Overview
Program Description
The Master of Arts in School Counseling program trains individuals to perform school counseling services such as the study and assessment of individual students with respect to their abilities, interest and needs. It trains students to counsel with administrators, teachers, students and parents regarding personal, social, educational, and vocational plans and programs. This degree also trains students to develop cooperative relationships with community agencies in assisting children and families. This program has been approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education for certification as a New Jersey School Counselor and has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Program Goals
- Develop a thorough understanding of and competence in the practice of counseling in the K-12 environment.
- Acquire an appreciation for the ethical and legal responsibilities associated with the school counselor role.
- Acquire professional skills and practical experience in the provision of counseling services in a school setting.
Program Requirements
- Comply with the academic policies and procedures of Centenary University
- Complete 48 program prescribed graduate credit hours
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.0) or better for courses completed for the degree
- Complete a residency requirement consisting of minimally 36 credit hours at Centenary University
- Complete the program within 7 years from the date of initial enrollment
- Demonstrate throughout the program course of study behavior consistent with the current American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics as well as the current American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Ethical Standards
- Complete a supervised counseling practicum in a school setting
Grading Policy for Counseling Programs
Graduate students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above in order to receive a degree. Any graduate student who receives more than one grade of C (to include C+, C, and C-) will be dismissed from the program. No grades of D will be given (anything lower than a C- is an F). A grade of F will result in dismissal from the program.
Audit
Students who are required to complete undergraduate foundation courses may request that they be taken as an official audit. Students choosing this option must designate such at the time of registration or by the end of the first week of the respective semester in which the courses are taken. Audited courses are recorded on the student’s permanent record as an “AUD,” and cannot be converted to a letter grade.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or applicants with an undergraduate degree in another discipline will be required to take a series of prerequisite undergraduate psychology courses
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA 3.0
- Personal Statement
- No GRE required
Curriculum Requirements
Guidance and Counseling-21 credits (Required)
Testing and Evaluation-3 credits
Statistical and Research Methods-6 credits
Psychology-6 credits
| GCO-561 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| GED-601 | Learning Theories on the Nature & Needs of Individuals with Disabilities | 3 |
Sociological Foundations-6 credits
| GCO-562 | Social & Cultural Foundations of Behavior | 3 |
| GCO-593 | Prevention Planning, Program Evaluation, & Community Resources | 3 |
Practicum Experience-6 credits
Requires students to participate in a supervised counseling practicum in a school setting
| GCO-603 | School Counseling Practicum I | 3 |
| GCO-604 | School Counseling Practicum II | 3 |
| GCO-606 | School Counseling Practicum I & II | 6 |