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 are 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.
The School Counseling Emphasis program is dedicated to preparing school counselors who possess the skills and dispositions to work effectively with diverse populations, to engage in data-driven practices, and to be leaders and advocates in their schools. Students completing Clemson’s program in school counseling are eligible for certification in South Carolina as elementary and/or secondary school counselors. 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 work with their advisor to develop a program of study. 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 and receive a passing score on the PRAXIS II Exam in Professional School Counseling.
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