Counseling (M.S.)

Another Degree of Success
Counseling (M.S.)

Counseling (M.S.)

The Counseling master's program, located in the College of Education & Human Development, is designed to prepare graduate students to assume roles as school counselors, and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).

The student who successfully completes the Master of Science in counseling will have satisfied the education requirements for several state and national certifications and licenses. All concentrations include hands-on clinical experiences through a practicum and internship.

Our counseling master's programs are designed so you meet the educational requirements to become licensed or certified as a mental health counselor or school counselor in Louisiana. For more information regarding credentialing requirements, please visit the

for more information.

Counseling at UL Lafayette

Clinic for Counseling and Personal Development (CCPD)

Gain practicum and internship experience through the Department’s in-house counseling clinic, including case conceptualization, procedural training such as documentation, treatment plans, assessment tools, and topics relevant to the counseling profession.

Organizations and Associations

Take part in conversations happening within the discipline while opening your network through Chi Sigma Iota, the American Counseling Association, the Louisiana Counseling Association, or the Louisiana School Counselors Association.

Relevant Curriculum

Our experiential, contextual, and systemic curriculum provides training in theory, research, practice, and leadership. Our faculty promote scholarly inquiry, ethical practice, respect for diversity, and a strong professional identity as you prepare for your career.

CACREP Accredited

Our accreditation by the represents adherence to high standards in the preparation of counseling practitioners.

Application Information

Application Deadlines

Students are only admitted for the fall semester. The deadline to apply each year is March 1st.

Funding

Funding opportunities such as assistantships and fellowships can help pay for your degree while letting you earn valuable experience for your career.

Contact

For more information about the program and funding availability, please contact:

Dr. Irvin Esters, Graduate Coordinator
Phone: 337-482-5261
Picard Center 231
Email: esters@louisiana.edu

Counseling According to Grad Students and Faculty

Exploration Cohesion Nurturing Fulfillment

Counseling M.S.

The school Counseling Program provides students with the opportunity to shadow at various schools and grade levels to find the most fitting level before sending us off into the world. It provides a great opportunity to gain experience. Dr. Spruill has made this experience memorable.

Ariel Ruiz, Counseling M.S. alum

Counseling M.S.

I am fortunate to head a department composed of the absolute best students and the most dedicated faculty and staff one could hope for. Watching graduate students develop into competent counselors and professionals has been the singularly most enjoyable part of my job now for more than 25 years!

Irv Esters, Ph.D., Professor of Counseling and Department Head

Careers in Counseling

Career Opportunities

Behavioral disorder counselor
Counselor
Marriage and family therapist
Mental health counselor
Substance abuse counselor
Therapist or vocational counselor
Career counselor
Elementary, middle or high school counselor
Student life counselor

Program Requirements

In addition to satisfying the Graduate School application and admission requirements you must also submit:

Resume
Interview
Official GRE scores
Statement of Purpose
- A 500-750 word writing sample responding to the following prompt:
  -The Counseling Program at UL maintains the following as its mission statement: "The mission of the Department of Counseling at the ��Ƶ is to develop Professional Counselors who embody ethical practice, respect for diversity, and a strong professional identity by integrating, theory, research, and practice into a competency-based curriculum, for service to K-12 schools and in various mental health settings."
  - How do your personal career goals relate to the Mission?
  - Give that "respect for diversity" is integral to our mission, how do your previous experiences, interests, and worldview support your potential for success in building interpersonal relationships with culturally different individuals?
  - The choice to become a professional counselor sets in motion a number of consequences that have the potential to affect multiple aspects of your life. Among these are your relationships, financial situation, lifestyle, family life, and self-image; therefore, self-care for counselors is an important skill set. In what ways are you helping yourself prepare for those potential changes and a heavy workload?

Students accepted into the M.S. in Counseling program must complete a core educational requirement of 30 credit hours. In addition to these required core courses, students must choose a concentration-School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or a dual concentration which meets the requirements of both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling - and complete the required core and concentration coursework.

In addition to the core and concentration coursework, all students must complete 3 credits in a practicum and 6-9 credits in an internship with placement specific to the concentration. Additional electives are taken to gain expertise and reach the total number of hours required for the degree. All students are required to pass a comprehensive examination. There is no thesis option.

A total of 60 credits is required for the School Counseling concentration. A total of 60 credits is required for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration and a total of 72 credits is required for the dual concentration.

Learn more about the M.S. in Counseling curriculum in the .

Resources

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Counseling (M.S.)

Counseling at UL Lafayette

Clinic for Counseling and Personal Development (CCPD)

Organizations and Associations

Relevant Curriculum

CACREP Accredited

Application Information

Application Deadlines

Funding

Contact

Counseling According to Grad Students and Faculty

Counseling M.S.

Careers in Counseling

Career Opportunities

Program Requirements

Resources

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Counseling

Education & Human Development

Graduate School

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