Counselor Education with Specialization in School Counseling M.S.
Program Rationale:
The School Counseling Program prepares students for professional careers as counselors in elementary, middle, and high schools. Emphasis is on a comprehensive and developmental model of school counseling that is described in the National Standards for School Counseling of the American School Counseling Association and a document entitled "Best Practices for School Counseling in Connecticut." The curriculum follows the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) and the certification requirements of the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students in this program will be expected to:
- demonstrate knowledge of theory, practice, and ethical standards relative to the practice of school counseling;
- demonstrate appropriate counseling techniques and interventions for use within the academic, career, and personal/social domains;
- demonstrate the ability to consult and collaborate with teachers, staff, administrators, and community-based organizations in understanding and meeting the needs of all students;
- promote understanding and appreciation for diverse populations and cultures; and
- demonstrate knowledge of federal and state laws pertinent to the role, function, and services of the school counselor.
Admission Requirements for School Counseling:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Admissions to the School Counseling, Clinical Professional Counseling, and Student Development in Higher Education programs are made on a competitive basis only one time per year. All applications must be completed and received by February 1 for fall admission. Candidates for admission will be considered on the basis of the following criteria:
- Grade point average: Minimum 2.70 grade point average (GPA) for all undergraduate courses and a 3.00 for all graduate courses, based on a 4.00 point scale where A is 4.00
- Three recommendations from individuals able to testify to the student’s suitability as a prospective counselor
- A 2–3 page typewritten (double spaced) essay describing the following:
a. Reasons for entering the counseling profession.
b. Personal and professional experiences that influenced you to pursue the counseling profession.
c. Personal characteristics you believe will contribute to your success as a counselor.
4. A personal interview by the program’s faculty admissions committee. The committee will assess the student’s personal attributes and life experiences that might contribute to the student’s potential for success as a professional counselor.
The admissions application, application fee, and official transcripts from each college/university (except CCSU) where any course has been taken must be sent directly to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office.
Instructions for uploading the essay and for obtaining and submitting the recommendation letters will be found within the graduate online application.
(Contact: 860-832-2154)
All candidates to the program must provide test scores from one of the following basic skills assessments with their application materials:
SAT with writing test or
ACT with writing test or
Praxis Core
Additional Admissions Requirements for School Counseling Documentation that the applicant has successfully passed all three parts of the Praxis I PPST Test or qualifies for a waiver. More information about the Praxis I PPST tests may be obtained by calling 609-771-7395.
Effective July 1, 2010, Connecticut law requires all students in teacher/educator certification programs to undergo state and national criminal history background checks before participating in school-based field experiences. The procedures for obtaining the background checks and the length of time they are valid will be established by the State Department of Education and cannot be changed. You Will be responsible for the cost of the background check and will be provided with the necessary consent forms and other documents needed to conduct it. As part of the background check, you will nee to be fingerprinted. If you fail to pass the background check, you may be unable to complete your chosen degree program at Central Connecticut State University. The University will not be responsible for your inability to complete your chose degree program.
Graduate students who are not currently employed in the Public School will need to complete the background check before being placed in field experiences or doing research in the schools. Current school employees with background checks in place but who are placed in field experiences or do research outside of the district where they are employed may also be required to complete a new background check.
Contact: 860-832-2154
Course and Capstone Requirements
Graduates are prepared for positions as counselors in public and private schools. The program is designed to meet the certification requirements of the State of Connecticut and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Core Courses
| CNSL 500 | The Dynamics of Group Behavior | 3 |
| CNSL 501 | Theories and Techniques in Counseling | 6 |
| CNSL 503 | Supervised Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| CNSL 505/MFT 505 | Counseling and Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SPED 501 | Education of the Exceptional Learner | 3 |
| CNSL 571 | Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 572 | Assessment, Treatment and Recovery in Counseling | 3 |
All students must do a graduate level elective (3 credits) after meeting with their adviser.
Specialized Courses
| CNSL 504 | Professional Studies in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 506 | Counseling Children & Adolescents | 3 |
| CNSL 520 | Professional School Counseling I | 3 |
| CNSL 521 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| CNSL 522 | Appraisal Procedures in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 524 | Collaborative Consultation in Schools | 3 |
| CNSL 525 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 526 | Professional School Counseling II | 3 |
| CNSL 568 | CNSL 568 Foundations of Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 591 | Supervised School Guidance Internship | 3-6 |
CNSL 591: three credits for two semesters
Research
Capstone
Plan A:
Plan B:
(consists of a major case presentation done in conjunction with the student's internship experience)
Prerequisite Courses for Plan B (To be completed while in the program):
| | Fingerprint Based Background Check | |
Total Credit Hours: 60