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Niagara University’s School Counseling program educates graduate students to become School Counselors at the Elementary, Middle, or Secondary level. Through intensive course study and field work, students are prepared to create and work within comprehensive and developmental School Counseling programs, which focus on the needs of all students in three areas of development: academic, career and personal/social. The School Counseling program is 36 credit hours.
Once referred to as Guidance Counselors, School Counselors at the Elementary, Middle, or Secondary level are professional counselors who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population.
Advisors:
Dr. Conway - mcc@niagara.edu - 716-286-8307
Dr. Bogner - rbogner@niagara.edu - 716-286-8545
Counseling Program Statement
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
New York State Certification
The master of science degree in education is approved by the New York State Department of Education and is designed for persons seeking provisional and permanent certification in school counseling. Provisional certification is obtained after completion of the required 36 credit hours (M.S.Ed.). Permanent certification can be obtained after completion of 60 credit hours of study in the certificate of advanced studies program and two years of work experience as a counselor. The CAS program (with additional work experience) qualifies students to apply for national certification as a professional counselor (NCC) and school counselor (NSC).
Accreditation
The master of science degree at Niagara University is registered with the New York State Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Practicum's
The program includes a three credit hour field experience and a three credit hour counseling practicum experience. An additional practicum is available for students working on permanent certification.
Course Requirements
M.S. in Education (M.S. Ed.)
School Counseling
Provisional NYS Certification
EDU 595 Educational Research and Statistics (3)*
EDU 659 Personal Growth and Awareness (3)
EDU 651 Introduction to Counseling (3)*
EDU 652 Multicultural Counseling (3)
EDU 654 Counseling Theory and Techniques (3)
EDU 655 Human Development Across Life Span (3)
EDU 658 The Counseling Process (3)*
EDU 617 Group Dynamics (3)*
EDU 657 Measurement and Appraisal
for Counselors (3)**
EDU 664 Career Counseling and Development (3)**
EDU 676 Counseling Field Experience (3)
EDU 677 Counseling Practicum (3)**
Grand Total: 36 credit hours
*Canadian students can qualify for part I of the Ontario specialist in guidance by completing the courses starred once and part II by completing the courses starred twice.
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in School Counseling
Fulfills academic requirements for permanent NYS certification. Two additional years working as school counselor is also required for certification.
EDU 662 Organization & Administration of the
Guidance Program (3)
EDU 666 Abnormal Psychology (3)
EDU 668 Family Counseling (3)
EDU 669 Group Theory & Application (3)
EDU 674 The Counselor as a Consultant (3)
EDU 678 Advanced Practicum (3)
Two elective courses (6 credit hours)
How long will it take to complete the program
of study?
Students can complete the M.S. degree programs
in education in two years by taking courses in the
fall, spring and summer sessions
"When I look back over my time in the Niagara University School Counseling program, I am consistently struck by its ability to impart great knowledge and great skills in its students. Even more important, though, is the dedication and passion of all other members of the graduate program as well as the professors. All faculty are knowledgeable, skilled, and deeply dedicated to their field which imparts such dedication in the students."
Kate Moynihan
“I found the courses offered in Niagara University’s School Counseling program to be interesting and relevant to the field of school counseling. The small classes were conducive to learning, and allowed for an abundance of discussion between students and professors. The practicum and internship experience was particularly rewarding and played a key role in preparing me for my career as a professional school counselor.”
Robin Green-Liddell
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