Drs. Theodore Rimley of ODU, Mary Hermann of VCU, and John Cook at the annual John Cook Lecture.

Drs. Theodore Rimley of ODU, Mary Hermann of VCU, and John Cook at the annual John Cook Lecture. The lecture invites leaders in counseling to share expertise with graduate students, faculty, and counseling professionals

COUNSELOR EDUCATION

MIssion Statement
The Department of Counselor Education at Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to excellence in the initial preparation and continuing development of professionals in the counseling field. The Department, located in an urban setting, provides graduate students with research-based professional studies and clinical experiences necessary for effective counseling, advocacy, and leadership in diverse geographic and socio-economic settings. Specifically, the Department prepares counselors with the specialized knowledge and skills required for placement in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as postsecondary institutions, in the Commonwealth of Virginia and throughout the nation. Consistent with this approach are the program goals of graduating students who have knowledge of basic counseling theory and practice, possess competencies in essential counseling services, exhibit scholarly inquiry, have the skills necessary to evaluate relevant research, are committed to evaluating their counseling interventions, and participate in a variety of professional development activities.

Programs of Study
The M.Ed. in Counselor Education is a 48-hour program that requires two years to complete. The Counselor Education Department offers two tracks, the School Counseling Track and The College Student Development and Counseling Track.
For students who already have a master’s degree in education, completion of the 33 credits of program core courses in counseling will lead to recommendation for licensure as a school counselor. Students seeking this endorsement must meet with the Department Chair and file a plan of study. Course work taken more than seven years prior to applying for licensure will not count toward meeting VCU’s approved program course equivalents.