Message from the Chair

Greetings,

Thank you for your interest in the academic offerings of the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology. This web site describes the counselor education degree programs, a post-master certificate in professional counselor preparation for licensure, and school certification options provided by the department. A "certification only" option is provided for individuals who already have a completed master's degree in counseling or a closely related area. If after reviewing the information on these web pages, you have any questions about our programs please do not hesitate to contact me at (agadaleto@wcupa.edu). If you have questions or need help regarding the application procedure please contact the Graduate Studies Office at 610-436-2943.

The Counselor Education degree and certification options are as follows:

M.Ed. in Elementary School Counseling - A professional counselor degree program that academically qualifies the student for Pennsylvania Elementary School Counselor Certification.

M.Ed. in Secondary School Counseling - A professional counselor degree program that academically qualifies the student for Pennsylvania Secondary Counselor Certification. (Please Note: Middle School Counselors can hold either M.Ed. Elementary School Counseling or M.Ed. Secondary School Counseling certification).

M.S. in Higher Education Counseling/Student Affairs - A very versatile degree which includes three content area classes and two internship courses that allow students to customize the degree program so they can be competitive for employment in student affairs and/or counselor positions in two-year and four-year colleges. Graduates of the M.S. degree often become employed in college student affairs divisions and in a number of other agency/counseling positions.

M.S. in Higher Education/Post-Secondary Plus School Certification - (either Elementary or Secondary School Certification). If students use their M.S. Program electives toward obtaining school certification it is possible to add the academic qualifications for certification as an Elementary School Counselor with 9-12 additional credits or add the academic qualifications for certification as a Secondary School Counselor with only 6-9 additional credits. Many of our students interested in a school counselor position choose this path because of the increased employment opportunities it provides.

Adding an additional school certification to our M.Ed. School Counseling Degree programs - A second certification can typically be added.

Post-Master Certificate in Professional Counselor Licensure Preparation - The program of study (12 semester hours) has been designed with a commitment to training that will provide the skills and confidence needed for holders of a master’s degree in counseling or a master’s degree in a closely related area to meet the educational and internship requirements for licensure as a professional counselor.

School "Certification Only" - The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires the completion of a master's degree in counseling or a closely related area as part of its requirements to be eligible for an Educational Specialist certification in either elementary or secondary school counseling. A closely related master's degree includes programs of study such as an MSW in Social Work or MA in Clinical Psychology. The "certification only" option provides the opportunity for completion of specialty work in school counseling that is required for certification.

Best of luck with your academic and career pursuits.

Sincerely,

Angelo Gadaleto, Ph.D.