UW-Platteville’s Counselor Education 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) community counseling and (3) higher education counseling. All students take a group of courses called 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 the 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 at a variety of times.

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, academic advisement, and concerns in personal, social, and emotional health. They work with other school personnel and parents to help students achieve and 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 community 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. 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.

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.

For more information, write to the

Check us out on the web at http://www.uwplatt.edu/education/counselor.htm or call (608) 342-1252.

Electives - Bringing the credit total to 48

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.