COUNSELING
Welcome to our site that outlines the master's degree program in Counseling at West Virginia University. We have two concentrations in our program, preparing counselors to work in community counseling and school counseling.
counseling
Comprehensive Mission Statement
The program’s mission focuses on preparing counselors to provide service to
rural populations and:
• Prepare counselors and related human service professionals at the
preservice, in-service and scientific-educational leadership levels.
• Prepare counselors to make interventions which address a variety of
societal issues including violence, substance abuse, domestic and
marriage issues as well as the ability to work in culturally diverse
settings.
• Provide service to our constituents through capacity building,
educational and consultative services and research which impact the
needs of the citizens of the state and region.
• Impact the regional economy through preparing professionals to assist
individuals to move from states of relative dependence to
independence by enhancing their living, learning and working potential
throughout the lifespan.
Professional counseling is the application of mental heath, 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. To prepare for this challenging career, professional counselors undergo extensive education and training. This includes at least 45 graduate credit hours in course work and 15 graduate credit hours in field training. Course work offers a solid foundation in individual counseling, human growth and development, career and lifestyle development, social and cultural foundations, group work, and a practicum and internship experience. Professional counselors work at all levels of schools and universities, in hospitals, mental health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, business and industry, correctional institutions, religious organizations, community centers and private practice.
In the schools... School counselors are certified professional counselors specifically trained in counseling interventions, theories and techniques. School counselors work with students with personal and academic concerns. They help students with educational success, interpersonal skills and self-understanding. Counselors strive to create a total school environment in which students see themselves as important players in the success of both the school and themselves. Professional counselors assist young people to personalize education and planning so the students can maximize their talents and opportunities. They create, develop and shape innovative strategies that enable students to be satisfied learners as well as productive, educated citizens. To accomplish this, school counselors use a number of techniques, including individual counseling, conflict management seminars, peer mediation teams, student mentoring, and group counseling activities. School counselors also work with teachers, parents, administrators, local business leaders and community leaders in variety of ways.
In the community: Those graduating with a degree in community counseling have a wide variety of options as far as work settings. Community counselors work in homes and in treatment centers for adolescents, adults, the elderly, drugs and alcohol, or severely mentally challenged. Many community counselors find employment in out-patient mental health settings or in working as part of a team with medical doctors, or in private practice. Others choose to work in corrections or for companies where they work with the employees of the company. Some community counselors emphasize working with couples and families or with adolescents. Some specialize in grief counseling or crisis counseling. Community counselors learn individual and group counseling, drug and alcohol counseling, and many different intervention strategies that can be used in the community or in treatment facilities.
Licensure as a Counselor: Graduates with two years or more of supervised experience after completion of their master's degree are typically eligible for licensure as a counselor in West Virginia and in many other states. Those applying for licensure also have to successfully pass a licensing examination. If you plan to work in another state, please check the requirements of that state since they may require courses not required for West Virginia licensure. For more information, check out www.wvbec.org.