Student Affairs Emphasis
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 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 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 Student Affairs prepares students to work in a variety of higher education roles. Through the program students develop the ability to: collaborate with faculty, students, administrators and other members of the academic community; effectively advocate for students; counsel and support students related to developmental needs at the postsecondary level; communicate effectively with diverse student, faculty, and staff populations; understand issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in and beyond higher education; develop and maintain quality experiences for students, faculty members, administrators and staff; and engage in reflective and ethical practice. Additional information is available at http://www.clemson.edu/education/academics/masters-specialist-programs/masters-education-student-affairs/index.html.
Summary of Degree Requirements
The Student Affairs MEd requires the completion of 42 credit hours of coursework. Additionally, students must have a graduate assistantship or be employed full-time in higher education to be a part of the program.
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