Graduate Program - Counselor Education

Graduate Programs

General Program Information

The Department of Counselor Education offers master's degree programs in community mental health counseling and school counseling. Both programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Our graduate programs emphasize translating theory into practice, including opportunities for students to work in clinical settings under supervision, with different client populations. Students are required to become competent clinicians and informed consumers of counseling literature and research. Because personal qualities play a vital part in the determination of success as a counselor, opportunities are provided for the development of self-awareness, as well as an understanding of the effect one has upon others in interpersonal interactions and relationships. The philosophical underpinnings of the department include beliefs in democratic and communitarian values, the worth and dignity of individuals and relationships, personal uniqueness and value, and the freedom of individuals to be self-determined within a context of responsibility to others. Within the social world context, individuals strive to find meaning, involvement, worth, and self-esteem. However, they often experience difficulty addressing the basic problems of living: existential, relational, and occupational concerns about which people's lives revolve. Graduates of the department's programs are prepared to address these issues with clients, and are expected to be competent in doing so.

M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science (M.S.) of Counselor Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a 60 semester hour program, prepares professional counselors to work in community agencies, educational settings, as well as private practice. As a CACREP accredited program, CED students are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) leading to certification as a National Certified Counselors (NCC). The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program also prepares students to seek licensure as a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Nevada.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Course Sequence

M.Ed. in School Counseling
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling, a 48 semester hour program, prepares professional counselors to meet the academic, career, personal, and social needs of culturally and linguistically diverse K-12 student populations. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and prepares school counselors to:

Serve as advocates, educational leaders, team members, consultants, and counselors to maximize opportunities for students to succeed academically,
Address the academic, career, and personal/social needs of all students in the school,
Serve as leaders of equity and achievement and be able to address institutional and environmental barriers impeding student progress,
Through the collection and dissemination of data, advocate for systemic change to promote student achievement and academic success,
Become managers of resources and partnership builders, enlisting the support of parents, agencies, and community members.

School Counseling Course Sequence

Graduate Handbook
This handbook contains information essential for graduate students in the Department of Counselor Education. Updated yearly, it is designed to provide students with information necessary to successfully complete graduate studies in the department. Like the Graduate Catalog, the handbook in effect when a student enrolls is the final authoritative document outlining the department’s requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with the contents herein and to meet all requirements and deadlines. Download the Graduate Handbook.