Degree Offered
- Master of Science
Nature of the Program
The School of Counseling and Well-being in the College of Applied Human Sciences offers a master’s program in counseling. The counseling M.S. program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Variations of the curriculum allow for specialization in either school counseling or clinical mental health counseling. All applicants must comply with university, College of Applied Human Sciences, and school requirements.
The school counseling specialization prepares students to become certified professional educators and mental health specialists who improve success for all students (PreK to Adult) by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that includes individual counseling, small group counseling, and classroom interventions. The clinical mental health counseling specialization prepares students in individual and group counseling with a diverse population across a wide scope of developmental stages and backgrounds in various community settings such as correctional facilities, treatment centers, mental health agencies, etc. Both counseling degree specialty areas meet all requirements for professional counseling licensure as outlined by the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.
Students are encouraged to pursue their studies on a full-time basis; however, part-time students are accepted. Part-time admission is meant only for those who plan to take one or two courses a semester. If admitted with part-time status, students will NOT automatically be able to move into the full-time program. There are no summer practicum or internship placements.
Admissions for 2025-2026
Application
Applications for admission to the counseling program should be made to WVU Graduate Admissions. In addition to the admission requirements of the university and the College of Applied Human Sciences, the School of Counseling and Well-being has the following admission requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree with coursework in appropriate areas
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, based on a 4.0 system
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Three letters of reference
- Completed WVU Graduate Admissions application
Admission
The West Virginia University counseling program’s admission process is two-step:
Step 1 is a review of paper credentials including references, department application (relevant major, general quality of application), personal references, and GPA. In addition to your interest, aptitude, and career goals related to counseling, the personal statement and recommendation letters should include your perspectives, respect for, and/or skills for working with individuals from different backgrounds. The initial screening decision is based upon this information. Successful applicants are then invited to participate in department interviews.
Step 2 is the department interview, which considers interpersonal style relevant to working as a counselor, communication skills, capacity for empathic understanding and communication, ability to articulate professional goals, goals congruent with department focus, knowledge, understanding of counseling, and assessment of applicant’s capacity to complete the counseling curriculum successfully.
The application deadline for fall admission is February 15 with review of completed applications beginning February 1. The program admits students only one time each year.
Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain.
On-Campus Major Code: 5517
Online Major Code: 5548
Major Requirements
All students who are candidates for a master’s in counseling are required to take the following core courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in all graduate coursework and for the major. | ||
| A minimum grade of B- is required in all major coursework. | ||
| COUN 501 | Counseling Theory and Techniques 1 | 3 |
| COUN 505 | Theory and Practice of Human Appraisal | 3 |
| COUN 536 | Theories of Human Development | 3 |
| COUN 606 | Counseling Theory and Techniques 2 | 3 |
| COUN 609 | Group Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| COUN 620 | Lifespan Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 630 | Children/Adolescents/Parents | 3 |
| COUN 634 | Cultural Issues | 3 |
| COUN 640 | Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 645 | Couples and Family Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 664 | Ethical Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 665 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| COUN 668 | Crisis Trauma Grief Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 512 | Research & Evaluation in Counseling | 3 |
| Complete one of the following Area of Emphasis * | 18 | |
Clinical Mental Health | ||
School Counseling | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
*Note: School Counseling AoE is only available for students enrolled in the on campus Counseling major.
In addition to completing all coursework and the practicum and internship satisfactorily, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to assume the responsibility required of a professional counselor and the personal characteristics and ethical standards essential to effective working relationships with others.
These personal characteristics are assessed throughout the entire program with special emphasis during the clinical coursework components of the program and during the field experience. Students who do not meet professional and clinical standards in these areas are provided feedback, and resources for remediation are recommended. In these cases, successful remediation is required as a prerequisite for successful program completion. Students who violate ACA ethical standards will be evaluated for possible dismissal from the program.
Areas of Emphasis
Clinical Mental Health Area of Emphasis
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. | ||
| A minimum grade of B- is required in all coursework. | ||
| COUN 622 | Introduction to Clinical Mental Health | 3 |
| COUN 684 | Supervision Models/Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 685 | Practicum (Student must take a section of this course that is related to Clinical Mental Health.) | 3 |
| COUN 686 | Counseling Internship (Student must take a section of this course that is related to Clinical Mental Health.) | 9 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
School Counseling Area of Emphasis
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. | ||
| A minimum grade of B- is required in all coursework. | ||
| COUN 610 | School Counseling Services 1 | 3 |
| COUN 611 | School Counseling Services 2 | 3 |
| COUN 685 | Practicum (Student must take a section of this course that is related to School Counseling.) | 3 |
| COUN 686 | Counseling Internship (Student must take a section of this course that is related to School Counseling.) | 9 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Major Learning Outcomes
Counseling
The objectives of our program in School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling are linked to our mission statement. Specifically, they are to provide:
- An environment that fosters the personal growth and development of each student.
- Educational experiences for every student that fosters individual and group counseling skill development.
- Learning opportunities to support students’ interests in diverse populations and cultures.
- Training in schools and clinical mental health settings that give students an opportunity to practice and integrate the skills learned in the classroom.