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This master's program provides a balance of academic and theorectical learning with application through classroom and practical instruction from core faculty and current professionals in the school counseling and college student affairs fields. The M.Ed. degree can be earned in two years as a full-time student or three years through the part-time program. Students may begin the graduate program in the fall, spring or summer semester. Coursework generally involves 9 to 12 credits per term, depending on a student's sequence.

The program offers three specialty tracks:

• Elementary School Counseling — prepares students to apply for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education as an elementary school counselor




• Secondary School Counseling — prepares students to apply for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education as an elementary school counselor or secondary school counselor




• Student Affairs — prepares students to work in higher education in various student support capacities, such as admissions, registrar's office, residence life, academic advisement, Greek life and career development

Upon program completion, students from the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling tracks will have completed the coursework and a portion of the clinical hours required to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Students in the College Student Affairs track are advised to contact Dr. Richard Kovalesky for more information.

Admission

Applicants must satisfy the general admission requirements
for the School of Graduate Studies. In addition, they must:

• complete a graduate school application.
• submit an official transcript (minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA).
• submit GRE scores (minimum 950 combined math and verbal required).
• submit a statement of goals and objectives.
• submit a current resume.
• submit three letters of recommendation addressing the student's academic suitability and professional demeanor.
• schedule an interview with the program coordinator to clarify program requirements, discuss goals, evaluate academic records and outline a long-range program.

Special Information for Elementary or Secondary Tracks: Before registering for more than 12 credits students are required to:

• obtain current ACT 34 (Request for Criminal Record Check), F.B.I Criminal Check, and ACT 151 (Child Abuse History Check) clearances.

  Clearances are valid for one year from date issued on the form.

• submit the results from a current Tuberculosis Screening administered within the last two years.
• possess professional liability insurance. The policy shall be a minimum of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate.

  This is a state (PA) requirement that can be satisfied through membership in PSEA.

The application process is competitive, and applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA and GRE scores of 950 (combined) or above or passing PRAXIS I tests are more likely to be accepted into the program. Individuals will not be admitted to the program without a complete application file including all of the items listed above.

All applicants, regardless of previous experience, must take the GRE, MAT, or PRAXIS I tests. Applicants can also apply for graduate assistantships.

Part-time Program

Part-time students typically take six credits per semester (as opposed to 12 credits) during their first and second years of study. Students will still be required to complete 20 -25 hours per week of internship experience in their third year of study.

Courses are presently offered in the afternoon and evening hours during the fall, spring and summer semesters.