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Master of Arts in School Counseling (Pre-K-12)

The 48-semester-hour School Counseling Program prepares graduate students to fulfill the diverse roles required of school counselors who are both theorists and practitioners in a multicultural society. Graduate students are prepared to develop comprehensive school counseling programs which align with the ASCA National Model and to collaborate with parents, school personnel, and others in assisting students with academic, career, personal, and social concerns. The School Counseling Program stresses developmental, preventative, and remedial services. Additional emphasis is given to acquisition and application of knowledge and skills, critical thinking and decision making, appreciation of diversity, demonstration of professional, ethical and legal practices, and an understanding of the educational process within the complex school environment. The examination of personal values and experiences and their potential influence in a variety of counseling situations is encouraged. The School Counseling Program culminates in a school-based practicum and internship experience designed to solidify the graduate student's identity as a professional school counselor.

Admission Requirements

1. Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better
2. Acceptable Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score
3. Three positive letters of recommendation.  (Academic or professional references preferred.)
4. Prerequisites:
   • A background in psychology at the undergraduate level is strongly recommended. Specific prerequisites include an undergraduate course in Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology and an undergraduate course in Developmental Psychology. Each of these courses may be taken concurrently with graduate courses but must be completed before taking the corresponding advanced level courses. Although teacher licensure is not required for admission to the School Counseling Program, applicants without teacher licensure will be required to complete an undergraduate course in classroom management prior to the practicum. Additional opportunities will be provided to strengthen students’ knowledge of the school setting throughout the program as well as during the practicum and internship experiences.
5. Successful personal interview
   • The requirements for the role of a school counselor are both personal and intellectual. For this reason, in addition to general Graduate School entrance requirements, a successful interview with program faculty members is an absolute requirement for admission to the program. During this interview the faculty members will assess the academic background, personal qualities, and goals of applicants. Applicants will be admitted who meet the personal and academic requirements of the program.
6. Statewide criminal background check
   • Prior to admission, a satisfactory "Criminal Record Check" for all states of residence for the past five (5) years must be submitted to the Graduate School. The purpose of the criminal background check is to meet requirements of some clinical agencies in which students learn and practice counseling methods. Criminal background histories obtained for employment purposes are not acceptable for admission to the Counseling programs. Information received pertaining to criminal background histories will become a part of the student's confidential permanent academic file. 
   • Any conviction or pending criminal charges cited in the criminal history will be reviewed by the Graduate School and Counseling graduate faculty. Any allegations or charges of misdemeanor(s) or felony(s) that occur after the Criminal Record Check has been submitted must be reported immediately to the Graduate School and to the Dean of the School of Psychology and Counseling. Failure to report allegations of such charges may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Important Dates

The deadline for Fall 2009 is Feb. 1st. This program is offered on the Main Campus in Boiling Springs, NC and at Statesville.

Course Requirements

While there is a recommended sequence for completing courses in the School Counseling Program, all courses in both the school and mental health counseling curricula are open to all counseling students who have prerequisites and permission of the professor. Graduate students should talk with their advisors when planning a course of study to be sure that they include courses required to become licensed as professional counselors.