This program prepares counselors for professional practice in all settings. The core course work covers a range of counseling and human development issues including approaches to individual and group counseling; ethical and professional issues in counseling; fundamentals of the counseling profession; counseling ethics; measurement and evaluation in counseling; lifespan and career development; research in counseling; and social and cultural issues. In addition, on-campus students select one of two specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling; while online students will focus on one specialization: Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Â
Program Highlights
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Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).
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Clinical Mental Health specialization graduates meet the educational requirements to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Virginia.
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School Counseling specialization graduates meet requirements for the Virginia Licensed School Counselor credential.
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School Counseling specialization graduates who complete electives in diagnosis, addictions, and family dynamics can also meet requirements for both the LPC and the Licensed School Counselor credentials.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ¹ÏÉñÍø's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Mental Health Counselors
Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
Marriage and Family Therapists
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and must submit the following:
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Online application at the Office of Graduate Admissions website
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Current resume
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Essay
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Official Transcripts
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Two Letters of Recommendation
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Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.Â
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ¹ÏÉñÍø, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at ¹ÏÉñÍø, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Assistantships
Counseling master’s degree students are sometimes awarded assistantships in various ¹ÏÉñÍø offices including Academic Skills, Financial Aid, Office of Intercultural Relations, Resident Life, Student Activities, Student Development, Student Health Services, Student Life, and Vice President of Student Services. Students interesting in obtaining an assistantship should apply directly to offices on campus that have assistantships.
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