Master of Arts with a major in School Counseling
About the Program
If you are considering a profession in school counseling, Indiana Wesleyan University offers a 60 credit hour Master of Arts with a major in School Counseling program that educates and prepares students for a career in School Counseling. Students learn to link counseling theory and techniques to Christ-like service through the integration of Christian principles as they are trained to be servant-leaders in the school setting.
Statistics involving issues of youth are alarming in such areas as physical abuse, neglect, divorce, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, pregnancies, eating disorders, bullying, suicide and other issues which interfere with students’ stability. Professional School Counselors (PSC) are becoming more essential as schools are challenged to meet the academic, social, and safety needs of their students. The lives and futures of these students will be more promising with the concern, encouragement, and direction offered by caring PSCs. IWU trains PSCs to help pre-kindergarten through high school students succeed in both academics and in life as they not only counsel youth but consult and collaborate with staff, families, and communities.
IWU’s School Counseling Program is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accreditation validates the strength and rigor of the program. Graduates will be recommended for licensure or certification upon completion of academic requirements and certification or licensing exams in their respective states. After following the state process of applications, payments, and/or tests, they will be qualified to serve as school counselors. Check with your state to determine licensure eligibility.
The basic requirements of our 60 credit hour program includes:
- 27 hours or nine (9) core counseling classes (offered both online or onsite in Indianapolis, Indiana);
- 9 hours or three (3) School Counseling specialization classes (only offered online);
- 15 hours or (5) elective course (either online or onsite) with two track options:
- CMHC Track: Electives focused on CMHC-certification for licensure as both a School Counselor and Clinical Mental Health Counselor (or equivalent) in Indiana and other approved states
- Elective Track: Electives focused on School Counseling, College and Career Readiness
- 3 hours or one (1) semester (100 hour) didactic Practicum face-to-face clinical experience in a school setting;
- 6 hours or two (2) semesters of Internship (each 300 hours) face-to-face clinical experience in a school;
- 4 separate intensives on campus depending on the track chosen above
The School Counseling programs at Indiana Wesleyan University are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The accreditation runs through October 31, 2024 with an interim report in lieu of accreditation through 2030.
Program Mission Statement and Learning Outcomes
Mission
Indiana Wesleyan University Graduate School Counseling Program prepares future professional school counselors in knowledge, skills, and best practices of school counseling, with Christ-like servant leadership to effectively work with culturally diverse students, faculty, and families.
Program Learning Outcomes: Key Performance Indicators
- Articulate a clear understanding of SCH professional identity
- Deliver mental health services with multicultural competence
- Integrate understanding of normal developmental concepts and processes in case conceptualizations
- Conceptualize the relationship between/among work, personal relational well-being and other life roles
- Demonstrate essential counseling skills with competence
- Facilitate a group session with competency
- Display counseling appraisal skills that demonstrate validity and reliability
- Apply relevant research findings from professional literature to inform developmental of treatment plans/intervention strategies
- Integrate faith-based or spirituality-based principles and strategies in case conceptualizations or interventions
- Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of school counseling
- Evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs with the use of appropriate data
- Demonstrate comprehensive school counseling by synthesizing professional skills and interactions
- Integrate cultural competence and responsiveness, in the practice of school counseling, to promote education equity and social justice
Why wait?
Go beyond your Bachelor's degree and earn your Master of Arts with a major in School Counseling in Indiana. Call us at 866-468-6498 for more information.