Program Description: Western's program in counseling provides students with academic and field experience leading to a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling. The program is a minimum two years in length consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours.

The Community Counseling program prepares individuals for employment as counselors in diverse settings such as mental health / substance abuse centers, juvenile court / public offender systems, community and four-year college counseling / career planning centers, etc.

Graduates from the program may begin the application process for professional counselor licensure in North Carolina.

Classes are taught primarily in the evening; however, some day and weekend classes are also offered.

Required Standardized Test: GRE General Exam

Minimum Admissions Requirements:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
• For applicants who took the GRE within the last ten years and prior to October 1, 2002, a score of 900 or higher using the analytical + verbal or analytical + quantitative.
• For applicants who took the GRE on or after October 1, 2002, a score of 4 or higher on the writing section and at least one score on the verbal or quantitative section that is 450 or higher.

Additional Admissions Criteria: A handwritten goal statement addressing specific questions is required as well as three letters of recommendation. Applicants will be screened and qualified individuals will be invited for an interview. The interview is a major criterion in the selection process.

Application Deadline: February 1

Prerequisites: Up to nine hours of coursework may be required to supplement undergraduate education.

Number of Graduate Faculty: 6

Number of Students: 40  

Location of Course Offerings: Cullowhee and Asheville

Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Dale Brotherton
Department of Human Services
828-227-7310
brotherton@email.wcu.edu  

Departmental Website: Community Counseling - M.S.