Master's Degree in Counseling & Counselor Education
Ranked the 6th best program in the student counseling & personal services category by U.S. News and World Report in 2009.
The master's degree in Counseling and Counselor Education at Indiana University is a 48-credit-hour program requiring a minimum of two years of study. Preparation for this degree occurs through a combination of coursework in basic theory, laboratory experiences, practica, and a two-semester internship in a relevant setting. Students may specialize in either the School Counseling or the Community Counseling track. Both the school counseling and the community counseling tracks are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Credentials for admission include undergraduate and graduate grade point averages, scores on the Graduate Record Examination, three letters of recommendation, and the applicant's goal statement.
If you have questions about the program or the admission process not answered on this web site, please send us an e-mail at cep@indiana.edu or phone 812-856-8300.
Master's Program and Field Placement Handbook
Philosophy
Professional counselors assist individuals to enhance human development throughout the life span. Professional counselors respect the dignity of all persons and are sensitive to the needs of diverse groups in our pluralistic society. Professional counselors assist people to deal with emotional/behavioral problems and the challenges of everyday life. Goals are developmental, educative, preventive, and remedial. The basic value commitment of the program is to the optimum development of the individual with an emphasis on helping students/clients learn more effectively and efficiently.
Mission
The Counseling and Counselor Education (C/CE) Program offers a 48 semester credit hour MS degree with tracks in school counseling (Bloomington and Indianapolis) and community counseling (Bloomington) as well as a 65 semester credit hour Ed.S. degree in mental health counseling (Bloomington). The purpose of the C/CE program is to prepare professional counselors, who will be able to assist people in growing mentally, emotionally, socially, educationally, and professionally. Professional counselors work in educational, health care, residential, private practice, community agency, government, corrections, and business and industry settings.
The mission of the C/CE Program is to prepare highly competent, professional counselors for Indiana, the nation, and beyond, who are able to work effectively with diverse client populations in school, community, mental health and related settings. We:
- are committed to the training of students who represent diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, and disability status;
- promote a strong sense of professional identity in students;
- prepare professional counselors who understand counseling and related theories and can translate such theories into effective practice with diverse client populations;
- prepare reflective, ethical, and highly skilled practitioners who are knowledgeable and skilled in the most current and effective methods of counseling, consultation, collaboration, leadership, and advocacy;
- prepare professional counselors who are committed to helping others fulfill their human potential;
- aid students to earn appropriate licensure and/or certification in their chosen area;
- emphasize a commitment to the value of research and best practices in the counseling field; and
- work in partnership with a range of constituents to effect thoughtful change at local, national and international levels.
Required course work:
- Major (39 hrs.):
- G502 Professional Orientation & Ethics (3 hrs)
- G505 Individual Appraisal: Principles and Procedures (3 hrs)
- G522 Counseling Techniques (3 hrs)
(must be taken concurrently with G523)
- G523 Laboratory in Counseling (3 hrs)
(must be taken concurrently with G522)
- G524 Practicum in Counseling (3 hrs)
- G532 Introduction to Group Counseling (3 hrs)
- G550 Internship in Counseling - a total of six credit hours required (two semesters, each for three credit hours)
- G552 Career Counseling: Theory/Practice (3 hrs)
- G575 Multicultural Counseling (3 hrs)
- G598 Seminar on Professional Issues (3 hrs)
- For School Track Only:
- G562 Intervention, Consultation, and Program Development (3 hrs)
- G542 Organization and Development of Counseling Programs (3hrs)
- For Community Track Only:
- G645 Psychoeducational Consultation (3 hrs)
- G563 Foundations of Mental Health Counseling (3hrs)
- Research (3 cr.):
- Y520 Strategies for Educational Inquiry (3 hrs)
- P514 Life Span Development: Birth to Death (3 hrs)
- Elective (3 hrs)
- A course outside of the counseling major is required. This course should broaden understanding in psychological foundations.
- Specific course selection must have the approval of the student's adviser.
- Programs that offer relevant course work include educational psychology, special education, college student personnel, instructional systems technology, curriculum and instruction, sociology, criminal justice, psychology, health and physical education, and anthropology.
Summary of Credits
- Major (39 hrs.)
- Required 33 hrs.
- School or Agency 6 hrs.
- Research 3 hrs.
- Human Growth and Development 3 hrs.
- Elective 3 hrs.
- Total Hours Requirement - 48 hrs.
The MS program offers courses in a planned sequence. This list is subject to change depending on faculty availablility, enrollment numbers and program needs. Please contact your faculty advisor for more information.
Mental Health Counselor Licensure
Students seeking licensure in the state of Indiana as a professional health counselor should apply for admission to the Ed.S. program in counseling. Master's coursework may be applied to the Ed.S.
Related Links:
For students interested in counseling doctoral programs:
An attempt is made to keep information current and accurate. However, please verify details with the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at cep@indiana.edu.