Program Information
The master Master of science Science in counseling Counseling program prepares future counseling practitioners through two specialized tracks:
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 (Evansdale) campus for daytime and evening courses. Most students in the on-campus Clinical Mental Health program complete the degree within two years as full-time students. Applicants to the digitally delivered program choose to pursue the degree as either part-time or full-time students. This program is CACREP accredited.
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. This program is CACREP accredited .
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
At West Virginia University, our Counseling Program is grounded in a commitment to excellence, ethical practice, and cultural responsiveness. Our program objectives reflect the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we aim to cultivate in every student:
1. Sociocultural and Developmental Competence
We foster a culturally inclusive learning environment that promotes the multicultural competency necessary to work with clients across the lifespan.
2. Excellence in Professional Practice
Our students gain a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to competently serve and advocate for clients in a wide variety of counseling settings.
3. Ethical and Professional Dispositions
We prepare students to demonstrate professional dispositions as evidenced by ethical decision-making, appropriate interpersonal skills, commitment to learning and professional growth, and application of constructive feedback, in line with the current ACA Code of Ethics.
4. Research-Informed Practice
Students are equipped to demonstrate the importance of research and evaluation in advancing the counseling profession, including how to critique research to inform professional practice.
CACREP OUTCOME STATISTICS FOR ACCREDITED COUNSELING PROGRAMS
| Concentration Program 2nd Year Cohort | Number of Graduates | NCE 1st-Time Pass | Job Secured by Graduation | Accepted into Ph.D. Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Counseling (n = 11) | 11 | 3 (not required) | 4 | 0 |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling (n = 16) | 15 | 15 | 10 | 1 |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online (n=16) | 16 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology Ph.D. (Dual Enrollment, n = 2) | 2 | 1 | 0 | Already in a Ph.D. program |
| Total- 45 | 44 | 28 | 20 | 3 |
*These figures are based on reported data as of May 19, 2025, for the 2024–2025 academic year and are subject to change.
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