Graduate Studies

Counseling
2024-2025

Admission | Courses | Program | Requirements |Profile

Interim Chairperson:  Eric C. Sheffield
Graduate Coordinator: Matthew Beck
Clinical Mental Health Coordinator: Carrie Alexander-Albritton
School Counseling Coordinator: Matthew Beck
Office: WIU-Quad Cities
Telephone: (309) 762-1876 Fax: (309) 762-6989
E-mail: cned@wiu.edu
 Website: wiu.edu/counselored/
Location of Program Offering: Quad Cities

Graduate Faculty

Professors

  • Carrie Alexander-Allbriton, Ph.D., Idaho State University
  • Rebecca McLean, Ph.D., The University of Akron
  • Holly J. Nikels, Ph.D., University of South Dakota
  • Leslie W. O’Ryan, Ed.D., University of South Dakota

Associate Professor

  • Matthew J. Beck, Ph.D., University of Iowa

Assistant Professor

  • Haley Wikoff, Ph.D., University of Iowa

Learning Outcomes

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

 Program Description

The Counseling program offers a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Counseling at the WIU-QC campus. The department offers a unique blend of courses designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent counseling professional. Acceptable academic performance and experiential mastery are both required for successful completion of the program. Students may select either of two options: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling option prepares students for work as clinical mental health counselors in a variety of clinical settings including mental health centers, rehabilitation hospitals, recovery centers, private practice, university counseling centers, and employee assistance programs. The School Counseling option prepares students for work as elementary and/or secondary school counselors in public and private schools. The school counselor option within the Counseling program is the only program at Western Illinois University that prepares students for school counselor licensure.

The counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The School Counseling option is also accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

 Admission Requirements

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 OR 3.25 or higher GPA for the last two years (60 s.h.) of undergraduate work. Graduate School GPAs may also be considered for admissions eligibility.

  • Bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited university

  • Participation in admissions half day experience. Date is available on the department website.

  • Additional requirements available on the department website: wiu.edu/counselored

The application deadline is February 1 (preferred) for Fall Admission. The Departmental Selection Committee must recommend applicants for admission to graduate programs in Counseling. Consideration for admissions interviews will not take place until all required documents are received and approved by the deadline.

Applicants failing to meet the minimum undergraduate requirements may be considered for probationary admission with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99. All applicants admitted as probationary students must petition for full admission after completing nine graduate hours from the Counseling program with a B or better.

If applicants have a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited university, a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required (includes all graduate work attempted at all institutions). Undergraduate GPAs will not be considered if you have a completed master’s degree; nor will probationary status be offered for those with a completed master’s degree.

Criminal background investigations are required for career advising purposes. Students may be prohibited from completing field work if background investigations reveal certain criminal offenses, arrests, and/or convictions. It is important to be aware that some schools/agencies have additional background investigations prior to acceptance at their field site. Please email the Department at cned@wiu.edu for additional information. Students will be required to complete a disclosure status (indicating whether or not a student’s criminal background status has changed) at various times throughout their program of study.

All students must register for the Comprehensive Examination while enrolled in internship II. The exam will be given during the student’s final internship semester and a passing score is required to advance to degree completion. The Comprehensive Examination policy may be viewed at wiu.edu/counselored.

Please note that admission requirements are subject to change when state regulations and/or national accreditation regulations change. Some changes may occur after submission of your application. Please make sure to keep abreast of these changes.

 Degree Requirements

The M.S.Ed. in Counseling degree has two options. Students may pursue a School Counseling option, which requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or may select a Clinical Mental Health Counseling option, which requires a minimum of 60 s.h. Students should consult with their advisor regarding proper sequencing of courses and specialization in either option.

The Counselor Education program limits the number of allowable semester hours of “C” grades or lower to 6 semester hours.

School Counseling Option

A grade of A or B is required for the following courses: CN 500, CN 547, CN 549, CN 581, CN 600, CN 592, CN 595, and CN 596.

