling Research and Evaluation (3)
• CED 5110 - Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling and Therapy (3) [CL]
• CED 5140 - Counseling Assessment and Testing (3)
• CED 5210 - Career Development and Counseling (3)
• CED 5220 - Counseling Theory and Techniques (3)
• CED 5225 - The Helping Relationship (3)
• CED 5272 - Individual and Family Development Across the Lifespan (3) [CL]
• CED 5310 - Introduction to Professional School Counseling (3)
• CED 5754 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Professional School Counseling (3)
• CED 5790 - Group Methods and Processes (3)
• CED 5903 - Practicum in Professional School Counseling (3)
• CED 6120 - Developmental Assessment and Diagnosis in Counseling (3)
• CED 6290 - Child and Adolescent Counseling and Therapy (3)
• CED 6620 - School-Based Consultation (3) [CL]
• CED 6903 - Internship in Professional School Counseling (1-6) (6)

Elective Courses (12 Credits)

12 credits of graduate electives approved by the graduate advisor in advance

Other Requirements for the MA in Professional School Counseling

• Thesis: Not required
• Proficiency: Not required
• Candidacy: Required; see the program director for specific timeline and requirements for admission to candidacy
• Comprehensive: Required; students should take the required courses (excluding the Internship) prior to taking the comprehensive exam.
• Product of Learning: Not required

Notes

Completion of the above program leads to eligibility for licensure in North Carolina on the condition that minimum PRAXIS test requirements are met.

Endorsement for professional school counseling licensure from Appalachian requires that applicants complete a master’s degree program in professional school counseling. Applicants with a master’s degree in fields other than professional school counseling must complete a second master’s degree after following the regular admissions process through the Graduate School. Graduates from another HPC Master’s degree program will be considered on an individual basis.

Internship: The internship (CED 6903 ) is designed to be a full-time experience engaging in all of the activities of a counselor in a public school. These placements are arranged through consultation with the student’s advisor. Part-time students already employed as school counselors may, with permission, complete their internship within the context of their job setting.

Students will need to receive clearance on a criminal background check and have a TB test prior to beginning practicum and internship placements.