The School Counseling curriculum meets the West Virginia Department of Education certification standards. An alternative school counseling program is available for students without a teacher education background to qualify for West Virginia certification as school counselors. 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.  

In addition to the core courses, students specializing in School Counseling must complete the following emphasis courses: 

Certification Requirements for School Counselors 

Students in School Counseling must meet certification requirements established by the West Virginia Department of Education. All students must pass the Praxis II: Specialty Area in School Counseling prior to taking COUN 698 Internship in School Counseling (6 hours). Applications for certification are available in the central offices of the county school systems or the WV Department of Education website. An alternative school counseling program certification is available for students without a teacher education background to qualify for West Virginia certification as certified school counselors. 

Students who do not hold a valid West Virginia teaching certificate (non-education majors) must also complete 6 hours of additional coursework listed below to become a certified School Counselor in West Virginia.