M.S. in Counselor Education

WHY MCDANIEL

• Earn a degree that meets professional standards and competencies leading to certification in School Counseling in either Maryland or Pennsylvania

• Eligibility for the National Counselor Examination with some additional credit work

• Learn through application with a program that encourages a variety of experiential learning and personal growth opportunities

• Understand all aspects of counseling through coursework that blends research, theory, and practice

• Meet and network with students who include teachers transitioning to positions as elementary and secondary school counselors, experienced counselors seeking advancement or specific state licensure, and individuals hoping to make a career change to counselor

Admissions Requirements

Initial Admission:

• Completed application for graduate study

• Submit the non-refundable application fee

• Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.

• Three recent letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty or employers

Full Acceptance:

•  Successful completion of CED 519 or 520, CED 501 and RSM 550

• Acceptable grades (B or better) in Ethics courses and Introduction to Research Methodology and any additional courses taken

• A satisfactory individual evaluation completed by the instructor

• Approval from advisor

• A minimum 3.00 G.P.A.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum 3.00 G.P.A.

• Successful completion of 48 credit hours

• Original research project (thesis) or the successful completion of a Capstone experience

COURSES

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Deadlines:  
Fall Semester – May 15
Spring Semester – October 15
Summer Semester – February 15

Initial Advising:
Upon receiving the letter of conditional acceptance all students are required to contact the Graduate Studies office and make an initial advising/ orientation appointment.

School Counseling Internships: 
Students seeking certification in school counseling are required to have an internship at the end of their program. Depending on the specific state requirements, this involves a 200, 300 or 500 hour commitment in a comprehensive school setting. Students need to be aware of the extensive time commitment this involves and prepare early to be able to make this substantial time commitment for their professional credentialing.

Faculty

Associate Professor/Co-Coordinator of Counselor Education
Dr. Simeon Schlossberg, Ph.D., in Counseling Psychology from the University of Connecticut. Directs the pre-licensure Community Mental Health Track and internships. Specialty and research areas include: the treatment of anxiety and depression in adolescents, Bullying, and Community Mental Health Counseling. Courses taught include Introduction to Counseling,   Human Growth & Development Throughout the Life Span, Practicum in Advanced, Theories, Techniques and Applications of Counseling, and Field Practicum in Community Mental Health. Email Dr. Schlossberg at  sschloss@mcdaniel.edu.

Senior Lecturer/Co-Coordinator of Counselor Education
Dr. Mary Anne Reichelt, D.Min. , in Pastoral Counseling from Eden Theological Seminary. Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, Advises prospective and new students to the Counselor Education Program; Coordinates the School Counseling track and internship. Specialty areas and research include: mindfulness and the practical applications of neural integration; the science of the mind; integrating the wisdom of indigenous cultures with contemporary counseling theories, and family systems. Courses taught: Theories and Techniques of Counseling, , Practicum in Advanced, Theories, Techniques and Applications of Counseling, Family Systems. Email Dr. Reichelt at mreichelt@mcdaniel.edu.

Associate Professor
Dr. Julia Orza, Ph.D., in Counseling Psychology from the University of Connecticut.   Mental health consultant and facilitator/speaker for diversity-sensitivity training in Maryland and Pennsylvania schools and non-profit organizations.  Specialty areas and research interests include: diversity sensitivity and multiculturalism, training counselors using the expressive arts, and empathy. Courses taught include Diversity-sensitive Counseling, Practicum in Advanced, Theories, Techniques and Applications of Counseling,  The Art of Counseling, and an Honors course at the undergraduate level: Worldview & Privilege. Email Dr. Orza at jorza@mcdaniel.edu.

Adjunct Lecturers:  The program also utilizes adjunct lecturers who are professionals actively involved in area elementary and secondary schools, private practices, mental health agencies, and colleges, to ensure that students obtain diverse and practical perspectives from the current field of counseling and psychology.  We are very proud of the dedication and expertise of our talented adjuncts.

FAQ's

Counselor Education Program FAQ’s for Students

This information is critical to help you navigate successfully through the program.

Statement of Ethical Behavior and Responsibility
Students in counseling programs are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner at all times. The student, as a professional-in-training, must adhere to the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association (ACA). A copy of these standards is included in the initial ethics courses and included in the Counselor Education section of the Archway. Because of the nature of the counseling profession, the ethical behavior and development of students is considered most critical and is reviewed by the faculty regularly as part of ongoing student development and progress. Issues related to unethical behavior and/or practice are addressed in the dismissal policy. Behavior, personal characteristics or personal issues should not interfere with the capacity of the student to be a helping professional. A full description for the dismissal policy is contained in the student handbook for Counselor Education and in the Graduate and Professional Studies online catalog.

