Counselor Education M.Ed. with tracks in School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total Credit Hours: 60 
Degree Format: Hybrid

The application deadline for counselor education has been extended to April 15th due to the impacts of COVID-19. Please link here for more information!

ABOUT THIS FIELD

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Counselor Education requires a total of 60 semester. Students will begin in the summer semester (only) after being admitted to the program. The M.Ed. in Counselor Education allows students to focus on one of two tracks: School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The School Counseling track of the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). The newly developed Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is CACREP-like and adheres to CACREP accreditation standards. Information about each of the tracks can be found by clicking the links to the right. Information on the Clinical Mental Health track of the Counselor Education program can also be obtained by contacting Dr. Katharine Adams at ksadams@valdosta.edu. Information on the School Counseling track may be obtained by contacting Dr. Teddi Cunningham at tjcunnin@valdosta.edu.

THE VALDOSTA STATE DIFFERENCE

The VSU Counselor Education Programs are based on a small-cohort model with classes made up of 10 to 12 students who learn and excel together while providing support to one another along the way.

Students' Reflections: VSU Counselor Education Programs

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Students in both the School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health tracks of the Counselor Education program will learn foundational skills pertaining to each area. Those following the School Counseling track will learn to be school leaders who provide academic, social/emotional, and career knowledge and skills for students in P-16 educational settings. Students following the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track will develop effective counseling skills and gain broad-based expertise in order to work with different populations in a variety of settings. 

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Valdosta State University Counselor Education Program is to educate professionals who will be leaders in the school and clinical mental health environments and who accept responsibility for removing barriers and offering equal access to services for all students and clients. The main emphasis of the Counselor Education Program is to train school counselors and clinical mental health counselors who function as leaders in a global society. Trained counselors utilize data, advocacy, collaboration and consultation to provide counseling and services to assist students and clients from diverse backgrounds in achieving high levels of academic success, personal success, and well-being.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Counselor Education M.Ed. with tracks in School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Admissions Requirements

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Online Graduate Application
  • Application Fee (credit or debit and echecks accepted)
  • Apply Online

One Official Transcript from each previously enrolled institution

(undergraduate and graduate)

  • Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the graduate school
  • Must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in any major.
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. GPA will be calculated on all attempted undergraduate coursework in which a letter grade was awarded.
Program Admission Assessment
  • Passing scores on the GACE Program Admission Assessment or GACE Basic Skills Assessment or a qualifying exemption (Recent updates from the Professional Standards Commission recognize a composite score of 750 on the GACE PAA as a passing score. Please contact Dr. Cunningham tjcunnin@valdosta.edu for more details).
  • OR 
  • Qualifying exemptions on the ACT, GRE, and SAT, or a valid level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate or Life certification
Goal Statement
  • A written statement (250-500 words) describing your plans to pursue a degree in Counselor Education for your chosen track (School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health). Please see the linked prompt for more guidance.
Case Studies
  • Candidates will respond to two case studies using the instructions provided in the above link and address the questions at the end of each case study.

Three Recommendations

(General Recommendations Form Required)

  • Recommendations from professionals familiar with your professional and/or academic background.
  • The Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy Department prefers recommendations come from current or former professors who have had you in class. 

VSU Medical Form

  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, Not prior to admission. 

Verification of Lawful Presence 

  • Effective Fall 2011 for applicants who believe they qualify for in-state-tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in state tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), not prior to admission  
  • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
  • Complete list of accepted documents and information on residency.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

Important Program Information 

  • Certification in School Counseling by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requires the completion of a special education course.
  • This program only admits for the Fall term.
  • Candidates considered for admission by the Departmental Committee may be required to engage in an interview before final decisions are rendered.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program however, additional documentation may be required. Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

  • Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Applicants whose first language is not English (base on country or citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam or IELTS exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirements.
  • Certificate of Finances: The Certification of Finances is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document. Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts: Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework. This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc. The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

EXIT REQUIREMENTS

  • Satisfactory completion of required coursework
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Passing comprehensive examinations
  • Completion of Dispositions Survey (Entry and Exit)
  • Completing competency requirements as required

ADMISSION CLASSIFICATIONS

  • Regular Status
  • Probationary Status
  • Irregular admission is not available for this program.
  • Non-degree admission is available only for applicants who hold a Master’s degree and departmental permission.

INTERNSHIPS

  • Students complete a 100 hour practicum
  • Students complete two 300 hour internships

CAREERS

  • Career Counselor
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • School Counselor
Department of Human Services
  • Department of Human Services
    Converse Hall, 2nd Floor
    1500 N. Patterson St.
    Valdosta, GA 31698 
  • Mailing Address
    1500 N. Patterson St.
    Valdosta, GA 31698
  • Phone: 229.219.3550