Leroy G. Baruth, Chair and Professor
BaruthLG@appstate.edu

Laurie L. Williamson, Program Director and Professor
WmsonLL@appstate.edu

http://www.ced.appstate.edu/departments/hpc/

The Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling is responsible for organizing and providing instructional programs in counseling and other human development functions for public schools, colleges/universities, and various agencies.

The Department offers the Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling (Major Code: 427*/13.1101)[T], with two concentrations:           
                        Elementary/Middle School Licensure (427B)[T]           
                        Secondary School Licensure (427C)[T]

In addition, the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling offers the Master of Arts in College Student Development, the Master of Arts in Community Counseling, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Graduate Certificates in Addiction Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy. These programs are detailed under separate headings in this bulletin. A student proposing to major in any of the degree programs or to seek licensure through the Department must be fully admitted as degree seeking.

The department also provides group methods, human relations, and other human development courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels for the Reich College of Education and the University. These courses are valuable for majors in other departments. A course in life and career planning and courses in leadership development are offered for undergraduate students. The department offers a variety of summer institutes to enhance the learning of both graduate students and practitioners seeking continuing education opportunities in human service fields.

All courses are taught from a multicultural perspective, which emphasizes the differing experiences, cultures, histories, and perspectives of people from a variety of ethnic, gender, racial, and social class backgrounds.

The Professional School Counseling program (K-12) (427*/13.1101)[T] is designed to meet North Carolina licensure requirements and to prepare counselors for elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Concentrations are available in Elementary/Middle School Licensure (427B)[T] and Secondary School Licensure (427C)[T].

Students majoring in Professional School Counseling leading to North Carolina licensure as a school counselor will take the courses listed in this section. Although North Carolina licensure is for K-12, each student should choose and follow either the Elementary/Middle School Licensure concentration (427B)[T] or the Secondary School Licensure concentration (427C)[T] in choosing electives. Other elective courses will be chosen in cooperation with the departmental advisor. Each student must see her/his advisor prior to registering.

Accreditation: The master’s degree program in Professional School Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body. Graduates are immediately eligible to take the examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., to become National Certified Counselors. The Professional School Counseling program is also accredited/approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Master Of Arts Program Requirements/Options: The basic requirements for the program are listed below. In addition to the curriculum listed under each program, the following items apply:

• A first master's degree in Professional School Counseling requires completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours of approved courses.
• A second master’s degree requires meeting all program course requirements with a minimum of 36 semester hours.
• Students in CACREP approved programs in the department must meet for a minimum of 10 clock hours in a planned group activity intended to provide direct experiences as a participant in a small group. This requirement is met during HPC 5790 and/or HPC 6720.
• On an individual basis, students may be required to receive professional counseling to aid them in their personal growth.
• The Handbook of Policies and Procedures available in the HPC office provides information on liability insurance, academic appeals, retention policy, personal endorsement policy, admissions policies, and placement services.
• Permission forms to take practica and internships are available in the HPC office and must be completed prior to registration.
• Applicants for Professional School Counseling are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have an interview.

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING (Major Code: 427*/13.1101 [T])

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Cratis Williams Graduate School (http://www.graduate.appstate.edu), including resume, three letters of recommendation, official GRE general exam scores, and official transcripts from all colleges attended; a completed department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling questionnaire; and interview.

Basic Criteria for Unconditional Admission: GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and official GRE scores from ETS. OR
Cumulative GPA or last 60 hours GPA below 3.0 but above 2.70, and official GRE Verbal plus Quantitative (or Analytical if available) score of 800. The GRE Writing test will be considered, but no minimum score has been established.

Location: On Campus

Other Requirements for the MA in Professional School Counseling:

Thesis: Optional
Proficiency: None required
Comprehensive: Required - Students should take the required courses (excluding the Internship) prior to taking the comprehensive exam.
Product of Learning: None required

NOTES:
Completion of the above program leads to eligibility for licensure in North Carolina on the condition that minimum PRAXIS test requirements are met.

Endorsement for professional school counseling licensure from Appalachian requires that applicants complete a master’s degree program in professional school counseling. Applicants with a master’s degree in fields other than professional school counseling must complete a second master’s degree after following the regular admissions process through the Graduate School. Graduates from another HPC Master’s degree program will be considered on an individual basis.

Internship: The internship (HPC 6900) is designed to be a full-time experience engaging in all of the activities of a counselor in a public school. These placements are arranged through consultation with the student’s advisor. Part-time students already employed as school counselors may, with permission, complete their internship within the context of their job setting.

Students will need to receive clearance on a criminal background check and have a TB test prior to bringing practicum and internship placements.

National Accreditation: This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and, thus, graduates or students nearing graduation are eligible to take the NCC examination to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

In both required courses and electives, students are required to become familiar with the special needs and problems of the exceptional child and with methods of assisting youth with special needs.