Master of Arts in School Counseling & Guidance
OVERVIEW
Graduate programs in school counseling and guidance have been designed
for both certified teachers and non-certified professionals. Both program
options have been developed according to new state of Illinois guidelines
to meet the need for qualified counselors in school settings.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The objectives are the same for both programs. The goals are to:
- provide a knowledge base in relevant areas of guidance and counseling
theory and demonstrate the pragmatic application of those theories;
-
develop students’ skills in interviewing, assessment, and
techniques of guidance;
-
develop students’ understanding of the uniqueness of each
individual, and demonstrate how the counselor must be flexible in
dealing with
the individual; and
- develop a professional identity and an understanding of ethics and ethical
behavior.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
A. Certified Teacher
The School Counseling and Guidance program is designed
for teachers who want to become certified as elementary
or secondary
school guidance
counselors.
The program integrates sound counseling theory and practical
school guidance practices to prepare counselors to work
effectively in schools.
This
program is offered through the Psychology Department
in conjunction with the College
of Education. Students receive a Master of Arts in School
Counseling and Guidance which makes them eligible for
the Type 73 Guidance
Specialist Certificate.
To be eligible for the Type 73 Certificate, you must
hold a valid Type 03, 09, or 10 Illinois teaching certificate,
complete 40
semester hours
of approved class work, and pass the School Service Personnel
Guidance examination. Goals for the program follow the
American School Counselor’s
Association recommendations.
B. Non-certified
For individuals who are not already teachers, there are
two options:
- Option 1 - Alternative Program
with a Master’s degree
This program is intended for those students
who already hold a master’s
degree in an area related to school counseling. Upon
completion of this program, individuals can earn the Type 73 Certificate.
This program does not provide students
with an additional master’s degree. Due to the
variety of educational backgrounds in which students
enter the program, each person’s educational
background will be considered on an individual basis
by the Pro-gram Director. Not all master’s degrees
are eligible for this program. Generally, alternative
requirements will be
met by additional
coursework.
- Option 2 - Alternative Program
without a Master’s degree
This program is intended for students who have earned a bachelor’s
degree and are not teacher certified. These students will earn a Masters
of Arts in School Counseling and Guidance. In addition, they will
take extra course work to meet the requirements for the Type 73 Certificate.
To top
