Gardner-Webb University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A. in School Counseling

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Master of Arts in School Counseling program is 48-semester-hours and prepares graduate students to fulfill the diverse roles required of school counselors who are both theorists and practitioners in a multicultural society. Graduate students are prepared to develop comprehensive school counseling programs which align with the ASCA National Model and to collaborate with parents, school personnel, and others in assisting students with academic, career, personal, and social concerns.

The School Counseling Program stresses developmental, preventative, and remedial services. Additional emphasis is given to acquisition and application of knowledge and skills, critical thinking and decision making, appreciation of diversity, demonstration of professional, ethical and legal practices, and an understanding of the educational process within the complex school environment. The examination of personal values and experiences and their potential influence in a variety of counseling situations is encouraged. The School Counseling Program culminates in a school-based practicum and internship experience designed to solidify the graduate student's identity as a professional school counselor.

Goals

1. Graduate students will participate in curricular experiences in each of the following areas of school counseling: foundations; contextual dimensions; program development, implementation, and evaluation; individual and group counseling; classroom guidance; and consultation services.
2. Graduate students will demonstrate skills appropriate to beginning counselors as required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction School Counselor Program Approval Standards and recommended by professional counseling associations and credentialing bodies.
3. Supported by self-reflective practices, graduate students will demonstrate the acquisition and application of the knowledge and skills outlined above in appropriate school-based practicum and internship experiences and through a comprehensive examination process.
4. Program graduates will be recommended by the GWU School of Education, the university school-related licensing agent, for graduate level licensure in school counseling.

Accreditation:

Gardner-Webb University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Completed Application for Admission
2. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning preferably with a background in psychology.
3. Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better
4. Acceptable Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score
5. Three positive letters of recommendation. (Academic or professional references)
6. Successful personal interview with admissions committee.
7. Statewide criminal background check.

# of Credits Required:

48

International Student Requirements:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 500-paper based test, 173 min.-computer based, or 61 min.-internet based. 2. WES - (Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials) - All Transcripts from institutions outside U.S. must be submitted to WES 3. VISA/ PASSPORT - F1 student visa or H1B work/employment visa. -Permanent Residents need to supply a copy of their permanent residency card International applicants planning to immigrate to the U.S.A., submit the following: 4. Documents to Support Sponsor Financial Responsibility-Copy of most recent Bank Statement and one of the following: Recent tax return OR copies of the Last 3 pay stubs. 5. I-20 Request Form 6. International Student Transfer Form (if coming from another U.S. institution, a copy of your I-94 and I-20 are required)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$332 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Fringe Rural Area

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999