Training and Education
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling in Higher Education
At A Glance | Message from the Program Coordinator | Overview | Admission | Mentoring/Advising | General Requirements | Program Requirements | Sequence of Courses | Application Procedures | Financial Assistance | Program Faculty | For More Information
Overview
The Master of Arts degree program in Counseling in Higher Education is jointly administered by the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy and the Center for Counseling and Student Development. The degree program is offered through the Department of Individual and Family Studies. Concentrations in College Counseling or Student Affairs Practice are available for qualified candidates who wish to prepare for counseling or student personnel work in higher education. The Master of Arts degree is awarded to students who successfully complete the required courses and pass a comprehensive examination. A course of study is planned for each student with the aim of providing a terminal degree program which may also function as a foundation for doctoral study at another university in higher education, student personnel administration, counseling psychology or counselor education.
Regardless of a student's choice to concentrate in either College Counseling or Student Affairs Practice, the academic program provides a rich array of experiential learning and personal growth opportunities through required practicums and internships. Additionally, many students gain valuable experience through assistantships on campus which provide opportunities for students to extend their learning and practice what has been learned through the academic program.
Concentration in College Counseling
The purpose of this program is to provide training and practice in short-term educational, vocational, and personal counseling of adolescents and young adults. Emphasis is placed on theory and practice of counseling. The program is not designed to meet certification requirements for public school elementary and secondary guidance workers.
Graduates are trained to counsel normal adolescents and young adults who (1) are having some temporary difficulty in adjusting to the college learning situation, (2) need help in exploring which educational direction or career is most consistent with their abilities, interests, values and aspirations, or (3) need help dealing with personal, emotional, and developmental problems. They are also expected to be competent to administer and interpret psychological tests and inventories used in counseling. Although graduates of this program are not trained to
counsel individuals with severe emotional problems, they are trained to recognize problems requiring long-term counseling and to make appropriate referrals.
Graduates typically find employment in counseling centers, academic advisement and/or support units, career service offices, admissions, or in other counseling-related settings.
Concentration in Student Affairs Practice
The purpose of this concentration is to prepare candidates for administrative positions. Skills in counseling and human relations are considered to be an important basis for student affairs work. Emphasis is also placed upon principles of management, especially as related to the field of higher education. Students participate in learning experiences which focus on gaining an understanding of college students, various student subcultures, and the nature of higher education institutions in the United States.
Graduates are trained to work with individual students and as advisors to groups in the planning and implementation of activities and programs for students. They are expected to be competent to accept responsibilities for administrative and managerial duties in student affairs programs.
Graduates typically find employment in higher education settings such as student activities, residence life, admissions, financial aid, or other student affairs areas.
Center for Counseling & Student Development
261 Perkins Student Center, Newark, DE 19716
Phone: 302-831-2141
Fax: 302-831-2148 |
