School Counseling / Master of Arts
Graduate programs in school counseling have been designed for both licensed teachers and non-licensed professionals. Both program options have been developed according to new State of Illinois guidelines to meet the need for qualified counselors in school settings.
Program Objectives
The objectives are the same for both programs. The goals are to:
- Provide a knowledge base in relevant areas of School Counseling theory and demonstrate the pragmatic application of those theories.
- Develop candidates’ skills in techniques of counseling, interviewing, and assessment.
- Develop an understanding of the school counselor’s role in the organization and implementation of a comprehensive developmental counseling program.
- Develop candidates’ understanding of the uniqueness of each individual and demonstrate how the counselor must be flexible in dealing with the individual.
- Develop a professional identity and an understanding of ethics and ethical behavior.
Admission Standards
Admission to the graduate program in School Counseling is based on academic and personal qualifications of the applicant. It is made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, irrelevant handicap, national or ethnic origin, or disability.
There are three enrollment categories for applicants in the program: full admission, provisional admission, and student-at-large. All applicants must present evidence of a baccalaureate degree awarded by a regionally-accredited institution of higher education and a completed application that includes a personal statement of professional goals. Because this program is directed toward adults, it is expected that personal maturity and experience are prime indicators of success in the program. Applicants may be asked to submit to or secure a criminal background check as part of the admission process.
Full Admission
Applicants for full admission must:
1. Complete an application form, accompanied by a non-nonrefundable application fee.
2. Submit a personal statement in which the applicant provides a brief work/school history and reasons for seeking enrollment in the School Counseling program. This personal statement will serve as a writing skills sample.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or supervisors.
4. Submit an official transcript of all academic work previously attempted or completed. An applicant's coursework should equal a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
5. Pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or take the ACT (must include writing section, scoring a minimum of 19) and earn a composite score of 22 prior to admission into the program. The ACT scores must have been earned within the last 10 years.
6. Certify proficiency in reading and writing English, if the student is from a non-English speaking country, by achieving a 550 on the TOEFL written exam; 213 on the computerized exam; 79 on the Internet-based exam; or IELTS score of 6.0. ELS level 112 completed. Step Eiken (Japan) Pre-1 is also accepted.
7. Receive acceptance by the Graduate Council of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Provisional Admission
In select cases, an applicant who does not meet the requirements for full admission may be granted provisional admission. Candidates may apply for full admission after resolving the admission deficiencies. Candidates must pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or take the ACT (must include writing section, scoring a minimum 19) and earn a composite score of 22 prior to admission into the program. The ACT scores must have been earned within the last 10 years. Candidates may be asked to submit to or secure a criminal background check as part of the admission process.
Student-At-Large
A student-at-large is not a degree candidate. However, should a student decide to apply for full admission status at a later time, but within 5 years of course completion, only 3 courses (9 semester hours) will be accepted for credit. At-large students are allowed to take a maximum of 3 courses with permission of the Graduate Program Director.
Transfer Admission Procedures
Candidates may apply up to 12 semester hours of graduate-level work from other regionally-accredited institutions to their program of school counseling. Candidates will follow the appropriate admission criteria for full or provisional admission. The following conditions apply to the acceptance of transfer credit:
1. Only courses with a grade of B or better will be accepted.
2. Coursework must have been completed at a regionally-accredited graduate school.
3. Appropriateness of coursework will be decided by the Graduate Program Director at the time of the student’s application to the program.
4. Courses from outside the United States will be considered if they are evaluated as graduate level by the Office of Admission or the Commission on Accreditation of the American Council on Education.
5. Credit for prior learning is not awarded for graduate courses.
Transfer of Credit after Matriculation
Candidates who are already matriculated at Lewis University and wish to transfer in a course must seek written approval from the Graduate Program Director before the course is attempted. Only courses with a grade of B or better will be accepted. Candidates may transfer in up to 2 courses.
Grade Point Requirement
Only grades attained in Lewis University graduate courses will be used in determining the GPA. No more than 2 courses in which a grade of C is earned will count toward degree requirements. A grade of D will not count toward degree or licensure requirements. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. Any candidate admitted to the School Counseling program whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be automatically placed on academic probation.
Academic Probation
A candidate admitted to the Master of Arts in School Counseling program whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be automatically placed on academic probation. If the condition of probation extends beyond 2 courses, the candidate may be dismissed from the degree program. Candidates may continue to take courses under special circumstances at the discretion of the Graduate Program Director. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
Course Formats and Credit
Courses are offered in the evening, and workshops are offered on weekends each semester and summer. The normal load for a full-time graduate candidate is 3 courses, or 9 semester hours. For those who are employed full-time, the normal semester load is 2 courses, or 6 semester hours.
Incomplete Grades
Because practicum and internship courses are rarely completed in an academic calendar, Incomplete grades in PSYC 58100 and PSYC 59100 will not turn into the grade of “IF” after the first six weeks of the following semester. Incomplete grades in all other coursework follow the policy explained in the General Information section of this Catalog.
Time Limitations
Candidates must complete all requirements within 7 years from the time of completion of their first graduate course at Lewis University. Students remain under the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of matriculation unless they discontinue attendance for two consecutive years or more, in which case they will follow the catalog in effect upon their return.
