Un leashed counseling gRaduate pRogRam
M.Ed. in Counselor Education
This program provides students with the specialized knowledge and skills for careers as counselors in K-12, post-secondary, and community/private agencies and organizations. National accreditation of our College/Student Affairs and School (K-12) concentrations by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) illustrates our commitment to students and their future employers by continually improving our curriculum to prepare graduates for current trends in counseling
Program Objectives
n To develop knowledge of the professional practice of counseling
n To learn skills that support and enhance resilience in others from a multicultural framework
n To become critically reflective counselors and consumers of research
n To demonstrate skills as leaders and advocates for the promotion of social justice
n To uphold ethical standards of counseling practice and in personal and professional dispositions
Why this program?
n Nationally accredited by the CACREP
n Individualized program to match your professional needs and interests
n Internship and Practicum opportunities
n Prepares critically reflective counselors with specialized knowledge and skills required for placement in postsecondary institutions
M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Choose from 3 Concentration Career Paths
School Counseling (K-12): Go to work directly in elementary, middle and high schools providing guidance and tapping into evidence-based research to help children navigate educational, social and emotional challenges. Apply your training to help youths make informed choices in setting and achieving their goals in educational settings, as well as helping them address their social and emotional needs. You’ll study counseling theories and techniques, child and adolescent development, intervention strategies, and ethical and legal issues. You’ll complement your coursework with practical experience through internships or practicum placements in schools.
Couples and Family Counseling:
Graduate with the skills to support individuals, couples and families in addressing a range of personal and professional problems. Our program meets Virginia’s educational requirements to earn licensure as a professional counselor or marriage and family therapist.
A Quick Glance
School Counseling Licensure
in Virginia: Upon completion of degree requirements in any of VCU’s educator preparation programs students are eligible to receive licensure from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Please review our website for additional information.
College Counseling and Student
Affairs: College brings independence, but many students find it difficult to choose the right paths for them from so many options. Gain the specialized knowledge and skills to work as a student affairs professional, tapping into counseling theory, research and practice, as you assist college students in mastering new life skills and getting ready to launch their careers or continue their education.
Credit hours: 60 Program timeline: Full-time, 2 years; Part-time, 3 years
Mode: In-person Start: Summer only Application deadline: January 15
Engaged Experience
Practicum and Internship Experience All master’s students must complete a practicum and internship. The practicum is a 100 hour clinical experience including at least 40 hours of direct service to clients. The internship is a 600 hour clinical experience including at least 240 hours of direct service to clients. Students work with faculty to identify an approved site.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) All concentrations meet the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as set by the state of Virginia Department of Health Professions. The Couples and Family concentration meets the educational requirements for the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as set by the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Please note there are additional experiential and licensing requirements set by Virginia and that other states may have different requirements.