Frequently Asked Questions

What are the program’s majors?

The program offers a Master of Science in Education with specialization in the areas of Community Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy and School Counseling. We also have a Postmaster’s Program that offers School Certification, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in a counseling specialty area or the opportunity to obtain any needed credits for Counselor Licensure.

How is the program structured?

The master’s degree in counseling is a 60 credit program, which includes 45 credits of required coursework, 3 credits required for Practicum, 6 credits required for internship(s) and 6 credits are required as electives. There are also approximately 4 non-credit orientations or seminars that are required. All courses are 3 credits each.

What if I already have some graduate credits from another program?

A student may transfer in up to 12 credits of courses taken at another university. These courses are referred to as “advanced standing,” and must be the equivalent of courses offered in our program. The student must have received a grade of B or better for the courses to qualify. A student’s advisor determines advanced standing course appropriateness by looking at the student’s previous transcript and description of the requested courses. Previous courses will be evaluated for viability, for example a course taken more than 5 years ago may be obsolete, or a course taken in a major other than counseling may not be relevant.

 

What if I already have a Master’s Degree?

The Counselor Education Program has a Postmaster’s option, which offers P-12 School Counselor Certification, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in a counseling specialty area, and the opportunity to take additional graduate credits to be used for state counselor licensure. The further removed the degree is from counseling or the older the degree is will be taken into consideration when determining required coursework. Post-Masters Program Procedures (pdf)

Where is the program offered?

The Counselor Education Program is housed in the School of Education at Duquesne University, and is part of the Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education (DCPSE).

When are classes offered?

Classes are offered during the week day and evening at Duquesne, and we also offer a Saturday Studies program. While the day the course is offered stays consistent throughout each semester, the times are varied to allow for greater flexibility in students’ schedules. Classes offered during the weekday are held from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m., evening classes run from 6:00 to 8:40 p.m., Saturday classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program takes approximately 2 ½ years to complete and must be completed within 7 years. Six credits per semester are considered full time, though a student may take more or less credits with advisor approval. No more than 12 credits can be taken in any semester.

How often are students admitted?

Students are admitted for the Evening and Saturday Studies Program in the fall.  For the fall semester, on-line applications must be completed by February 1 and all application materials must be received by  February 15.

Students are admitted to the Evening Program for the spring; there are no spring admissions for the Saturday Studies Program.  For the spring semester, on-line applications must be completed by August 1 and all application materials must be received by August 15.

There are no summer admissions for either Program.

On an average, how many students are admitted each semester?

We admit to pre-candidacy 21 students each for the day/evening program and Saturday Studies program in the Fall, and 21 students for the day/evening program each Spring semester. Ninety five percent achieve program candidacy. Ninety five percent remain in the program until they graduate.

What skills will a student develop?

Our students are trained in a number of counselor competencies, ranging from personal characteristics such as social responsibility and professional presentation, to clinical skills such as assessment, theoretical operations and ethical decision making, to case management and application of technology.

 

Will I be able to maintain my full time job while in the program?

Courses are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays to accommodate the employed student.

 

What are the admission requirements?

The official academic transcripts must show a quality point average equivalent to a 3.0 or better on a four-point scale overall or 3.0 for the last 48 credits earned including post graduate, graduate and/or undergraduate work. If not 3.0 or better, transcripts must show a quality point average equivalent of a minimum 2.8 on a four-point scale overall including post-graduate, graduate and/or undergraduate courses, AND a minimum score of 396 on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

 

What is the admission process?

You will need to submit official academic transcripts for undergraduate and graduate studies as part of the prescreening process. For further information you may contact the Counselor Education Program at (412) 396-1194.

There are three steps in the process to apply to the Counselor Education Program:

1) Prescreening Materials (to be submitted to Student and Academic Services in the School of Education along with application)

Official Academic Transcripts which must show a quality point average equivalent to a 3.0 or better on a four-point scale overall or 3.0 for the last 48 credits earned including post graduate, graduate and/or undergraduate work. If not 3.0 or better, transcripts must show a quality point average equivalent of a minimum 2.8 on a four-point scale overall including post-graduate, graduate and/or undergraduate courses, AND a minimum score of 396 on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

For accepted applications, a letter will be sent requesting the following additional information.

 

2) Screening Materials (to be submitted to the Counselor Education Program only after Prescreening Materials have been accepted)

• Professional recommendation form
• Personal recommendation form
• Resume that outlines pertinent experience (could be job or volunteer related)
• Personal statement that includes the applicant’s goals for the counseling profession.

 

3) Small Group Interview

Once the above information is received, applicant may be invited to a small group structured student interview. After the interviews are completed, the faculty will recommend which 21 applicants will be invited to enter graduate studies.

 

Do I need to send anything else?

No. After the group interviews you will be advised of your status, either accepted or wait listed.

 

What are my financial aid options?

All financial aid matters are handled through the University’s Financial Aid Office, (412) 396-6607.

 

Are there graduate assistantships available?

The Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education has 3 assistantships a year. Applications are made in March for the upcoming year. Students are encouraged to contact other programs and departments on campus for assistantship opportunities.

 

What is the screening process?

Students enter the Counseling Program as a pre-candidate. Each semester, students are given complete information about how to become a Counselor Education Program candidate. Acceptance to candidacy includes attending a student orientation, taking 6 to 9 credits of screening courses, conducting field interviews and providing other information, all outlined in the Counselor Education Orientation, held at the beginning of the Fall and Spring Semesters.

If I change my interest in my initial area of concentration, can I change my major?

Yes. Since most of the coursework is the same across majors, students are usually able to change majors without loss of credits.

What is CACREP?

The Counselor Education Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP was organized in 1981 as the accrediting agency responsible for reviewing and evaluating counseling and student affairs practice in higher education against a set of nationally recognized standards.

 

A CACREP program provides recognition that the content and quality of education offered by the accredited program has been evaluated extensively and meets the standards set by and for the counseling profession.

 

Graduating from a CACREP program can save a student up to two years post-graduate work to be eligible to sit for the National Counselor Exam.

How do I get certified as a school counselor?

The school counseling major provides the necessary coursework and internship needed to be eligible for the school counselor certificate. In addition to the program, the school counseling student must take and pass the Praxis examinations in reading, writing and math, and school guidance.

 

If a student has already taken and passed the reading, writing and math Praxis exams, they do not need to take them again.

 

How do I become a Licensed Professional Counselor?

The most accurate information about counselor licensure comes directly from the State Board. Our program is designed to meet the educational requirements for counselor licensure. We cannot guarantee licensure. This is determined by the State Board.

What does this degree prepare me to do?

This degree prepares the student to work in a number of school and mental health settings, including private practice, as a counselor and consultant.

What makes the program special?

• Exceptional regionally and internationally recognized faculty
• Small class sizes
• Diverse student body
• Course variety
• Professional skill development
• CACREP accreditation