Enrollment of Undergraduates in Graduate Courses
Registration for graduate courses will be included on the student’s undergraduate registration form. It should be understood that credit earned in graduate courses completed while the student was an undergraduate will not necessarily be applicable to a graduate degree at Lewis University.
Registration by undergraduates in graduate courses shall be limited to a maximum of 2 courses. The student must be within 16 credits of completing the bachelor’s degree requirements, have at least a 3.0 grade point average, and have the approval of the School Counseling Graduate Program Director.
Credit earned in a graduate course may be considered either as graduate credit or as undergraduate credit (to be counted in the number of credits required for the baccalaureate degree). Credit earned in a graduate course may not be counted toward more than one degree.
Graduation Requirements
The candidate will be awarded the Master of Arts degree when he or she has:
1. Completed at least 40/47 credit hours of graduate study as stipulated below.
2. Successfully passed the comprehensive examination, which is normally attempted after 30 credit hours are completed.
3. Attained a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Program Options
Curriculum A: Licensed Teachers
The School Counseling program is designed for teachers who want to become licensed as elementary and secondary school counselors. The program integrates sound counseling theory and research- based practices and procedures to prepare candidates to work effectively in schools. This program is offered through the Psychology Department in conjunction with the College of Education. Candidates receive a Master of Arts in School Counseling which makes them eligible for the Type 73 School Counseling License.
To be eligible for the Type 73 License, the candidate must hold a valid Type 03, 09, or 10 Illinois teaching license, complete 40 semester hours of approved class work, and pass the 181 Content Area Test. The candidate must pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or take the ACT (including the writing section, scoring a minimum of 19) and earn a composite score of 22 prior to admission into the program. The ACT scores must have been earned within the last 10 years. Candidates may be asked to submit to or secure a criminal background check as part of the admission process. Goals for the program follow the American School Counselor’s Association recommendations.
Option 1: Licensed Teachers Earning the M.A. in School Counseling, Non-LPC Option (40)
Program: MA-SCCO-A
Concentration: LTNC
I. Core Courses (39)
II. Required Elective (1)
| COUN-55420 | Workshop: College Planning: Admission and Financial Aid | 1 |
Option 2: Licensed Teachers Earning the M.A. in School Counseling with LPC Option (60)
Program: MA-SCCO-A
Concentration: LTWC
This program is intended for those who have earned a bachelor's degree and are teacher-licensed. These candidates will earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling. Candidates will take the coursework needed to meet the requirements for the Type 73 License and additional coursework allowing them to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination. (The LPC enables the school counselor to provide services in mental health outside the school in community settings.)
Candidates must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours as part of their degree in order to meet the program requirements for the LPC option. In addition, all candidates who choose the LPC track must complete a 600-hour Internship.
I. Core Courses (39)
II. Required Elective (1)
| COUN-55420 | Workshop: College Planning: Admission and Financial Aid | 1 |
III. LPC Courses (13)
IV. Additional Approved Electives (7)
Students, in consultation with the Graduate Program Director, must complete 7 credit hours in approved courses appropriate to the degree.
Curriculum B: Non-Licensed Teachers
Option 1: Non-Licensed Teachers Earning the M.A. in School Counseling, Non-LPC Option (47)
Program: MA-SCCO-A
Concentration: NLNC
This program is intended for candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are not teacher licensed. These candidates will earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling. The coursework meets the requirements for the Type 73 License.
I. Core Courses (40)
II. Required Elective (1)
| COUN-55420 | Workshop: College Planning: Admission and Financial Aid | 1 |
III. Additional Required Courses (6)
Students lacking a teaching license are required to take these two courses:
| EDLD-54800 | Organizational Systems in Educational Leadership | 3 |
| EDLD-53100 | Classroom Management for School Counselors | 3 |
Option 2: Non-Licensed Teachers Earning the M.A. in School Counseling with LPC Option (60)
Program: MA-SCCO-A
Concentration: NLWC
This program is intended for candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are not teacher-licensed. These candidates will earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling. Candidates will take the coursework required for the Type 73 License and additional coursework allowing them to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination. (The LPC enables the school counselor to provide services in mental health outside the school in community settings.)
Candidates must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours as part of their degree in order to meet the program requirements for the LPC option. In addition, all candidates who choose the LPC track must complete a 600-hour Internship.
I. Core Courses (40)
II. Required Elective (1)
| COUN-55420 | Workshop: College Planning: Admission and Financial Aid | 1 |
III. Additional Required Courses (6)
| EDLD-54800 | Organizational Systems in Educational Leadership | 3 |
| EDLD-53100 | Classroom Management for School Counselors | 3 |
IV. LPC Courses (13)
Curriculum C: Non-Degree Seeking Candidates, Licensure Only
Program: NOND-ATLG-A
Concentration: SCCO or CMHC
This program is intended for those candidates who already hold a master’s degree in an area related to school counseling. Upon completion of this program, individuals can earn the Type 73 License. This program does not provide candidates with an additional master’s degree. Due to the variety of educational backgrounds of students who enter the program, each person’s educational background will be considered on an individual basis by the Graduate Program Director. Not all master’s degrees are eligible for this program. Generally, alternative requirements will be met by additional coursework. Candidates will consult with the Graduate Program Director to determine the curriculum that best meets their needs. All courses must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.