M.Ed. Counseling and Development, Concentration: Community Agency Counseling - 52 credits

The Community Agency Counseling specialization prepares students for positions as mental health counselors in community, state, federal, and private counseling agencies; employee assistance programs; and private practice. Graduates provide services such as individual, couple, family, group, career, psycho-educational, health, multicultural, and substance abuse counseling for a variety of ages and populations.

Upon completing the M.Ed in Counseling with a specialization in Community Agency Counseling, graduates have completed most or all of the specific courses required by the state of Virginia for licensing as a professional counselor (LPC). Additional course work, post-masters supervised experience. and a passing score on the Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor Examination (LPCE) are needed to complete licensure requirements. The LPCE is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Degree must be completed within six years of enrollment.

Students admitted in fall 2002 or later must complete the program below for a total of 52 credits. Students admitted in earlier should follow M.Ed. Counseling and Development - Spring 2002 degree requirements. Degree must be completed within six years of enrollment. Meets Virginia licensure requirements.

Core Courses - 28 credits

EDCD 525: Advanced Human Growth and Development (3 credit hours)
EDCD 601: Introduction to Research in Counseling (3 credit hours)
EDCD 602: Foundations in Counseling (3 credit hours)
EDCD 603: Counseling Theories and Practice (3 credit hours)
EDCD 604: Assessment and Appraisal in Counseling (3 credit hours)
EDCD 608: Group Processes and Analyses (4 credit hours)
EDCD 610: Career and Educational Counseling (3 credit hours)
EDCD 628: Counseling and Social Justice (3 credit hours)
EDCD 660: Multicultural Counseling (3 credit hours)

Community Agency Concentration Courses - 16 credits

EDCD 609: Advanced Counseling Skills and Strategies (4 credit hours)
EDCD 652: Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling (3 credit hours)
EDCD 654: Counseling, Ethics & Consultation in Community Agencies (3 credit hours)
EDCD 656: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Mental Health Professionals (3 credit hours)
EDCD 658: Couples and Family Counseling (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses - 2 Credits

Practicum and Internship Courses

EDCD 755: Practicum in Counseling (3 credit hours)
EDCD 791: Internship in Counseling (3 credit hours)

Practicum and Internship Applications

Download and save the Community Agency Application Form. Print and complete the form. Make an appointment to meet with your adviser for approval and signature before the due date. Late applications will not be accepted. Do not wait until the last week to call for an appointment! To assist you in selecting a placement site, Community Agency Counseling Practicum and Internship please refer to the Site Selection Process Procedures Handbook (doc) (pdf). This booklet is carefully reviewed in EDCD 654. Check with your adviser for additional questions.

Practicum and Internship Application Deadlines

Spring - On or before the last business day of November 1st
Fall - On or before the last business day of March 15th
Summer - Not available

Community Agency Practicum and Internship Course Documents

Contract and Addendum

Log of Hours

Taping Forms

Mid-Semester Evaluation by Supervisor

Final Evaluation by Supervisor

Final Evaluation by Student

Graduation Exit Interview