- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Master of Science in Nursing Administration
- MFA in Design Thinking
- Health Sciences Dual Degree Track (MS to DHSc)
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies
- Teacher Education & Leadership
- Master's Degrees in Music
- Doctor of Health Sciences
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Social Work
- English Graduate Programs
- MFA in Studio Art
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Counselor Education
- Master of Occupational Therapy
- Master of Criminal Justice
- Psychology Graduate Programs
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Master of Business Administration
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- M.S. in Athletic Training
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Science in Health Sciences
- M.S. in Strategic Communication
- MS in Data And Information Management
Academics
The Counseling and Human Development program offers graduate education leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree for students interested in becoming professional counselors and working in elementary, middle and secondary schools, colleges and universities, community counseling centers, hospitals, agencies or clinics.
Two programs in the department were nationally accredited in 1996 and reaccredited in 2004 by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accredited programs currently include clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. The program is also accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (2004) and the Virginia Department of Education (2004). These certification and accreditation achievements certify that the department offers the highest quality professional education available in the counseling professions.
Coursework Forms
- COED 611: Counseling Theories and Techniques
- COED 641: Individual Practicum
- COED 642: Group Practicum
- See your instructor
- Internship
Academic Forms
- Sample of Candidacy Request Form (PDF)
Nine hours of completed coursework is required including a minimum of an 80% writing score (COED 610) and earn a grade B or higher in COED 611. A completed program of study is also required. - Internship Application (Part A) (PDF)
- Internship Application (Part B) (PDF)
- Academic Petition (DOC)
- Change of Program of Study (PDF)
- Application to Take the Comprehensive Exam (PDF)
- Thesis Manual (PDF)
- Thesis Forms (DOC)
Comprehensive Examinations
A written comprehensive examination, scheduled in the fall or spring semester, is required of all students who do not elect to write a thesis. Students are eligible to take the examination during the semester in which they complete all required core course work. Additionally, all who register must have an approved letter of candidacy and have a signed copy of their program of study on file with the Graduate College. A student must complete the examination no later than two weeks prior to graduation. The comprehensive examination is a written examination and typically includes essay and objective examination questions.
Thesis Option
Students may elect to write a master’s thesis instead of taking the comprehensive examination. The master’s thesis is directed by graduate faculty in the department. Students who choose this option should begin designing their research and planning the thesis during their first year in the program. A thesis grade is recorded “Pass” or “Fail.”
National Certification
Counselors in both concentrations can earn the national certification from the National Board of Certified Counselor (NBCC) by successfully passing the National Counselors Examination (NCE) offered upon completion of the program.