Nov 21, 2024

Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

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

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

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 8^th grade level (PreK-8) or the 5^th through 12^th 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

Admission Requirements

Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
Resumé
Personal statement
Three letters of recommendation from professionals or educators
Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Test of the Massachusetts Teacher Educator Licensure (MTEL^®) test
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- If undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0, applicant shall either submit GRE scores or complete a low GPA remedy. There is one exception to this rule: if candidate holds a Master’s degree, no further action required
  - If undergraduate GPA is 2.80-2.99, a combined GRE of 291 is required
  - If undergraduate GPA is 2.50-2.79, a combined GRE of 292 is required
- Low GPA remedy: If undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 and applicant does not submit GRE scores, if they complete any two (2) of the following courses and earn a minimum grade of “B”, they will be considered for admission:

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 3.0 or will be placed on academic probation as outlined in the graduate student handbook.

Program of Study

General counseling core courses (24 credits)

CNGC 500 - Research and Evaluation
CNGC 514 - Development Across the Lifespan
CNGC 528 - Counseling Theories and Techniques
CNGC 529 - Multicultural Counseling
CNGC 532 - Psychological Assessment
CNGC 538 - Group I: Theory and Process of Group Interaction
and CNGC 520 - Group Experience (non-credit; graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis)
CNGC 539 - Introduction to Career Counseling
CNGC 583 - Crisis and Trauma Counseling

School counseling courses (18 credits)

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.

PreK-8 fieldwork

CNSC 570 - Advanced Applied Counseling - School Counselor: (PreK-8) (100 hours; 3 credits)
CNSC 571 - Practicum: School Counselor (PreK-8) (600 hours; 12 credits)

Grade 5-12 fieldwork

CNSC 580 - Advanced Applied Counseling - School Counselor: (5-12) (100 hours; 3 credits)
CNSC 581 - Practicum: School Counselor (5-12) (600 hours; 12 credits)

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.

Academic Catalog