Requirements in both programs include thirty-nine hours in specified core coursework; a three-semester-credit 150 hour practicum followed by a three-semester-credit 600 hour full-time internship, as well as specific course requirements in each program area. Coursework for incoming students begins in the summer or fall.
- Counseling core curriculum
- Community counseling requirements
- School counseling requirements
- Classes & Scheduling
- Summer School
- Transfer of Credit
- Practicum Experience
- Internship Experience
- Full-time Students
- Part-time Students
The counseling core curriculum follows:
COUN 602, Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling
COUN 605, The Helping Relationship
COUN 610, Family Counseling
COUN 615, Multicultural Counseling
COUN 617, Substance Abuse Counseling
COUN 625, Developmental Perspectives in Counseling
COUN 630/631, Theories and Techniques of Counseling
COUN 633, Crisis Counseling
COUN 635, Group Methods in Counseling
COUN 640, Measurement and Appraisal in Counseling
COUN 650, Career Development
COUN 667, The DSM and Effective Treatment in Counseling
COUN 670, Research in Counseling
The Community Counseling Program also requires:
COUN 623, Introduction to Community Counseling
COUN 624, Grant Writing and Program Management
Three guided counseling electives
COUN 686, Practicum in Counseling, a 150 hour field placement in a community counseling setting
COUN 687, Internship in Counseling, a 600 hour field placement in a community counseling setting
COUN 665, Implementing School Counseling Programs
COUN 620, Counseling Children and Adolescents
A guided graduate education elective
A guided counseling elective
COUN 686, Practicum in Counseling, a 150 hour field placement in a school
COUN 687, Internship, a 600 hour field placement in a school
The PRAXIS exam is also required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for state licensure as a school counselor. Classes & Scheduling
The majority of counseling classes during the academic year are taught in three-hour blocks in the evening from 5-8 p.m. on either the WCU campus, Cullowhee, or at the WCU Graduate Center, Karpen Hall on the UNC-Asheville campus. Day classes are available as space allows. All students are required to commute to both the WCU and UNCA campuses for classes. All full-time faculty teach in both locations. Summer School
Summer school classes will be required for all students to complete the program; these classes will also be taught either on the WCU campus, Cullowhee, or through the WCU Graduate Center, UNC-A. Transfer of Credit
A limit of six hours of graduate credit can be transferred into the program with the approval of the student’s advisor. Previous coursework taken to complete an earlier master’s degree cannot be transferred.
Practicum Experience
Practicum experience requires a minimum of 8-10 hours weekly at a community or school site for one semester. Practicum placements are made for fall and spring semesters only. Practicum includes one hour of individual supervision per week on campus and three hours of group supervision which meets every other week on campus. Practicum is a 3-hour course. Students apply for practicum the semester prior to enrollment. Approval for admission into practicum and the practicum placement itself are made by the faculty. Practicum placement contacts are initiated by the field placement coordinator. Professional liability insurance is required for all students enrolled in practicum.
Internship Experience
Your Internship experience will require 40 hours weekly (full-time placement) at a community or school site for one semester. Internship placements are made for fall and spring semesters only. An hour of weekly individual supervision is provided by the site. Group supervision is conducted weekly on campus for three hours at night. Internship is a 3-hour course. Students apply for internship the semester prior to enrollment. Approval for admission into internship and the internship placement itself are made by the faculty. Internship placement contacts are initiated by the field placement coordinator. Typically, internship is an unpaid experience. Professional liability insurance is required for all students enrolled in internship.
Full-time Students
Full-time students in both programs complete the required 60 hours in two academic years including two summers. Students who plan to complete the program in two academic years will need to be enrolled in 12 hours per semester.
Part-time Students
Part-time students (those enrolled in 3 or 6 hours per semester) typically complete the program in 3 ½ to 4 years. Part-time students are required to enroll in summer school classes and are strongly encouraged to enroll in 6 hours per academic semester.
For more information about our course offerings, see the WCU Graduate Catalog.