Specialization Areas

There are two specializations in the Counselor Education Program: School Counseling (Pre-K-12) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

The School Counseling Pre K-12 specialization prepares candidates for careers in the elementary, middle and high school settings. The School Counseling PreK-12 specialization curriculum focuses on counseling, consultation skills, developing a comprehensive school counseling program, managing students in the classroom, and incorporating technology in counseling. Students will be prepared to make data-informed student-driven decisions, while addressing individual and systemic barriers to personal growth and educational achievement.

The Mental Health Counseling specialization prepares candidates for careers in mental health agencies and/or non-school settings (i.e., community service boards, substance abuse centers, military counseling facilities and public/private community agencies). The Clinical Mental Health specialization curriculum will focus on individual, family and group counseling to include diagnosing, assessing, and treatment planning for crisis intervention. In the required courses, students learn to assess and diagnose the situation, develop a treatment plan, practice psychotherapy, establish a prevention plan, manage mental health crises, and understand the fundamentals of an alcohol and substance abuse treatment program.