Counseling and Human Resource Development

The Counseling and Human Resource Development program is designed to assist the student in developing professional skills and competencies expected of qualified counselors in school, agency (community), rehabilitation or higher education settings. These include but are not limited to: intervention and assessment strategies appropriate for master’s-level counselors, individual and group counseling competencies, professional responsibility, and self-knowledge and self-development.

The Master’s of Science specializing in Agency (Community) Counseling, School Counseling and College Student Personnel Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).  Students that graduate from CACREP accredited programs score higher on the national counselor exam, are perceived by others to have better counseling abilities, and it makes state licensing easier.  As a graduate of a CACREP program, students are also eligible to waive the required “two years after graduation supervised field work” in order to obtain the NCC (National Certified Counselor) credential earlier.

The Master’s of Science specializing in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).  This program is designed to prepare graduates to be eligible for licensure in counseling (LPC) and certification through the Commission for Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

The Master’s of Education specialization in Administration of Student Affairs started in fall 2007 and meets the guidelines of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to admittance to the Graduate School, CHRD requires a formal application process.  Applications are due April 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission.  To apply, mail the following documents to the CHRD department:

1. A current resume that includes all previous work experience, volunteer service and education that has contributed to your desire to enter the counseling profession;
2. A typed, one-page goal statement discussing one or more of the following:
   • your aspirations to the counseling field;
   • the significant life event that contributed to the development of these aspirations;
   • the single greatest personal asset that will serve you in realizing your aspirations; and
   • the one personal characteristic or quality that you need to modify, improve, or change in order to realize your aspirations.
3. Two completed CHRD Recommendation Forms (CHRD does not accept the Graduate School Personal Reference forms). Please contact the department for the recommendation form.

The screening and orientation interview is the final step in the CHRD application process and determines the applicant’s acceptance or denial to the CHRD program.  Students whose applications are complete and scored high enough by the CHRD Admissions committee will be notified by the department regarding the specific date and place of the interview.

After completing the interview, the applicant will receive a letter from CHRD either granting or denying admission to the CHRD program.  Applicants who have not been admitted may consider reapplying during the next application period.  To maintain appropriate student-to-faculty ratios required by accreditation standards, students who are deemed acceptable based on admission screening process may be denied admission.  Denied applicants or applicants who have exceeded the ten hours allowed under Special Student status will be administratively dropped from enrolled CHRD courses. 

If granted admission, students have one calendar year from the time of acceptance to begin taking courses otherwise formal re-application to the CHRD program and Graduate School is required.