MA School Counseling

CACREP Accredited
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Program Director: Nadine Isaac-Dennis
Core Faculty Members: Dr. Brad Hinman

Program Overview

The School Counseling curriculum prepares students for counseling in elementary and secondary schools. The program includes the course work and experiences required for endorsement as a school counselor. Students working toward certification as K–12 school counselors should consult with the state licensing board in the state where they plan to work. Some states require teacher certification in order to obtain school counselor endorsement.

Educational Philosophy and Training Model

Students desiring to be school counselors are trained in the knowledge and skill bases of a comprehensive developmental counseling program that can be implemented at all K-12 educational levels. The program adheres to the American School Counselor Association National model for school counseling. Students are trained to differentiate their work by paying attention to age-specific developmental stages of growth, tasks and challenges. Therefore, students are provided with background information and skills to work with school-aged populations in order to develop the educational, social, career and personal strengths of children and adolescents. Students receive training in the areas of children and adolescents, addictive behaviors, career development, family counseling, behavior and emotional problems of children, small group counseling, and guidance and counseling to students as a whole. School counselors are professional counselors who not only assist students but also work with parents, administrators and teachers.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program is to prepare professional counselors who are ethical, creative leaders, lifelong learners, and self-reflective practitioners prepared to work in a multicultural, global community. To prepare professionals who excel as community leaders and advocates, committed to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual development of all persons. To promote wellness and counseling, consultation, and preventive services to individuals, families, groups, and communities in clinical mental health and K-12 settings. These carefully structured training programs prepare students for success, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning in the field of clinical mental health counseling and school counseling.

Campus Location

Andrews University’s campus is located in Berrien Spring, MI, just two hours from Chicago. Founded in 1874, the University offers 130 undergraduate programs and 70 graduate programs.

Clinical Training

Assessment and counseling skills are integrated into a number of courses that students take in preparation for practicum and internship. Students entering the program may begin master’s level practicum once they have completed the required prerequisites. The focus of these training experiences, and clinical supervision, is to underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis, reliable and valid assessment, and empirically-supported interventions. All students complete their master’s practicum at the Andrews Community Counseling Center. Students are also required to complete a one-year internship prior to graduation with placement in an approved K-12 school setting.

Research Training

Students entering the program are encouraged to engage in research beginning their first year. Complementing these research activities students take a course in Research Methodology within their first year of the program. Faculty serve as mentors to help students become adept at conducting scientific research by working closely with them on projects conducted in school systems and in areas relating to the practice of school counseling. The program considers school counseling to be a scientific discipline, and seeks to train life-long learners with a focus on research, practice, multicultural aspects of human behavior, and the science of the mind. Students are encouraged to find projects which they can contribute to and become involved in. The Office of Research and Creative Scholarship provides resources to students interested in developing research projects or contributing to an existing one.

Residency Credit Requirements

Students wishing to transfer in credits from another university are required to complete a minimum of 80% of their credits in residence at Andrews University. Fieldwork experiences are not eligible for transfer. Classes being considered for transfer must meet equivalence guidelines.

Additional information on this program, and master's student requirements, can be found in the following resources.

Accreditation

Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is also accredited by the Seventh-day Adventist Church's accrediting association: The Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities.

The School Counseling program is accredited by CACREP, the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, a specializing accrediting body recognized by COPA, the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation.

Contact

Andrews University Graduate Admissions
269-471-6321
graduate@andrews.edu

Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling
4195 Administration Drive – Bell Hall 167
Berrien Springs, MI 49104
Phone: 269-471-3473
E-mail: gpc@andrews.edu
Web: www.andrews.edu/gpc

Program Coordinator
Dr. Nadine Isaac-Dennis