Gay McAlister, Director
The Master of Science in counseling program prepares students for the counseling profession, which involves the application of the developmental and social sciences in assisting children and adults with psychological growth and social adjustment problems. Counselors work in schools, community agencies, churches, hospitals, industry and private practice.
Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling, including education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning and social change. They develop basic skills in therapy and assessment and become familiar with the legal, ethical and clinical considerations confronting practitioners. Repeated practice and role-playing with feedback and strategic modification are critical to mastery of the skills and are, consequently, an essential part of the program.
Successful graduates are able to pursue state licensure as licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and/or licensed chemical dependency counselors, as well as certification as school counselors.
In addition to the three major tracks that a student can follow, other areas of specialization that a student may pursue are play therapy; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender counseling; court-ordered social studies; and expressive arts therapy.
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