Specialist in Counseling, Southeast Missouri State University

Why Should I Study for an Education Specialist degree in Counseling Education at Southeast?

The Specialist in Counseling Education degree program provides an additional period of study beyond the master's degree for persons seeking certification as Psychological Examiner or for those individuals that wish to develop further competence in mental health counseling (seeking LPC or CCMHC) or school counseling (seeking state certificate in school counseling or NCSC).

The curriculum is individually designed for each candidate to meet his/her specific needs and professional objectives within certification and/or licensure limitations. The program is designed with flexibility to support the preparation of School Counselors, School Psychological Examiners, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors.

Admissions Requirements

For regular admission leading to a Specialist Degree in Counseling Education, applicants must successfully complete a three-step process:

All candidates must hold a Master's Degree in Counseling or Education with a cumulative graduate GPA of no less than 3.5* and be admitted into the School of Graduate Studies. This is done by:

Completing the Application for Admissions and returning it to the Office of Admissions.
Submitting the appropriate application fees to the Office of Admissions.
Submitting graduate transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
Submit (within past 5 years) or complete the GRE or MAT and forwarding scores to the Office of Admissions.
Submitting four (4) letters of recommendation (one is required to begin the process, an additional three are required before full admission to the program can be completed)

*With the approval of the admissions committee, students with a GPA lower than 3.5 may be admitted on a probationary basis. When the GPA is less than 3.5, the admissions committee may permit the student to take nine (9) hours in the program area. The student will be required to achieve a GPA exceeding 3.66 with a minimum grade of "B".

When all required documents are received, the Office of Admissions will forward the candidate's file to the counseling program admissions committee.

Courses and Curriculum

Specialist in Counseling Education (courses required, elective list)

Master of Arts - Counseling Core (42 credit hours)
CP 610 Counseling Orientation and Ethics (3)
CP 611 Developmental Theories (3)
CP 612 Counseling Theories (3)
CP 613 Social & Cultural Aspects of Counseling (3)
CP 614 Counseling Skills (3)
CP 615 Career Development (3)
CP 616 Group Counseling (3)
CP 617 Assessment in Counseling (3)
CP 631 Crisis Intervention and Consultation (3)
GR 691 Methods of Research (3)
CP 643 Psychodiagnostics and Treatment (3)
CP 680 Counseling Practicum (3)
CP 68X Internship (6)

Education Specialist - Core (12-15 credit hours)
PY 571 Introduction to Behavioral Statistics (3)
CP 733 Advanced Educational Processes (3)
CP 771 Counselor Supervision (3)
CP 788 Advanced Internship (3-6)
GR 799 Specialist Oral Examination (0)

Electives (to Complete 72 Credit Hours)

CP 630 Foundations of School Counseling (3)
CP 640 Mental Health Counseling (3)
CP 645 Marriage & Family Counseling (3)
CP 735 Intelligence Testing (3)
CP 739 Testing Practicum (3)
EA 625 Foundations of Educational Leadership
EA 651 Education and the Law
ED 615 Tests and Measurements (3)
EX 601 Educational Assessment Techniques (3)
EX 635 Psychology & Educ. Students with Special Needs (3)
SE 635 Theories of Learning and Instructional Strategies (3)

All students must have a minimum, including the Masters, of 72 credit hours to graduate from the Educational Specialist program.

Accreditations

Individuals that complete the Education Specialist program can be prepared to be certified as a school counselor, psychological examiner or Licensed Professional Counselor. Students should work closely with their advisor to satisfy state and national requirements.

Advising Procedures/Information

Students are assigned an advisor upon admissions, who will work with them to provide a focus to their individual programs.

Capstone Requirements

All Education Specialist graduates will have successfully completed a Oral Comprehensive exam with the Counseling faculty.

Real-World Experience

All Education Specialist students are required to complete an advanced internship in their chosen area.

Student Organizations

Professional Certifications & Organizations

The Education Specialist Program is designed to fulfill the various requirements of State and national certifications such as the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Missouri State Committee for Professional Counselors and the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Facilities

The Counseling Program has a functional counseling lab that is conducive to clinical training.

Research Opportunities

Students have many opportunities to work with faculty to conduct research. Faculty have a history of publishing and presenting research with students.

Contact Us

Dr. Travis Smith, Coordinator of Education Specialist Program

Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling
Southeast Missouri State University
One University Plaza, MS 5550
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Phone: (573) 651-2430
Fax: (573) 986-6812
E-mail: tsmith1@semo.edu