Valparaiso University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A. - Concentration in Community Counseling; M.A. - Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counse

Program Description:

The counseling programs provide coursework and experiential training designed to prepare individuals as professional counselors. The 48 credit Community Counseling program is appropriate for those intending to work in the counseling field or who intend to pursue doctoral work in psychology or related fields. The 60 credit CMHC program is specifically designed for students who plan to meet licensure requirements in the State of Indiana (or states having similar requirements) as a Mental Health Counselor.

VU's CMHC program is the only such program of its kind in the region housed within a psychology department, and the CMHC degree is the only counseling specialty that leads to licensure. Students are initially accepted into the CMHC program. Then, as career objectives are identified in consultation with an academic adviser, students choose the program that better meets their professional and career goals.

Both programs require 12 core courses (36 credits) as well as significant experiential training through practicum and internship. Within the core are four courses--Counseling Theories and Practice, Counseling Processes, Child Psychopathology, and Adult Psychopathology--designed to provide a strong and integrated professional learning experience. Depending on their program, students additionally choose 1 or 4 electives that permit emphasis in areas of interest and exposure to a wide range of counseling-related topics.

Eligibility Requirements:

Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or (as qualified herein) religion, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities, generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or (as qualified herein) religion in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, career services and placement, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Valparaiso University is an institution committed to its Lutheran traditions. The University reserves the right to promote the teachings of the church and to exercise preferences in admissions in favor of Lutherans.

International Student Requirements:

Minimum TOEFL score of 550

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large Suburb

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999