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 practicum or internship placements as a means of maximizing student training and preventing inadvertent harm to clients. The practicum and internships are designed so the focus and intensity of supervision changes 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.
Students with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling demonstrate an ability to work effectively with community and other agency personnel; an ability to meet qualifications for certification or licensure; understanding and skills related to counseling needs in the environment in which they choose to work; a high degree of self-understanding; an ability to communicate effectively with diverse cultural groups; a knowledge about counseling across the lifespan; human evaluation and research skills; a high degree of sensitivity and acceptance of others’ behavior; an awareness of responsibilities specific to a variety of community agencies; and ethical practices. Additional information is available at https://www.clemson.edu/education/academics/masters-specialist-programs/masters-education-counselor-education/index.html.
Summary of Degree Requirements
This is a 60-hour program of study. Students must follow the course sequence provided by the program coordinator upon acceptance into the program. The program must be completed in six years. Upon completion of the 60-credit program, students receive the MEd and EdS degrees.
In addition to the coursework and field experience requirements, during their final year in the program students must successfully complete a written final examination.
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