Program Description: Western's program in counseling provides students with academic and field-based experience leading to a Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling.

The program is a minimum two years in length consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours.

The program prepares individuals for employment as counselors in elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools and leads to a recommendation for licensure by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Graduates from the program may begin the application process for professional counselor licensure in North Carolina.

This program is nationally CACREP-accredited.

Required Standardized Test: GRE General Exam

Minimum Admissions Requirements: For applicants who took the GRE within the last ten years and prior to October 1, 2002, a score of 900 or higher on the analytical plus either the verbal or quantitative. For applicants who took the GRE on or after October 1, 2002, a score of 4 or higher on the analytical (writing) and 450 or higher on either the verbal or quantitative.”

Additional Admissions Criteria: A goal statement and education/work resume is required as well as three letters of recommendation. Applicants will be screened and qualified individuals will be invited for an interview. The interview is a major criterion in the selection process.

Application Deadline: February 1

Prerequisites: Up to nine hours of coursework may be required to supplement undergraduate education.

Number of Graduate Faculty: 6

Number of Students: 40

Location of Course Offerings: Classes are taught primarily in the evening, at both Asheville and Cullowhee locations.

Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Lisen Roberts
Department of Human Services
828-227-2291
lroberts@email.wcu.edu  

Departmental Website: School Counseling - M.A.Ed.