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Am I certified as a School Guidance Counselor after completing the degree?
If you successfully complete the School Guidance requirements for the MS degree in counseling, then you are eligible to apply for State Certification through the Maryland State Department of Education. The program is also recognized by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, with whom McDaniel College maintains an active working relationship to monitor requirements. Students may therefore apply for certification in Pennsylvania with confidence of eligibility.
How do apply for guidance certification in Maryland and Pennsylvania?
Contact the Boards of Education for the state in which you are seeking certification. Web sites are listed below:
PDE Certification Info
MSDE Certification Info
What types of experiences can I expect during the counseling lab practicum?
Students will be required to counsel one individual adult client for eight successive sessions. They will receive weekly group supervision and be required to transcribe sessions and conduct research on relevant therapeutic interventions.
What courses should I register for?
If you are a new student, it is most important to sign up for the designated pre matriculation courses: CED 500, CED 501, and EDU 550 as soon as possible. However it is possible to choose a course or two that has no prerequisites. Courses having prerequisites are designated by an asterisk. Be mindful that if a student accumulates 18 credits and has not matriculated, he or she will automatically be locked out of the registration process until matriculation occurs.
Why am I expected to meet with an advisor as I begin the program?
The program at McDaniel is geared to academic excellence and the personal growth and deepening personal and professional identity of the student. It is important for you to be known by the program advisors in order to assist in planning your program and to make the most efficient use of time in negotiating your course of study. Also, be sure to pick up your copy of the Counselor Education Program Handbook from our assistant, Mary Rasche, at the reception desk when you arrive for your first advising appointment.
When should I meet with my advisor?
After receiving your acceptance letter arrange for a pre matriculation advising meeting through the graduate office 410 857 2501 as soon as possible. It is important to do this as soon after you receive your letter of acceptance into the program. Knowing course sequences and getting a scope on the program options can greatly facilitate a smooth course of study.
How many courses can I take?
The typical student takes 6 credits per semester, but full time status is considered 9 credits. In the summer, students can take a maximum of 9 credits over the course of three sessions, but no more than 6 credits in any one session.
What do I need to know about course registration?
Because the Counselor Education program has a large number of students, courses fill up very quickly. Planning is crucial in this process. FYI, the schedule for registration is as follows: the spring offerings catalog comes out November 1 and official registration begins December 1; summer offerings catalog comes out April 1 and registration begins May 1; fall course offerings catalog comes out June 1 and registration begins July 1. The wonders of technology and the Archway make it possible for you to pre select your courses on the Archway as soon as the catalog is out. This is tantamount to putting your course selection in your shopping cart. All registrations begin at midnight on the designated registration date. Students are strongly encouraged to make that effort and register early.
What if the course I want/need is full?
Even though we try to offer several sections of the ‘in demand’ courses, they do fill up quickly. (This is why early registration is important.) This is also why meeting with your advisor is important. It enables you to have some alternative course options. It is also possible to transfer 6 credits from another graduate program. However, this must be approved by your advisor. You will need to have the course description and syllabus from the other institution when you meet with your advisor.
How long does it take to finish the program?
The average length of time to complete the program is 3 ½ years. The minimum time to finish the program is two and a half years. The maximum time limit is six years. After that a student can request an extension by appealing to the Dean of the Graduate School.
How important is a student ID and parking permit and the McDaniel email?
VERY! As soon as possible contact Karame McCauley at ext 2730 to schedule a photo ID. This will also allow you to use the Hoover Library data bases from your home. Parking is at a premium here at McDaniel. Proper identification can prevent ticketing. You can get your parking sticker at the bottom of Winslow Hall from Campus Security. It is also very important to use and check your McDaniel email. It is the primary vehicle of communication from your instructors and college administration. The College announcements and inclement weather announcements also come through your McDaniel email.
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