Master of Science in Counseling
The Counselor Education program is a Master’s degree program that provides a generalist education and training for individuals interested in working as counselors in a variety of settings. The program is designed for working adults; courses are offered in evening, weekend, and/or Internet-based formats.
All students complete a core set of classes and then choose one or more specializations to focus their academic training. Counselor Education training prepares students to work in schools, community mental health centers, private counseling practice, state agencies, hospitals, not-for-profit agencies, and corporations. Depending on specialization, graduating students are licensed, certified, or have met the educational requirements to seek certification in their desired field(s) of practice.
Degree/Program Options:
New students are expected to declare an area of specialization(s) when they apply for the program. Students are expected to take Introduction to Counseling as their first course so they can gain a broader understanding of the various areas of study. All students complete core courses that provide the foundation for the degree and other classes specific to their area of specialization.
They can pursue any of three areas of specialization:
- Mental Health Counseling (leading to licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa)
- Rehabilitation Counseling (leading to certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor)
- School Counseling (leading to licensure as a School Counselor in Iowa)
Program Size:
There are approximately 175 individuals enrolled in the Counselor Education program at any one time. Class sizes range from 20-25 for content classes to a maximum of 6-12 students for practical and skill based classes.
Academic Preparation:
Students entering the Counselor Education program come from a wide array of educational, professional, and life experiences. They enter with a variety of undergraduate or graduate majors. For some the M.S. in Counseling is a natural extension of their current careers while, for others, it is a significant career change. The program is designed to accommodate different backgrounds but those who have not worked in related fields are encouraged to seek employment or volunteer experiences that acclimate them to the profession.
Accreditations:
The Rehabilitation Counseling specialization is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). The School Counseling specializations are approved by the State of Iowa. The Mental Health Counseling specialization is designed to meet all the academic requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor in the State of Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Program
