School Counseling, Emphasis
The School Counseling curriculum meets the West Virginia Department of Education certification standards. Students in the School Counseling area of emphasis must meet certification requirements established by the West Virginia Department of Education.
Students not residing in West Virginia will need to consult with their state licensure/certification boards to explore their location-specific requirements; alterations to the matriculation requirements need to be requested, will be considered on an individual basis, and are not guaranteed. If a student’s state licensure and/or certification requirements differ from those in WV, they should consult with their faculty adviser to explore any potential accommodations.
The School Counseling area of emphasis also meets the education requirements established for the LPC credential by the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. Students not residing in West Virginia will need to consult with their state licensure/certification boards to explore their location-specific requirements.
In addition to the MA, Counseling core courses, students specializing in School Counseling must complete the following emphasis courses:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 672 | Current Pract in School Coun | 3 |
| COUN 673 | Coun Child Adol Parents | 3 |
| COUN 675 | Leg/Ethical Issues for Coun | 3 |
| Advisor Approved Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
All COUN 500 and 600 level courses, except for COUN 683, 684, 685, 686, and COUN 687, are pre-approved electives for the plan of study. Students interested in taking COUN 683, 684, 685, 686, and COUN 687 should contact the coordinator of the Violence, Loss, and Trauma Counseling, Graduate Certificate. Any other elective options should be discussed with and approved by the faculty adviser prior to registration. Additionally, EDF 610 is a pre-approved elective for students in the school counseling area of emphasis.
Additional Testing Requirement:
In addition to the comprehensive exam required of all counseling students, students in the school counseling area of emphasis must pass the Praxis II: Specialty Area in School Counseling prior to taking COUN 698 Internship in School Counseling (6 hours).
Students not residing in West Virginia will need to consult with their state licensure/certification boards to explore their location-specific requirements; alterations to the matriculation requirements need to be requested, will be considered on an individual basis, and are not guaranteed. If a student’s state licensure and/or certification requirements differ from those in WV, they should consult with their faculty adviser to explore any potential accommodations.
Students without a valid teaching certificate:
Students who do not hold a valid teaching certificate (non-education majors) are encouraged to take education courses as electives or in addition to their approved plan of study. Examples of relevant coursework includes but is not limited to: EDF 610: Trends and Issues in Education and 665 Sociology of Amer Schools.