Non-degree Program in School Counseling

Graduate students who hold the M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Community Counseling from the University of West Georgia or those with a graduate degree in counseling from another university with a program equivalent to the CACREP accredited community counseling program (48 semester hours) at UWG  may be eligible to pursue initial certification in school counseling (S-5 level).   The prospective graduate student in this “non-degree” program must apply to the graduate school and meet all current M.Ed. requirements for admission and must be licensed as an LPC or associate LPC, certified by NBCC (NCC), or meet the academic requirements for licensure in professional counseling in Georgia.  Those with an MSW degree who hold certification in school social work and who have been employed as a school social worker for at least two years may also be eligible for this program but will require extensive coursework beyond the required 24 hour minimum.  After being admitted to the program, an evaluation of the student’s transcript will be completed by the advisor.  An approved program will be developed based on that evaluation and other factors.  The program will generally be between 24 and 30 semester hours but may be more based on the evaluation.  Under no circumstances will the program be less than 18 hours.  No credit earned in this program may be applied toward the Ed.S. degree.  All course work must be completed at the University of West Georgia with the possible exception of SPED 6706 and MEDT 6401.  Upon completion of the approved program and passing the GACE Content Assessments in school counseling examination in school counseling, a recommendation for certification will be given through the College of Education Certification office.  (See procedures found in the CEP Graduate Student Handbook).

Admission Requirements for M.Ed. in school and community counseling and Non-degree initial certification for school counseling

The following summarizes the M.Ed. and non-degree initial certification admission standards.  It should be noted that meeting the minimum requirements specified for the GRE and GPA does not guarantee admission.  Additionally, scores below the minimum for the GRE and GPA do not automatically preclude admission.

  1. 2.7 Undergraduate GPA
  2. 900 composite GRE (450 verbal and 450/3.5 quantitative or analytical writing)
  3. 3 strong letters of reference to include previous faculty, employers, supervisors, or professional colleagues.  One may be personal.
  4. Written personal narrative.  The narrative should include the reasons applying for the school/community counseling program, analysis of personal strengths and weaknesses as a potential counselor, anticipated benefits, and career goals.
  5. Interview with faculty.  This interview will focus on the assessment of factors such as emotional maturity, professional related experience, readiness for the program, life experiences, attitude, compatibility with department goals, and communication/interpersonal skills.

The M.Ed. program in both school and community counseling consists of 48 semester hours.  Several courses have been modified and some new courses instituted.  We believe recent changes will strengthen our programs considerably and better prepare our graduate students for the realities and complexities of the work of counselors.  Both programs are accredited by CACREP (2001).

Admission deadlines for all programs (M.Ed./Ed.S./Non-degree)

The Counseling and Educational Psychology Department has recently implemented new admission dates that need to be considered when applying.
The following admission dates apply:
Semester                                             Application deadline
Fall 2010                                              June 4, 2010
Spring 2011                                         October 1, 2010
Summer 2011                                     March 4, 2011
Fall 2011                                              June 3, 2011
Spring 2012                                        October 7, 2011

All applications will be held until the particular deadline and will be reviewed at that time.  In addition to meeting admission standards, all applicants will be interviewed by the faculty.  These interviews will most likely take place in June (for Fall Semester), March or April (for Summer Semester) and October (for Spring Semester).

 

Program Sheets

Download the program sheet as a Word .doc file or an Adobe .pdf file