Counseling and Development
Counseling and Development, MEd
Concentration in Community Agency Counseling (CA)
This 52-credit Community Agency Counseling concentration 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 MEd in Counseling with a concentration 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-master's 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.
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 (18 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, and 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)
- EDCD 797: Advanced Topics in Education (1-6 credit hours) (Must register for 2 credits)
Practicum and Internship Courses (6 credits)
- 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. If you are applying for Practicum you must make an appointment with your advisor for a signature and approval. If you are applying for Internship you do not need to meet with your advisor for a signature or approval. Late applications are not accepted so if you are applying for Practicum and need to meet with your advisor, do not wait until the last minute. Contact your advisor early in the process so that you are able to meet the deadlines. To assist you in selecting a placement site for the Community Agency Practicum and Internship please refer to the Site Selection Process Procedures Handbook. This handbook is reviewed carefully in EDCD654. Check with your advisor if you have additional questions.
Practicum and Internship Application Deadlines
- Spring - November 1st
- Fall - March 15th
- Summer - Not available