About

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.

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

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