The non-certification program in School Counseling is designed for those who want to work with children and youth in positions that do not require state licensure/certification, or who may want to enter a school counselor licensure/certification program at a later date, or who may want to gain a strong general foundation in areas such as counseling theory, child development, and education best practices in preparation for a variety of other occupations and career paths.
Admission
Please refer to “The Graduate Admissions Process” section for general graduate admission information.
Admission to the non-certification program in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling degree program requires the following:
- Complete and submit the Graduate Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. The application can be downloaded here.
- Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent to Wilmington University Office of Graduate Admissions.
- Schedule a program planning conference with the Program Chair.
After all the above requirements have been completed, register for MED 6102 (EFolio) along with other course(s) selected.
Program Purpose
The non-certification program in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling program prepares candidates to address the academic, social/emotional and career developmental needs of children and youth. This graduate program is aligned with the philosophy and vision of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors.
Outcomes Assessment
The assessment of outcomes involves multiple measures throughout the program. Grades on assignments and for courses are the first level of assessment. Course goals, learning outcomes, assignments and assessments are designed to address program competencies as well as graduation competencies. Other measures may include observation of candidate performance in authentic or simulated settings, surveys, standardized tests, and performance assessments.
Counseling Dispositions and Skills
Counseling dispositions are assessed throughout the program to ensure candidates are acquiring the skill sets to be effective in working with children and youth in the school setting. MEC instructors assess candidates at the conclusion of each course based on five specific areas: academic performance, intrapersonal factors, interpersonal relationships, professional behavior and overall evaluation. This evaluative practice allows candidates to be mentored and coached in areas needing work in an effort to promote success in the program. Assessment continues in the clinical portion of the program under the supervision of the clinical faculty mentor. See full description and details of the disposition evaluation process in the MEC Academic Advisement Packet.
Program Competencies
The program competencies are the School Counselor Competencies (American School Counselor Association, 2008) and can be accessed in their entirety through the ASCA website.
Program Design
The non-certification program of the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling curriculum is designed on a three-tiered system focusing on various competencies and skills. Level One courses provide content knowledge which establish the foundation for counseling skill development in Level Two courses. Levels One and Two provide the necessary competencies and skills to move to the clinical experience at Level Three.
Program Requirements
Completion of the degree includes successful completion of the courses within Levels 1 and 2, and a non-certification 200 hour practicum. Twenty one (21) semester credits in counseling theories, human behavior, college and career readiness, school counseling ethics, measurement and accountability, consultation and working with special needs populations are required in Level 1. The minimum passing grade of a C or higher is expected for each Level 1 course; however, a candidate must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to gain access to Level 2 courses.
Twelve (12) semester credits in individual counseling, family counseling and group counseling strategies and techniques are required in Level 2. The minimum passing grade of a B or higher is expected for all Level 2 courses.
Six (6) semester credits of practicum (locations vary depending on career goals and exclude the K-12 school setting) and an elective course is required to fulfill the clinical portion of the program.
The clinical portion includes a formal application submitted via Taskstream for approval by the MEC Clinical Coordinator. The application includes, among other items, a state criminal background check, FBI clearance, child abuse clearance, signed confidentiality agreement, and a signed clinical agreement. Candidates MUST have approval of the MEC Clinical Coordinator to begin their practicum. Only approved candidates may register for a clinical course and ONLY registered practicum candidates may participate in a practicum to complete clinical hours.
Course Requirements
Candidates must complete the eleven academic courses below in appropriate sequence to meet prerequisite requirements and a supervised non-certification 200 hour practicum:
Level 1 Coursework
| MED 6102 | E-Folio | 0 |
| MEC 6400 | Introduction to School Counseling & Theories | 3 |
| MEC 6402 | Human Behavior and Child Development | 3 |
| MEC 6607 | Ethical Issues in School Counseling | 3 |
| MEC 7213 | College & Career Readiness K-12 | 3 |
| MEC 7502 | The Counselor as Consultant | 3 |
| MEC 7503 | Special Education Law and the School Counselor's Role | 3 |
| MEC 7701 | Testing, Measurements, and Research in School Counseling | 3 |
Level 2 Coursework
Level 3 Clinical Experience
| MEC 7600 | Non-Certification Supervised Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| AND | |
| MEC 6901 | Classification of Psychopathology | 3 |
| OR | |
| MEC 6600 | Introduction to Drug/Alcohol Counseling | 3 |
| OR | |
| MEC 6608 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| OR | |
| MEC 7806 | Research Methods, Statistics, and Accountability in School Counseling | 3 |
| OR | |
| an MEC seminar to be approved by the Program Chair | |
To qualify for the non-certification program in school counseling, a candidate must successfully complete all 39 credit hours, a 200 hour non-certification practicum and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. The program must be completed within five years.