Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] See drop-down menu above to access other catalogs.

Counseling, School Counseling (PreK-8, 5-12) Concentration, MEd


DepartmentCounselor Education  

School Counselor Licensure

Course requirements leading to initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a school counselor at the pre-kindergarten through 8th grade level (PreK-8) or the 5th through 12th grade level (5-12) are outlined below. Licensure by the university will result in interstate reciprocity with signatory states as specified under the Interstate Certification Compact. To discuss the various licensure program options, please consult with your advisor.

 

Learning Outcomes  

Application Deadlines


Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1

Late applications will not be accepted. Applications will not be reviewed until after the application deadline.

Admission Requirements


  • Online application and $50 application fee
  • Resumé
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
  • GRE General Test scores (Combined Verbal & Quantitative)
    • If undergraduate GPA is 3.00 or higher, then a combined GRE score of 281-290 is needed.
    • If undergraduate GPA is a 2.80-2.99, then a combined GRE score of 291 is needed.
    • If undergraduate GPA is 2.50-2.79, then a combined GRE score of 292 or higher is needed.
    • If candidate holds a master’s degree and GPA is a 3.50 or higher, GRE requirement is waived.
    • If candidate holds a master’s degree and GPA is a 3.00-3.49, a combined GRE score of 297 is needed.
  • Three letters of recommendation from professionals or educators
  • Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Test of the Massachusetts Teacher Educator Licensure (MTEL®) test
  • Personal statement – 500-word personal statement that presents a synthesized, integrated and self-reflective description of career goals as they relate to the chosen field of counseling and how they have led to the specific counseling program at Bridgewater State University

Applicant Screening Process


Candidates who meet the above criteria will be invited to an admissions interview. The Admissions Interview Day is an opportunity for faculty to assess the applicant’s potential for employment as a professional counselor. Admissions Interview Day is held at the end of March and the end of November each year. Students who live, work or attend school more than 200 miles from Bridgewater State University may be granted an alternative online admissions interview.

Grade Requirement


Students must receive a minimum grade of “B-” in each graduate course or fieldwork experience; students who receive a grade lower than a “B-” must repeat the course. In addition, students who receive a grade of “F” in any course will be placed on academic probation by the department. Any student who receives a second grade of “F” will be dismissed from the program. Lastly, students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or will be placed on academic probation as outlined in the graduate student handbook.

Program of Study


Required fieldwork (15 credits)


Students will meet with their advisor to plan their fieldwork experience. Students will need to complete 600 hours of fieldwork in a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of four semesters. Students may work 10‑30 hours per 15 week semester and will register for three credits for each 150 hours of fieldwork they will complete that semester. For example, 10 hours per week/150 total hours = three credits; 20 hours per week/300 total hours = six credits; 30 hours per week/450 total hours = nine credits. Students must attend a clinical seminar each semester they are involved in field experience.

Elective (3 credits)


Complete three credits in counseling (CNGC, CNMH, CNSA, CNSC) courses at the 500-level or above. Students should consult with their academic advisors when choosing an appropriate elective.

Exit requirement: Culminating Experience


As part of the graduation requirement in the department, students are expected to complete a culminating experience which is overseen by members of the Department of Counselor Education faculty. The culminating experience focuses on students’ ability to integrate counseling and development theory into direct practice. Through the culminating experience, students will demonstrate the counseling competencies that align with current CACREP standards (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), as well as standards that align within respective programs of study. Students will be required to take the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) and earn the department set minimum score on the eight core content areas. Students who do not meet the minimum threshold for any of the eight content areas will be required to show mastery in those areas through completing a comprehensive assignment (in the same semester that the CPCE was taken) designed for that core area which will be evaluated by three different departments of counselor education faculty members.

Please see the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures  section of this catalog for additional information regarding comprehensive examinations.

Total minimum credits: 60