Counseling

Master of Science in Education

College of Education and Professional Studies

Who Should Enroll

• Individuals preparing for employment as a counselor in a school settings
• Experienced licensed teachers returning to college to receive their master's degree

Key Features

• Prepares students to work as school counselors at all levels (K-12)
• Prepare for certification as school counselors at designated age levels, depending on state standards for certification
• Alternative options and additional course work are available for those who have not worked as teachers, contingent upon specific state standards

Program Curriculum

The MSE programs are designed to meet certification standards; however, standards might vary. Students are encouraged to work with an adviser to accommodate any changes.

Academic requirements, 40 credits minimum

Core Courses, 36 credits:
COUN 610 Introduction to Counseling, 3 credits
COUN 612 Developmental Counseling, 3 credits
COUN 615 Social and Cultural Foundation of Counseling, 3 credits
COUN 620 Career Counseling, 3 credits
COUN 720 Techniques of Appraisal, 3 credits
COUN 732 Group Counseling, 3 credits
COUN 753 Counseling Theory and Skills, 3 credits
TED 750 Advanced Educational Psychology, 3 credits
TED 760 Methods in Research, 3 credits
COUN771, 772, 773 Practica in consultation with faculty, 6-9 credits

Before finalizing practicum plans, the student must pass a written examination based upon the content of all of the core course or write a thesis.

Directed elective courses, 4 credits
To be selected in consultation with an adviser

Students will also present a portfolio indicating knowledge and application of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Standards for Professional School Counselors. Completion of the practicum and of the master's program is dependent upon approval of the portfolio by the program faculty and the practicum supervisors in the field.

Admission Requirements

• Completed application for graduate study at UWRF with application processing fee.
• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended as an undergraduate student, sent directly to Graduate Studies from the institution.
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a four-point scale) or an average of at least 2.90 based on the last 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) of the undergraduate program.
• Resumé.
• Letter of intent describing service to the community, volunteer work, commitment to others, work and professional goals, and personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Most students will have a valid teaching license and teaching experience.

A complete application, fee and materials must be submitted by February 1 before fall admission or October 1 before spring admission.

For More Information

College of Education and Professional Studies
Department of Counseling and School Psychology
Web sites: http://www.uwrf.edu/csp/counselingprogram.htm
Phone: (715) 425-3889

Please contact your adviser for information regarding Wisconsin DPI portfolio requirements.