MS IN COUNSELING
The ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ University Graduate Programs in Counseling emphasize counselor skill development and personal growth. Students are trained to develop counseling relationships that are genuine, accepting and nonjudgmental. Thus, they are provided with experiences and training that facilitate the development of their counseling identity and orientation.Â
Through its course offerings, counselor-trainees become familiar with issues related to human development, individual differences, human behavior and diversity. Students learn to appraise and select counseling materials, to use appropriate evaluation procedures, to make expedient referrals, to provide consultative services, and to counsel both individuals, families and groups regardless of age, sex, religion, racial/ethnic, socio-economic background or physical ability/disability. Â
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥â€™s Counseling program, which is accredited by The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), offers specializations in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling, as well as a new Graduate Certificate in College Admissions Counseling.
WHY VILLANOVA COUNSELING?
The Master of Science in Counseling at ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ University, rooted in the Augustinian Catholic tradition, prepares students to acquire the professional, relational, ethical, and multicultural competencies requisite of an effective professional counselor. In accordance with the vision and mission of the University, as well as the published standards of the Counseling for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, we are committed to advancing the intellectual, spiritual, and professional growth of students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.
As we believe in the value of ongoing self-evaluation and growth, our program fosters opportunities for lifelong learning grounded by innovative scholarly inquiry and research. Through didactic, experiential, and reflective practice, students are trained to provide holistic and research-informed interventions within a strengths-based and wellness-oriented framework. In our fusion of professional counseling knowledge and skills, the program is designed to prepare outstanding counselors, advocates, and leaders who are capable of responding to the needs of diverse individuals as well as empowering and upholding the dignity of diverse clients.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥â€™s counseling program will recruit and retain a diverse student body that reflects the diverse communities in which they will be working in as students and after graduation.
- Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skills required for ethical and effective professional counseling with a diversity of clientele.
- Graduates will be prepared for professional licensure or certification, and employment as Clinical Mental Health or School Counselors.
- Graduates will demonstrate the dispositions, professional behaviors, and professional involvement required for ethical and effective professional counselors.
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ has established relationships with a wide range of clinical mental health and school settings where students can serve during their practical experiences (i.e., pre-practicum, practicum and internship). These partnerships allow our counseling students to get extensive hands-on experiences in diverse settings, serving their population(s) of interest.
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ Counseling students learn from top faculty who have diverse research interests and practice experiences. Faculty are committed to teaching and supporting students’ development as professional counselors and individuals. Interested students can work closely with faculty on research projects and deepen their experience and knowledge on counseling topics.
The Counseling program’s faculty and staff value building professional relationships with students in order to develop trusting classroom environments, where students are comfortable sharing and engaging in discussion. The faculty also ensure that students receive the advising and support they need to be successful in the program and to be positioned to pursue a career they love after graduation.
You will be a key player in facilitating the growth and development of your fellow human beings, to alter the course of others’ lives for the better. Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth is forecasted in:
- Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists
- School and career counselors in colleges, universities and professional schools
- School and career counselors in vocational rehabilitation
Reflecting today’s pluralistic society, principles of multicultural counseling are incorporated throughout the program. The curriculum addresses student awareness, knowledge and skills across race, class and culture. Students are provided opportunities for engagement across populations through practicum, internship, volunteer opportunities and classroom assignments or service projects.
¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ offers tuition reductions for teachers, counselors and administrators. Tuition reduction is 40% for those employed by Catholic schools, and 20% for those employed by non-Catholic schools. Counselors at Catholic high schools enrolled in the College Admissions Counseling Certificate receive a 25% tuition reduction from the standard tuition rate.
Clinical Mental Health
School Counseling
College Admissions Counseling
CACREP ACCREDITATION
The Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, has granted accreditation to both the School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health programs in ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥'s Department of Education and Counseling through October 31, 2032
CACREP Vital Statistics: 2023-2024
- Number of graduates in the past year: 26 (CMHC = 18, School Counseling = 8)
- Completion rate: 100% for both CMHC and School Counseling
- Licensure or certification examination pass rate:
- National Counselor Exam: National Counselor Exam: 100% for both CMHC (13/13) and School Counseling (3/3)
- Praxis Professional School Counselor Exam: 87.5% (7/8)
- Job placement rate of 2022-2023 graduates: 100% for both CMHC and School Counseling
- ¸ÌéÙÖ±²¥ Counseling Annual Report 2023-2024