The counselor preparation programs in the College of Education are founded on a commitment to developing practitioners and leaders in the counseling field who, in the Vincentian tradition, individually and systemically foster human growth and development, and spiritual and emotional well being within a culturally diverse context. Graduates of these programs are expected to demonstrate the qualities of outstanding, reflective practitioners such as the dispositions of caring and respect for self and others, and a commitment to equity, social justice, open-mindedness, and fairness. Additionally, candidates within these programs are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and ethical standards as set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and adopted by Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP in its 2001 standards outlines 8 core areas of expertise for school counselors. These areas require candidates to develop knowledge, skills and dispositions in the areas of:

• Professional identity
• Social and Cultural Diversity
• Human Growth and Development
• Career Development
• Helping Relationships
• Group Work
• Assessment
• Research and Program Evaluation

The Niagara University College of Education’s graduate program in clinical mental health counseling has received the licensure qualifying designation from the New York State Department of Education. The program, founded in 1994, was the first of its kind in the state. Graduate students have the opportunity to complete coursework and internship experiences with experienced faculty who hold both a Ph.D. and licensure in the profession. “Mental health counselors have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse array of settings on many critical issues that affect children, youth, families and our community,” said Dr. Debra Colley, dean of the College of Education. The 60-credit-hour program requires a 1,000-hour field-placement requirement. In addition to training in individual, group, couples and family counseling, the mental-health counseling program also requires a course in mediation and conflict resolution. Upon completion of the program, candidates are eligible for their licensure to practice mental-health counseling in New York state.