Counselor Education, Student Affairs Emphasis, MEd

Program Description

The Counselor Education program prepares students in one of the following specialty areas: clinical mental health counseling (CACREP- accredited), school counseling (CACREP- accredited), or student affairs. Graduate education in the Counselor Education program helps students realize their potential as practicing counselors and/or administrators; engage in professional relationships; and develop a set of meaningful professional values. To this end, the program reflects current knowledge from lay and professional groups concerning current and projected counseling and human development needs of a pluralistic society. Cultural considerations are emphasized so the experiences provided will be rewarding and useful in today’s ever-changing society.

Clemson University recognizes laboratory settings and field-based experiences as providing the student with a realistic perspective on the field; an integrating experience for knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom; a situation that maximizes self-awareness, self-direction and self-evaluation; and feedback on his/her progress and development.

Clemson University acknowledges the importance of close supervision in practica or internship placements as a means of maximizing student training and preventing inadvertent harm to clients. Practica and internships are designed so the focus and intensity of supervision will change as students acquire competent beginning, intermediate and advanced skills. The University and site supervisors provide each supervisee with periodic performance and evaluation feedback throughout the supervised experience.

Additional information is available at http://www.clemson.edu/education/academics/masters-specialist-programs/masters-education-specialist-clinical-mental-health-counseling/index.html.

Student Affairs Emphasis

Students with an emphasis in Student Affairs will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with faculty, students, administrators and other members of the academic community; preparation for employment in higher education settings in a variety of roles; the ability to act as consultants throughout the higher education setting; understanding and skills related to counseling and developmental needs at the postsecondary level; a high degree of self-understanding; the ability to communicate effectively with all cultural groups; a high degree of sensitivity and acceptance of diversity in thought and action; an awareness of the responsibilities of student affairs practitioners to the developmental needs and maintenance of quality experiences for students, faculty members, administrators and staff; and ethical practice. Additional information is available at http://www.clemson.edu/education/academics/masters-specialist-programs/masters-education-student-affairs/index.html.