The M.S. in Counseling program offers four specializations: College Student Personnel, Community Counseling, Human Resource Development, and Human Services. Each specialization prepares students with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in a professional setting.
Flexibility
Students plan an individualized program with the help of an academic advisor. Students can move within the program at a pace suitable for them. Courses are offered during the day, evening and weekend hours. Programs may be completed on a full-time basis or over several years on a part-time basis or over several years on a part-time basis within a seven year period.
A supervised field experience (practicum) is a key element of all specializations. Practicum is the experiential application of the theory and skills developed in the program in a professional environment such as community agency, business setting, or university.
Professional Licensure
The State of Connecticut requires a Master’s Degree with a minimum of 42 semester credit hours of coursework in order to be eligible for licensure as a professional counselor. Students who wish to pursue such licensure should therefore select the Community Counseling concentration. There are additional criteria for licensure that include postgraduate study, a supervised counseling experience, and a standardized examination.
Certificate of Advanced Study
This advanced 18-30 credit post-master’s certificate program is designed for counselors who wish to increase their counseling skills and who are planning to prepare for professional counselor licensure.
Three core courses are required, including a practicum. A program is individually developed with the help of an advisor and final approval of the program rests with the department.
This certificate helps practicing counselors take specialty courses in areas like alcohol and drug counseling, psychopharmacology and counseling children and adolescents.
Applicants are required to have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and should be professionally employed with access to a client population. Statement of career goals, role-played video tape of a counseling session (set up by department), and transcripts must be sent as part of the admission process.
Transfer of Credit
The University’s transfer policy allows no more than 6 semester credit hours to be transferred to graduate programs. Consult the University Catalog for additional information about the program.