The Department of Counselor Education prepares counselors with the specialized knowledge and skills required for placement in elementary, middle, and high schools 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, have the skills necessary to evaluate relevant research, and are committed to evaluating their counseling interventions. The 42-semester hour program leads to school counseling licensure in Virginia and preparation for advanced graduate work at the post-master’s level. While teaching experience may be required for employment as a school counselor in some states, applicants for admission to the M.Ed. in Counselor Education program do not have to have such experience. All admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor who will assist them in completing an individualized plan of study.

The Counselor Education Student Networking Association (CESNA) is the Department’s active student organization whose aim is to develop collegiality and a spirit of professionalism among graduate counselor education students. Relationships established during graduate school provide students with a network of colleagues with whom they may share ideas and resources as they begin their careers as professional school counselors. The Department’s nationally recognized Counselor-in-Residence program allows students to interact with a practicing school counselor who serves a year-long term as a visiting faculty member in the Department. Former counselors-in-residence form a strong cadre of professionals who serve as adjunct instructors in the Department when the need arises.

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.