School Counseling (M.A.)

Faculty

Dr. LaNail Plummer, Assistant Professor and Program Director for Counseling
Dr. Deneen Everett, Assistant Professor of Counseling and Director of Clinical Training
Dr. Brigid Noonan, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions
Dr. Rosanna Sanchez-John, Assistant Professor of Counseling

Description

The School Counseling degree results in a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in School Counseling. This 60-credit School Counseling program prepares individuals for careers as counselors in elementary and secondary schools.  The School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and meets state certification requirements of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Students seeking school counselor certification in other states should consult the appropriate certification offices in those jurisdictions.

The School Counseling program consists of required courses, laboratory and field experiences, and a comprehensive exam. Students’ programs are planned in consultation with their faculty advisor; prior experiences and professional goals are considered.  Learning experiences emphasize the integration of theoretical knowledge with professional practice in a supervised setting. Attention is given to understanding ethical, multicultural, socioeconomic, and developmental issues.

Graduates from Trinity’s school counseling degree program are qualified to provide individual and group counseling; implement assessment and consultation services; and develop, direct, and evaluate data-driven comprehensive counseling services. School counselors understand the impact adverse childhood experiences have on students’ academic achievement and social/emotional development. The program integrates pedagogical approaches and activities that prepare graduates for trauma-informed practices in school counseling.

Mission of the Counseling Program

The Trinity Washington University Clinical Mental Health and School Counselor Programs’ mission is to prepare candidates to become Licensed Professional Counselors and Certified or Licensed School Counselors, who work in a myriad of settings including medical, community, educational, and private practice. Our program prepares candidates to engage in social justice policy, advocacy, and research as it affects and reflects the profession of Counseling and the well-being of the diverse clients, students, communities, families, and institutions that we serve.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES OF THE COUNSELING PROGRAM:

The counselor education program prepares all graduates to:

  1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for effective counseling practice across diverse settings.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with diverse populations, respecting individual differences in culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in conceptualizing, diagnosing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans across diverse populations.
  4. Develop ability to critically evaluate and apply research findings to improve counseling practice.
  5. Ensure students meet academic and practical training requirements for state licensure and/or national certification as professional counselors.
  6. Encourage ongoing self-reflection and personal growth to promote the student’s development and its’ importance as a professional counselor.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM

To prepare school counseling graduates to:

  1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of and experience with a range of systemic approaches appropriate for a broad range of students (PK-12), parents and programs in a school setting.
  2. Establish a professional identity as a school counselor.
  3. Interact effectively with the full spectrum of school personnel, administrators and community.
  4. Provide competent, socially-just and ethical professional service and leadership with the school-counseling field.

Degree Requirements (60 credits)

Required Orientation
COUN 607 Orientation: Tools for Graduate School

Required Foundational Courses (45 credits)
COUN 510 Human Grwth & Dev Across Life
COUN 535 Introduction to Counseling
COUN 538 Career and Lifestyle Development
COUN 540 Principles and Theories of Counseling
COUN 544 Principles and Techniques of Assessment
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group Process
COUN 550 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 553 Alcohol and Substance Abuse
COUN 555 Counseling Children and Adolescents
COUN 560 Techniques of Counseling
COUN 570 Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in Counseling
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues
COUN 606 Trauma & Crisis Intervention in Counseling
COUN 608 Research in Counseling

School Counseling Concentration Courses (6 credits)
COUN 561 Principles and Practices of School Counseling
COUN 562 Special Education in School Counseling

Field Experience (9 credits, 700 hours total)
COUN 633 Practicum in School Counseling
COUN 646 Internship in School Counseling I
COUN 648 Internship in School Counseling II

Course Descriptions

COUN 607 Orientation: Tools for Graduate School
COUN 510 Human Grwth & Dev Across Life
COUN 535 Introduction to Counseling
COUN 538 Career and Lifestyle Development
COUN 540 Principles and Theories of Counseling
COUN 544 Principles and Techniques of Assessment
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group Process
COUN 550 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 553 Alcohol and Substance Abuse
COUN 555 Counseling Children and Adolescents
COUN 557 Introduction to Family Therapy 
COUN 560 Techniques of Counseling
COUN 510 Human Grwth & Dev Across Life
COUN 535 Introduction to Counseling
COUN 538 Career and Lifestyle Development
COUN 561 Principles and Practices of School Counseling
COUN 562 Special Education in School Counseling
COUN 564 Principles & Practices of Clinical Mental Health
COUN 570 Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in Counseling
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues
COUN 606 Trauma & Crisis Intervention in Counseling
COUN 608 Research in Counseling
COUN 612 Conflict Management and Resolution
COUN 631 Practicum in Counseling
COUN 633 Practicum in School Counseling
COUN 640 Internship in Counseling I
COUN 642 Internship in Counseling II
COUN 646 Internship in School Counseling I
COUN 648 Internship in School Counseling II