1. What courses should I register for?
If you are a new student, it is most important to sign up as soon as possible for the designated pre matriculation courses: CED 519 or 520 (These are counseling ethics courses. 519 is for School Counseling and 520 is for Community Counseling. However due to the overlap of content, a student may take either course to fulfill the requirements for matriculation and for certification and licensure), CED 501, and EDU 550. However it is possible to choose a course or two that has no prerequisites. Courses having pre requisites 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 requirements are met. It is also important to note that certain core courses are only offered in the fall and spring semesters. This will be important to keep in mind in planning and course selection as each of these courses is a pre requisite for the other and are sequential. They are CED 501, CED 502, CED 505, CED 511, and CED 552

2. 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

3. When should I meet with my advisor?
It is important to meet with your advisor as soon after you receive your letter of acceptance into the program. Knowing course sequences and getting a scope on the program options (there are 6 different tracks) can greatly facilitate a smooth course of study. You will also meet with an advisor after you have completed CED 519 or 520, CED 501, and EDU 550 in order to matriculate and formalize your program plan. Other advising meetings are at your discretion and need or that of your advisor.  In order to accommodate students’ scheduling, we have established an open advising policy. This allows the student to meet with any adviser of his or her choice. **Important note: it is advisable to schedule matriculation and course selection appointments well in advance of deadlines. No matriculation appointments can be arranged the week prior to registration.

4. How many courses can I take?
This program is not considered a full time program. The typical student takes 6 credits per semester. Financial Aid requires students to take 6 credits. The maximum credits for a semester is 9. 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.

5. 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: Course offerings for each semester are posted on the Archway one or two months prior to the actual registration date. Fall registration is June 30.  Spring registration is November 30. Summer registration is March 31. The wonders of technology and the Archway make it possible for you to pre select your courses on the Archway as soon as the courses are posted. This is tantamount to putting your course selection in your shopping cart. Students will be informed of their particular date and time for registration shortly after course listings are posted on the Archway. Notification of assigned registration times will be posted under the authorization and restriction section of the student menu on of your Archway account or via email from the registrar. Be on the lookout for either notification. It is most important that you check this to know your registration time and if there are any restrictions or holds on your account. There is also a “manage your waitlist” section on Archway. Be sure to monitor that in the event that you are waitlisted. We do everything possible to accommodate waitlist.

- Registration rules
It is important to be mindful that assigned registration times are based on students’ program plans. e.g. Beginning students are fist to register for CED 501, 519 and 520 as it is required for matriculation. Community mental health students are assigned the next time for 519 and 520 as it is required for licensure. Students returning for certification are assigned the next time for the Ethics classes and then registration is opened up for everyone. We will try to make those rules available to students so they can be aware of the queue for classes

- Also be sure to check your restrictions section in your Archway account well in advance of registration in case there are additional blocks (bursar issues) on your ability to register.

6. Why must I use the McDaniel email system?
It is imperative that you use the McDaniel email system for many reasons. Several servers do not accept the emails and put them in junk folders. The McDaniel system is the only way the college and faculty will communicate with you. So, any important class information or college announcements will only come through the system. If your instructors send you a communication and you do not check it, you are responsible for the information sent.

7. 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. It is important to put oneself on the waitlist. It is also helpful to meet with an advisor prior to registration to have alternative course options.

8. 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 Academic Policy and Standards Committee.

9.  How important is a student ID, knowing your student ID number, the parking permit, and the McDaniel email?
VERY! As soon as possible contact Karame McCauley at 410-857-2730 to schedule a photo ID.  Once you receive your ID you will need to go to the Hoover Library and be entered into the system. This will allow you to use the Hoover Library data bases from your home. The other reason for having your student ID with you is; often students call the College for information relative to courses, transcripts, etc. If you do not have your student ID number available, Federal regulations prohibit anyone from giving you the desired information over the phone. Parking is at a premium here at McDaniel. Proper identification can prevent ticketing. You will receive your parking sticker in the mail just prior to the beginning of each semester.

Remember:
• It is most important to use and check your McDaniel email. It is required. This is the only vehicle your instructors use to communicate with you. All College announcements and inclement weather announcements come through your McDaniel email. A variety of servers will block forwarding of email addresses. This can mean that you will not receive communications that are vital to your course work, which could then jeopardize your grade.