School of Education - Counseling Psychology Information

UW-Platteville’s Counseling Psychology Master of Science in Education program was originally designed to train school counselors. It has been broadened to meet a growing demand for counselors in a variety of other settings including colleges, mental health clinics, industry, local, state and federal agencies.

A Master of Science in Education is awarded to those completing the program. With faculty approval students may pursue three clinical tracks: (1) School Counseling and (2) Mental Health Counseling and (3) Higher Education Counseling. All students take a group of core courses. In addition, they must satisfy the writing/research requirement and take elective courses. Students work closely with their advisors to complete their clinical track(s).

Courses are offered in early afternoons, late afternoons and evenings. All courses necessary to achieve the competencies for the degree are offered during the academic year. Courses are also offered during the summer session.

The school counseling track leads to a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction licensure in school counseling. School counselors support students in the areas of personal, social, and emotional health. They assist students with vocational planning and academic advisement. They work with other school personnel and parents to help students prepare for life transitions, post high school training, education and employment. Counselors also provide consultation for other special needs and circumstances. They provide a variety of programs believed to help children develop positive attitudes toward vocational and academic goals.

Students in the Mental Health Counseling track prepare for a wide variety of settings, public and private mental health agencies, employment services, and community action programs. As our society becomes more complex, the variety of settings increases, as does the need for trained and licensed counselors.

Students in the college student personnel track prepare for roles within the university and college setting. There are a number of opportunities within colleges, universities, and vocational/technical colleges. Counselors in the College Student Personnel field may find themselves in student affairs, involved in housing/residential life, academic advising, multicultural awareness, leadership and community development and much more.

During the first year, all students complete a series of academic core courses. The second year involves clinical study, including track courses, practicum, and electives.

The degree requires a minimum of 48 graduate credits (48 for Higher Education track and 51 for both Mental Health and School Counseling track). Students wanting clinical preparation in both tracks must add additional credits for each track, and may waive the seminar or thesis requirement. A 9-credit load is recommended for spring and fall semester. A 6-credit load is recommended during the summer semester. A student can complete the 48-credit program in a minimum of five semesters.

"Counselors actively attempt to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the clients they serve. Counselors also explore their own cultural identities and how these affect their values and beliefs about the counseling process. Counselors are encouraged to contribute to society by devoting a portion of their professional activity to services for which there is little or no financial return (pro bono publico)."

In keeping with these aspirational guidelines put forth by the American Counseling Association, our program requires all students complete 25 hours of volunteer service.** This service must be with a community organization(s) that serves underrepresented groups (e.g., African Americans, Latinos, low socioeconomic status, women, etc.) and must be approved by your advisor. All students should submit a letter from their volunteer supervisor(s) which details the student's primary responsibilities and the number of hours volunteered. The student must complete the 25 volunteer hours and submit all paperwork documenting their volunteer experience at the end of their respective Practicum I course.

Faculty advisors track current opportunities and employment trends in all counseling areas. Graduating students with good credentials who are willing to relocate should find a number of suitable positions. Supply, demand, and salary vary by region and state. Past graduates are employed throughout Wisconsin, in other states and around the world.

COUNPSY 6630 Introduction to Professional Counseling
COUNPSY 7020 Individual Counseling Techniques
COUNPSY 6630 Group Counseling
COUNPSY 7070 Counseling Theories
COUNPSY 7080 Career Counseling
COUNPSY 7110 Multicultural Counseling and Education
COUNPSY 6600 Measurement for Counselors and Educators
COUNPSY 7650 Research Procedures for Professional Counselors

COUNPSY 7650 Research Procedures for Professional Counselors
COUNPSY 7920 Seminar Paper
COUNPSY 7990 Thesis (Oral Exam)

School Counseling Track
COUNPSY 7230 Family and Couples Counseling
COUNPSY 7200 Dx, Assessment, and Tx of Psychopathology (DSM)
COUNPSY 7010 Counseling in the Schools
COUNPSY 7050 Practicum I in School Counseling
COUNPSY 7060 Practicum II in School Counseling

Mental Health Counseling Track
COUNPSY 7170 Advanced Counseling Techniques
COUNPSY 7200 Dx, Assessment, and Tx of Psychopathology (DSM)
COUNPSY 7150 Counseling in the Community
COUNPSY 7050 Practicum I in Mental Health Counseling
COUNPSY 7060 Practicum II in Mental Health Counseling

Higher Education Counseling Track
COUNPSY 7240 Adult Developmental Psychology
COUNPSY 6930 Seminar in Education Issues
COUNPSY 7140 Student Services in Higher Education
COUNPSY 7050 Practicum I in Higher Education
COUNPSY 7060 Practicum II in Higher Education

COUNPSY 6630 Introduction to Professional Counseling
COUNPSY 7020 Individual Counseling Techniques
COUNPSY 6250 Group Counseling

COUNPSY 7070 Counseling Theories
COUNPSY 7090 Advanced Developmental Psychology
COUNPSY 6600 Measurement for Counselors and Educators
COUNPSY 7650 Research Procedures for Professional Counselors

COUNPSY 7080 Career Counseling
COUNPSY 7180 Family and Multicultural Counseling

COUNPSY 7230 Family and Couples Counseling
COUNPSY 7010 Counseling in the Schools
COUNPSY 7050 Practicum I in the Schools

COUNPSY 7060 Practicum II in the Schools

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, handicap, sex, sexual orientation, developmental disability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, arrest record or conviction record.