APS.CSH.MA - Master of Arts - Major in School Counseling

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Program Description

The Master of Arts degree with a major in School Counseling?is founded on the principles of servant-leadership. The 60-credit hour program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students will be prepared to counsel in school settings and other areas. In schools, they may counsel pre-K through high school students in collaboration with parents, teachers, staff, and the community, using the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Model to deliver academic, social/emotional, and career and college counseling. With their strong training in mental health, they may also counsel in clinics, community, church, hospital, and other settings. All students will focus on human growth and development, counseling theories and techniques, multicultural competencies, legal and ethical concerns, and more. As graduates, students are prepared to sit for exams for School Counseling Licensure and/or Certification required by their states.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

Articulate a clear understanding of SCH School professional identity.
Deliver mental health services with multicultural competence.
Integrate understanding of normal developmental concepts and processes in case conceptualizations.
Conceptualize the relationship between/among work, personal relational well-being and other life roles.
Demonstrate essential counseling skills with competence.
Facilitate a group session with competency.
Display counseling appraisal skills that demonstrate validity and reliability.
Apply relevant research findings from professional literature to inform developmental of treatment plans/intervention strategies.
Integrate faith-based or spirituality-based principles and strategies in case conceptualizations or interventions.
Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of school counseling.
Evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs with the use of appropriate data.
Demonstrate comprehensive school counseling by synthesizing professional skills and interactions.
Integrate cultural competence and responsiveness, in the practice of school counseling, to promote education equity and social justice.
Function in professional roles and relationships in ways that reflect adherence to ethical and legal standards.

Program Requirements

Admissions Requirements for this Program

A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution at which at least 30 hours was completed.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for those applicants with undergraduate cumulative GPAs of less than 3.25. The test must have been taken within five years of application to the program. Successful graduate coursework may be substituted for the GRE. A writing sample is also required.
An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
A criminal background check.
Three recommendations – at least one from a supervisor/professional.
Applicants whose application documents demonstrate potential for success in the Graduate Program in Counseling will be invited to participate in a personal interview.

Additional Requirements for this Program

All students are required to complete the CNS-500 New Student Orientation course online when they are admitted into the program.
For CNS-550-552 courses, interns must have a signed contract between their internship site and IWU. They must have an active membership with American School Counseling Association (ASCA) to ensure $1,000,000 of liability insurance.
Licensing Note:
- State regulations may prohibit licensure for individuals who have ever been convicted of a crime of violence or of any crime that has a direct bearing on the ability to practice competently.
- International students must know the laws and regulations where they reside for potential practicum and internship placement as well as for licensing after graduation.
- The applicant is responsible to check the licensing requirements with his or her state licensing agency prior to beginning the program.

Graduation Requirements for this Program

Successful completion of the required curriculum, with a minimum grade of "C" in each course and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
All degree requirements must be completed within six years of enrollment.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.