School Counseling
The mission of the Counseling Program is to train individuals to become competent professional counselors. Students in the program will face a challenging environment that requires academic excellence and promotes ethical behavior. They will develop skills that will enable them to provide counseling services in a variety of settings. The program is committed to educating students in the unique issues involved with working in rural settings and equipping them with the skills necessary to practice in such under-served areas.
The Master’s Degree in Counseling is a 54-credit hour program designed for non-traditional students who are seeking a career in counseling. Work settings include community agencies, government, private practice, and elementary, middle and secondary schools. The 54-credit hour program includes 36 credit hours in the core curriculum, 9 hours in a chosen area of study (community or school counseling) and 9 credit hours in clinical experiences.
Individuals who are not certified teachers may pursue certification as a School Counselor upon completion of both a Master’s degree in School Counseling and additional required coursework. Individuals who currently hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling or a related field may pursue certification as a School Counselor with completion of additional required coursework.
Tracks:
Community Counseling
School Counseling
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
Applications are encouraged from individuals who plan to provide counseling services either in a school setting or in a community, private or government setting. All applicants are considered on an individual basis focusing on the applicant’s potential for successful completion of the program. Application review for admission is ongoing.
Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
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Completed Graduate Admission Application with non-refundable $25 application fee
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Official transcripts sent from all colleges and universities attended
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Two letters of professional recommendation (academic and/or professional)
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MEC written sample (Click here for topic form.)
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Professional resume
- Entrance test results - A score of 380 or higher on the Millers Analogy Test or an equivalent score on the Graduate Records Exam
- To support professional growth and development, evaluation of dispositions is an ongoing process. Dispositional feedback will be provided throughout enrollment in the program.
LEARNING FORMAT
The program is designed for non-traditional students. Classes normally meet one evening a week for three to four hours or in some cases for extended weekend sessions. Most students take two courses each semester, including summer. Students are expected to take a minimum of one course per year. If a student takes two courses each semester, it will take approximately 3 years to complete the program.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
The Counseling Program is designed to meet the core curriculum recommended by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). It also meets the criteria set forth by the State of Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation for those seeking licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
Graduates with an emphasis in Community Counseling are eligible to take the examination to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Upon completion of required clinical experience, graduates are eligible to take the examination for licensure as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC).
The School Counseling track is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, allowing Quincy University to recommend candidates for certification by entitlement in the area of School Counseling.
ACCREDITATION
Quincy University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504 (800.621.7440).
The Master of Science in Education program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), 100 N. First St., Springfield, Illinois 62707-0001 (217.782.4330), to offer education programs for school counselor certification.
