I. SCHOOL COUNSELING EMPHASIS (M.A.)
The school counseling emphasis focuses on the developmental model of school counseling. School counselor students take the core counseling curriculum. In addition, students in school counseling have curricular specialty courses in the foundation of school counseling, counseling and guidance program development and consultation. The emphasis strives to provide the necessary self-awareness, knowledge, and skills to effectively deliver a comprehensive counseling emphasis.
Completion of the emphasis qualifies students for licensure as a school counselor in Nevada. Requirements vary for licensure at the elementary and secondary level. Licensure is available for those without previous K-12 teaching experience. However, those without previous teaching experience are required to secure successful documented volunteer teaching and/or para-counseling experiences in an elementary or secondary school setting prior to admission to the program.
The school counseling emphasis has a long tradition of working closely with practicing school counselors and students to ensure that it prepares students for our changing educational systems.
II. PROGRAM OF STUDY (courses required)
a. CACREP Core Accreditation Area Core Course Requirements (39 cr.)
(1) Human Growth and Development
CEP705 Advanced Lifespan & Development (3 cr.)
(2) Social and Cultural Foundations
CEP751 Multicultural Counseling (3 cr.)
(3) Helping Relationships
CEP650 Counseling Theory & Process (3 cr.)
CEP651 Counseling Practicum (3 cr.)
(4) Groups
CEP660 Group Dynamics (3 cr.)
CEP761 Group Counseling (3 cr.)
(5) Life-style and Career Development
CEP620 Career Counseling (3 cr.)
CEP665 Child & Family Guidance (3 cr.)
CEP754 Substance Abuse Counseling (3 cr.)
(6) Appraisal
CEP642 a or b Assessment & Diagnosis I (3 cr.)
(7) Research and Evaluation
CEP700 Introduction to Educational Research (3 cr.)
(8) Professional Orientation
CEP600 Introduction to Counseling & Guidance (3 cr.)
CEP780 Law & Ethics (3 cr.)
CEP795 Comprehensive Examination (1-3 cr.)
b. Specialty Courses for the school counseling emphasis
CEP782 Consultation for Counseling Professionals (3 cr.)
c. Internship Course Requirements
CEP 770a &/or b Internship in Counseling (6 cr.)
CEP 770a &/or b Internship in Counseling (6 cr.)
d. Outside the CEP Department Course Requirements
600 Level or above elective (3 cr.)
EL706 Organization & Administration of Student Services (3 cr.) or equivalent outside the department.
III. ADDITIONAL EMPHASIS REQUIREMENTS
a. Complete Program of Study Form: This program of study form must be submitted before 12 credits of course work have been completed. This form
can be obtained in the CEP Department. It is completed in consultation with the advisor.
b. Three Credit per Semester Requirement: Students admitted to departmental programs must enroll in at least three credits per semester or they will
be withdrawn from graduate standing.
c. Application for Internship Placement: Students should confirm that all prerequisites have been completed. A formal, written application is required and may
be obtained in the department. Applications are due in February for the fall semester and in September for the spring semester.
NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. It is understood that the effort expended must be comparable to formal course work. This translates to 300 clock
hours devoted to the internship for each six credits. Two six credit internships totaling 600 clock hours are required for graduation. To be eligible to complete an
internship in Washoe County School District, students must obtain a substitute teaching license from Washoe County prior to the beginning of internship. Interns
who wish to complete internships in other counties must contact that district to determine requirements.
d. Comprehensive Examinations: Students must register for CEP 795 their last semester. The comprehensive examinations are scheduled once in the spring and fall.
f. Application for Graduation has to be obtained at the Office of Admissions & Records.
IV. ACCREDITATION, LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
Both the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Northwest association accredit the College of Education for Schools and Colleges (NASC). The CEP department masters program in school counseling, as well as the doctoral programs in counselor education, are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through the year 2001.
After the completion of your master's degree you must apply to the Nevada Department of Education for licensure as a school counselor. The CEP emphasis in school counseling meets Nevada state requirements.
Graduates of a school counseling and guidance masters degree program who have never been licensed for K-12 teaching in Nevada must pass two basic examinations which are required by the State Department of Education. First is the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). Second is the National Teacher Examination in the specialty of school counseling. Both may be scheduled through the College of Education Dean's office, (775) 784-4345.
V. FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
The CEP Department has graduate teaching assistantships available. Contact the CEP Department for a graduate assistant application form. However, teaching assistantships are generally for doctoral students. Other financial aid is available through the Financial Aid Office in the New Student Services Building, Third Floor, (775) 784-4666.
VII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prospective student meetings are held the second Thursday in January and August at 4 p.m. at the CEP Office (call the department , (775) 784-6637 to register for the meeting). To obtain a University of Nevada catalog contact the ASUN Bookstore, Mail Stop 194, (775) 784-6597. A University of Nevada Graduate School catalog can be obtained by contacting the graduate school, Mail Stop 326, 784-6869.
VIII. COORDINATOR
Jill Packman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology/281
College of Education
William Raggio Building, Room 3032
University of Nevada
Reno, NV 89557-0281
(775) 682-5502 FAX (775) 784-1990
E-mail Dr. Packman at jillp@unr.edu
Counseling and Educational Psychology Department Home Page
University of Nevada, Reno