Counseling and Development

Program Description

Welcome to the George Mason University Counseling and Development Program. The Counseling and Development Program offers a Doctoral Program, Master's Degree Programs in Community Agency Counseling, and School Counseling as well as Post-Master's Licensure Programs for aspiring Licensed Professional Counselors and School Counselors. The Counseling and Development Program is housed within the Graduate School of Education and has faculty from leadership positions in communities and schools.


Mission Statement

The Counseling and Development Program is committed to preparing counselors who promote the social, psychological, physical, and spiritual health of individuals, families, communities, and organizations in order to contribute to the advancement of global well being. The program strives for national and international excellence in implementing a counseling perspective which provides a foundation in basic counseling skills and focuses on social justice, multiculturalism, international, advocacy and leadership. It is our belief that a global perspective on development across the life span, and an understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice are integral to the preparation of professional counselors, requiring that professional counselors are prepared to assume leadership roles, be proactive change agents and become advocates for social, economic and political justice. The program is committed to accomplish this mission by working through interdisciplinary teams as well as promote the interconnectedness of teaching, research, service and professional practice. Through this mission faculty will facilitate a continued tradition of international, national and regional leadership through the development of collaborative partnerships and projects, research, publications, presentations, consultation, and training.

News and Announcements

Dr. Bemak's Vision Series Presentation of "Generation in Jeopardy: Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Future."

Faculty Experts Discuss Obesity Research

An online game might be the secret weapon for winning the war against childhood obesity. Researchers at Mason have designed and tested a nutrition education program called “Color My Pyramid” to teach students how to evaluate their dietary intake and activity level.

Caught in Burmese Cyclone, Professors Counsel Those Helping with Relief Efforts

When Fred Bemak and Rita Chi-Ying Chung arrived in Yangon, Burma, on May 1, they had no idea that Cyclone Nargis had shifted in the Bay of Bengal and was now headed directly for the impoverished country.

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