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College of Applied Human Sciences: School of Counseling and Well-being

Counseling, MA

The Master of Arts in Counseling program prepares counseling practitioners in two tracks of study, clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. This is a full time on-campus program.

Professional counseling is the application of mental heath, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic intervention strategies that address wellness, personal growth or career development, as well as pathology. The mission of the program is to focus on the preparation of competent and ethical entry-level clinical mental health and school counselors to work in a variety of settings within the state, region and country.

Although the Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling specializations are on-campus programs, some courses may be delivered online (either synchronously or asynchronously). Students must have the aptitude to utilize digital learning platforms such as eCampus and Zoom, and the digital information tracking platform known as Tevera.

View WVU's complete CACREP accreditation information.

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

The Master of Arts in Counseling program focuses on the preparation of competent and ethical entry-level clinical mental health and school counselors to work in a variety of settings within the state, region and country.

Our program of study fulfills all coursework requirements to pursue credentialing as both a certified school counselor and licensed professional counselor in West Virginia. Courses are sequenced in blocks for purposes of prerequisite requirements.

The 2023-24 student handbook provides comprehensive details about the counseling master’s program at WVU, including program information, coursework, institutional policies, assistantships and internships, and much more. (Previous student handbooks: 2021-22 | 2022-23)

The practicum and internship fieldwork manual is a comprehensive resource that equips students with detailed information on the requirements and options available for completing practical experiences in the field. This manual encompasses a wide range of topics, including field placement opportunities, necessary prerequisites, evaluation procedures, and other essential details for students.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Graduates of the master's degree in counseling at WVU are well prepared to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in West Virginia and many other states. Courses train students to work in a wide variety of settings. Graduates are proficient in individual and group counseling, are charged with honoring the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of all clients, and across a wide variety of courses, are well-versed in trauma informed practices.

    Settings in which counselors work:

    • Community mental-health centers
    • Adolescent treatment centers
    • Correctional facilities
    • Outpatient mental-health centers
    • Private practice
    • Elementary, middle and high schools (as school counselors and expanded school based mental health counselors)

    Populations with whom counselors work:

    • Children and adolescents
    • Adults
    • Individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction
    • Patients in psychiatric hospitals
    • Couples and families
    • Clients experiencing grief and loss
    • Clients in crisis or experiencing suicidal ideation

    Watch Video: WVU Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  • School Counseling

    WVU’s school counseling program trains professional school counselors to work with students in pre-K-Adult settings. Professional school counselors provide comprehensive school counseling programs to all students. School counseling programs prevention and intervention services across a multi-tiered system of support framework. WVU school counseling alumni address the diverse and complex needs of children and adolescents as they progress across the developmental lifespan to prepare them for post-secondary opportunities. School counselors work with a wide variety of stakeholders including teachers, parents/caregivers, administrators, local business leaders and community leaders to ensure preparation of lifelong learners and productive members of the community.

    The WVU program trains students in counseling interventions, theories and techniques as well as how to plan, design, and implement a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program. Students learn to structure comprehensive school counseling programs based on both the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model as well as the West Virginia Comprehensive Developmental School Counseling Program Model.

    Watch Video: WVU honors National School Counseling Week

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Mental Health Counselors

Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $49,710

Possible job titles include: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Therapist.

Explore Career

Meet Your Community

The Counseling family will inspire and support you.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor's degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75. WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

  • Admission Requirements

    • A baccalaureate degree with coursework in appropriate areas
    • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8
    • Complete graduate application
    • Résumé
    • Three (3) letters of recommendation
    • Personal Statement - In addition to the graduate application, we require a personal statement. Upload the complete personal statement to your graduate application. Please include answers to the following questions in your personal statement: How has your interest in counseling developed? What is your present concept of counseling? What experiences (not necessarily work related) have lead you to believe that you could work with people in a helping capacity? Briefly describe your academic and professional goals as a counselor (include your employment objectives). Please include what it means for you to have a commitment to diversity and social justice.

    Consideration for part-time schedules is provided; however, applicants must be able to attend classes during the day and complete a day-time internship. The Master of Arts in Counseling program does not offer courses online.

    Application Deadline

    • February 15
    • Admit once a year
    • Applicants will go through a paper screening and then individual interviews

    Additional Application Considerations

    Program Contact

    If you have any questions about this graduate program, please contact Dr. Ed Jacobs at Ed.Jacobs@mail.wvu.edu.

  • Application Deadlines

    Each graduate program sets their own terms for admission and application deadlines. Applicants can only apply for admission for the terms displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.

    • Fall: February 15

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