The master’s degree program is designed for graduate students preparing for employment as professional counselors in schools, community agencies, and colleges/universities.  Two options or concentrations are available and consist of a minimum of 48 semester hours: professional school counseling and professional community counseling.  Both programs in school and community counseling are accredited by CACREP.  The completion of the master’s degree curriculum in school counseling meets one of the requirements for initial professional certification in Georgia as a school counselor (S-5 Level) and for recommendation by University of West Georgia.  A passing score on the GACE Content Assessments in school counseling exam and passage of departmental exams must be submitted before a recommendation is given by University of West Georgia.  The Master’s curriculum in community counseling is preparation for work in a wide variety of settings such as mental health, rehabilitation, career, corrections, marriage and family, gerontology, and employee assistance programs.  Both of the programs in school or community counseling satisfy the educational requirements for licensing as a professional counselor (LPC) in Georgia. 
Successful completion of the specific curriculum in school or community counseling implies full endorsement of the student as having the skills to practice in that specialty area.  Each student file will contain the Plan of Study which has been completed by the student.  A student will receive faculty endorsement only for the relevant Plan of Study and program completed.

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:

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 Course Requirement Sheets

Download the Community Counseling Program Sheet as a Word .doc file or an Acrobat .pdf file

Download the School Counseling Program Sheet as a Word .doc file or an Acrobat .pdf file