Counseling

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Doug Main

The counseling program offers a Master of Arts in counseling and a Master of Education in school counseling. These programs help students gain knowledge and skills to practice successfully as professional counselors. Graduates are qualified to pursue licensure/certification as a professional mental health counselors (M.A.) or K-12 school counselors (M.Ed.).

Noncounseling candidates (teachers, administrators) may request permission to take courses independently or as a concentration in other degree programs.

The counseling program provides coursework consistent with the core area standards established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). The counseling program is not accredited by CACREP at this time. Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Candidates will develop knowledge and skills in eight core areas:

• Human growth and development
• Social and cultural foundations
• Helping relationships
• Group work
• Career and lifestyle
• Appraisal
• Research and program evaluation
• Professional orientation

Supervision experiences include a 100-hour direct supervision practicum and an internship. Counselor interns work in a variety of settings, including private practice, schools, colleges/universities, hospitals, mental health agencies, public employment agencies and group homes.

The Master of Arts in counseling prepares students to pursue licensure as professional mental health counselors. The 48-hour curriculum includes an internship experience of 600-hours over two semesters.

The Master of Education in school counseling is designed for those interested in becoming school counselors. The 48-hour degree program includes academic coursework and a 600-hour internship that must be completed at an elementary, middle or high school.

Licensing is a state regulatory function and may differ from state to state.

All professors hold terminal degrees and have many years of experience working in mental health agencies and the public schools. They provide individual and group advising for students.

Success in counseling requires motivation, a commitment to service, and interpersonal and communication skills.

Advisors for this program are:
Doug Main
Penny Sanders

View the degree plan for:

• Master of Arts in counseling
• Master of Education in school counseling