Program Information
Professional counseling is the application of mental health, 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.
The Clinical Mental Health specialization is offered in two distinct delivery models: on-campus and digitally delivered. The on-campus program requires students to be on WVU's Morgantown campus for daytime and evening courses. Most students in the on-campus Clinical Mental Health program complete the degree as full-time students. Applicants to the digitally delivered program choose to pursue the degree as either part-time or full-time students.
The School Counseling specialization is only offered on-campus and most school counseling students pursue the degree as full-time students. All students must have the aptitude to utilize digital learning platforms such as eCampus and Zoom, and the digital information tracking platform known as Tevera.
The School Counseling specialty licensure area offered at our EPP has been approved by the West Virginia Board of Education. The West Virginia Department of Education organizes and monitors the approval process for new licensure areas and changes to existing licensure areas offered through a preparation program.
Program Mission
The master’s program in counseling, with an emphasis on either clinical mental health or school counseling at West Virginia University advances the land grant mission of the University in a rural state by providing a strong practitioner training program focused on the unique needs of the Appalachian region and other diverse communities. We are committed to preparing entry-level clinical mental health and school counselors to work competently and ethically within a pluralistic society. Our central organizing approach to counseling rests in understanding the cultural and human development needs of individuals, couples, families, families, groups, and those experiencing disability or social inequality across the lifespan.
Program Objectives
Professional Orientation and Identity
Students will demonstrate an understanding of counseling as a profession, develop
a professional identity, and demonstrate their ability to function effectively
within the ethical guidelines established by both the American Counseling Association
and the American School Counselors Association, in settings rendering counseling
and related services to diverse populations.
Counseling Theory
Students will learn a range of counseling theories that are applicable when working in a pluralistic society with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability in the counseling process, and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge in a therapeutic manner within rural and diverse communities.
Helping Relationships
Students will develop skills to work with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability that promote therapeutic change and demonstrate their ability to evaluate progress in meeting counseling objectives.
Social and Cultural Diversity
Students will develop an awareness of the impact of social and cultural factors on human behavior and recognize the role of individual differences in establishing and working toward counseling objectives.
Human Growth and Development
Students will learn stages of development throughout the life span and the importance of assessing and considering developmental goals when working with both children and adults.
Career Development
Students will learn the role of career development theory as applied to working with both children and adults and the impact of economic and cultural factors on career decisions, job performance, and lifestyle.
Group Dynamics
Students will learn the purpose and function of groups, group dynamics, and the application of counseling theories and leadership skills within the group setting to promote decision making and growth.
Assessment
Students will learn to determine appropriate assessment techniques when working with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability and to utilize relevant information within the counseling process.
Research and Program Evaluation
Students will develop the ability to read and evaluate professional research literature and incorporate such information into their professional development.
Specialization
Students will develop specific knowledge relevant to the student’s area of interest (e.g., addictions, mental health, children, school) and will learn from their area of interest how to provide professional services including assessment, prevention, referral, and program development, implementation, management, and evaluation.
Experiential Learning (Professional Practice)
Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective professional counselor through supervised practicum and internship experiences.
Personal Growth and Understanding
Students will be provided the opportunity to explore values and beliefs as they pertain to their evolving roles as professional counselors and develop a level of self-understanding that leads to an integrated personal approach to counseling and client advocacy.