Starting in the fall semester of 2007, our master’s degree programs implemented curriculum changes in preparation for a voluntary review leading to the most prestigious accreditation available to counselor education programs. These changes to the curriculum length and design are based on the highest national standards and provide maximum portability of the degree within New York State and around the country.
Benefits to students include better reciprocity for state certifications and licenses outside of New York State, the ability to obtain national credentials with less post-master’s experience, and better recognition of quality preparation in the job market as well as in educational opportunity beyond the master’s degree.
Both programs provide a common core, and then allow students to specialize in school counseling or mental health counseling with further specialization possible in substance abuse counseling or rehabilitation counseling.
Students starting the program in the summer of 2007 will have the option of completing the program as described in the current graduate catalog or may choose the new programs. With some extra coursework it is possible to meet the requirements of both programs. Please contact your advisor if you have any questions.
Core Requirements for School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling:
EDC 570 Introduction to Professional Counseling & Ethics
EDC 593 Lifespan Development
EDC 579 Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling
EDC 573 Counseling Theories
EDC 589 Family and Couples Counseling
EDC 574 Group Counseling
EDC 571 Psychological and Educational Assessment
EDC 572 Career Counseling
EDC 597 Psychopathology
EDC 615 Research Techniques
EDC 575 Pre-Practicum Helping Skills
Total Core Credits = 33
Requirements for specialization in school counseling:
EDC 576 School Practicum
EDC 603 Internship (full time, 6 credits) or
EDC 604 Internship (half time, 3 credits) and
EDC 605 Internship (half time, 3 credits)
Electives (6 credits)
Total credits for master’s degree in school counseling = 48
Advanced study for permanent certification for school counselors in NYS (taken before or after beginning employment)
EDC 590 Managing School Counseling Programs
EDC 587 Schools and Student Assistant Programs or
EDC 585 Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation or
EDC 586 Physiological & Psychological Aspects of Substance Abuse
Electives (6 credits)
Total credits for permanent certification in school counseling = 60
Requirements for specialization in mental health counseling:
EDC 568 Principles of Community Mental Health Counseling
EDC 577 Agency Practicum
EDC 585 Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation or
EDC 586 Physiological & Psychological Aspects of Substance Abuse
EDC 598 Case Formulation, Treatment Planning, and Psychopharmacology
EDC 600 Internship (full time, 6 credits) or
EDC 601 Internship (half time, 3 credits) and
EDC 602 Internship (half time, 3 credits)
Electives (9 credits)
Total credits for master’s degree in mental health counseling = 60
Click here (pdf) for recommended course sequencing for both programs