The Couples and Family Counseling track is designed to prepare counselors to work systemically with couples and families in a variety of settings. These settings may include but are not limited to private practices, family-oriented and systemically oriented substance abuse treatment or trauma-recovery centers, hospitals and medical clinics, community agencies who serve children and families, military-family agencies, and faith-based organizations, etc.
Program Admission
The graduate Counseling Program has two admission cycles each year for the fall and spring semesters. The admission process is competitive based on admission criteria related to previous academic performance, an essay, related work such as internship, volunteer experience, or employment in a related service setting, two letters of reference, and an interview. When a cohort has filled, interested candidates may be offered and encouraged to pursue admission for a subsequent term.
Application Requirements
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An undergraduate bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
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A recommended undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 or higher;
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A successful interview with Program Faculty;
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An effectively written Professional Essay related to why one wants to pursue a degree and career in counseling;
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Two letters of reference from an academic supporter and/or someone who has observed the applicant’s work at a job, internship, or volunteer site. Letters should be on letterhead and submitted by the individual who has written the letter; and
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Evidence of a clear criminal background check.
As noted in the above admission requirements for graduate study, applicants to the Counseling Program must submit a professional essay, which is in part, a sample of one’s writing skills.. This essay should be 4 to 6 paragraphs in length and contain a brief statement of long-range professional goals in counseling. The applicant’s name and preferred major should be included at the top of the essay. This essay will be used by the Program’s Admission Committee in selecting applicants for the program, and no application will be reviewed without the essay. In addition, an interview with the Counseling Faculty will be required. Applicants will be contacted regarding the scheduling of this interview after all other application materials have been received. A candidate must also present evidence of a clear criminal background check.
Program Retention
- Maintain a minimum 3.00 (4.0 scale) program GPA.
- Minimum passing grade for all courses of a C or better (excludes practicum & internship courses)
- Once a semester, the Counseling Faculty review student progress and evaluate student performance related to Program Objectives and Program Professional Dispositions.
Completion Requirements
- Complete counseling concentration including core courses, “major courses” unique to each track, and field experiences (Practicum and Internship placements).
- Passing score on the Counseling Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE). *Students who do not pass the CPCE in three attempts or less will result in consultation with the Counseling faculty to discuss a remediation plan or test strategy.
- Follow pre-requisite course offerings. 1) Take EDC 502 Theories,EDC 515 Pre-Practicum in Interpersonal Skills, EDC 530 Professional, Ethical, & Legal Issues in Counseling, and EDC 550 Group Procedures in Counseling to take EDC 541 Practicum.
- Earn a minimum grade of B or higher in Practicum and Internship classes, and also accrue all direct and indirect service hours in order to progress to the next class.
- Students must complete their 60 credit hours within 6 years from the starting semester within which they began the Program.
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