I. Required Core Courses: 48 s.h.

CN 500 Introduction to Counseling Skills (3)
CN 515 Research and Program Evaluation (3)
CN 519 Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3)
CN 540 Marriage, Family, and Relationship Counseling (3)
CN 541 Lifestyles and Career Development (3)
CN 542 Assessment Techniques in Counseling (3)
CN 545 Counseling Theories and Applications (3)
CN 547 Techniques of Counseling: Pre-Practicum (3)
CN 549 Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Counseling (3)
CN 552 Counseling/Helping in a Multicultural Society (3)
CN 554 Counseling Across the Lifespan (3)
CN 581 Group Counseling: Theories and Procedures (3)
CN 592 Practicum: School Counseling (3)
CN 595 School Counseling Internship I (3)
CN 596 School Counseling Internship II (3)
CN 600 Diagnosis (3)
CN 655 Comprehensive Examination (0)

II. Required Directed Electives: 12 s.h.

CN 514 Foundations and Professional Orientation to School Counseling (3)
CN 516 Data Driven School Counseling Programs and Practices (3)
CN 518 Advocacy, Leadership, and Consultation in Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (3)
CN 544 Counseling Techniques for Children and Adolescents: Literacy and Play (3)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 60 s.h.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Option

A grade of A or B is required for the following courses: CN 500, CN 547, CN 549, CN 581, CN 591, CN 597, CN 598, CN 600, and CN 604.

I. Required Core Courses: 48 s.h.

CN 500 Introduction to Counseling Skills (3)
CN 515 Research and Program Evaluation (3)
CN 519 Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3)
CN 540 Marriage, Family, and Relationship Counseling (3)
CN 541 Lifestyles and Career Development (3)
CN 542 Assessment Techniques in Counseling (3)
CN 545 Counseling Theories and Applications (3)
CN 547 Techniques of Counseling: Pre-Practicum (3)
CN 549 Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Counseling (3)
CN 552 Counseling/Helping in a Multicultural Society (3)
CN 554 Counseling Across the Lifespan (3)
CN 581 Group Counseling: Theories and Procedures (3)
CN 591 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum (3)
CN 597 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I (3)
CN 598 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship II (3)
CN 600 Diagnosis (3)
CN 655 Comprehensive Examination (0)

II. Required Directed Electives: 12 s.h.

CN 520 Foundations and Professional Orientation to Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3)
CN 521 Standards of Care and Management in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3)
CN 551 Counseling for Addictions (3)
CN 604 Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology (3)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 60 s.h.

 Course Descriptions

Counseling (CN)

433G Special Problems in Counseling. (1, repeatable for different titles) Designed to provide a group of students an opportunity for further professional growth and to apply problem-solving approaches in dealing with specific issues. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Chairperson.

500 Introduction to Counseling Skills. (3, repeatable to 6) Introduction to basic counseling skills that facilitates development of a competent and authentic professional counselor. Experiential in nature, this course fosters the development of basic counseling skills necessary for establishing therapeutic relationships and serves as an opportunity for personal growth. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Counseling and permission of the Department Chairperson. Grade of A or B required.

514 Foundations and Professional Orientation to School Counseling. (3) This course will include an examination of the history and current trends of the profession of school counseling. College and career readiness and the national model as well as standards for school counseling will also be explored. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in School Counseling or permission of the Department Chairperson.

515 Research and Program Evaluation. (3) This course provides an understanding of research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation, including the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession and the use of research to inform evidence-based practice.

516 Data Driven School Counseling Programs and Practices. (3) A comprehensive data-driven school counseling model will be presented. This course utilizes experiential learning to help demonstrate school counseling program accountability and effectiveness through data-driven practices. Prerequisite: CN 514 and graduate standing in School Counseling or permission of the Department Chairperson.

518 Advocacy, Leadership, and Consultation in Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. (3) Advocacy, leadership, and consultation skills that can assist school counselors in creating systematic change in public or private school settings, K-12 will be studied. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in School Counseling or permission of the Department Chairperson.

519 Crisis and Trauma Counseling. (3) This course is designed to acquaint students with the special models, theories, and techniques of crisis intervention. Special attention is given to grief and trauma. Topics include prevention and intervention. Crisis management resources are explored in relation to grief, post-traumatic stress, suicide, domestic violence and child abuse. Ethical, legal, and social issues related to crisis intervention will also be addressed.

520 Foundations and Professional Orientation to Clinical Mental Health Counseling. (3) Introduction to the profession of clinical mental health counseling: history, accreditation, licensure, credentialing, professional organizations, advocacy, counseling philosophy, and use of technology. Topics include roles, functions, professional identity, and scope of practice/standards of care unique to the field of clinical mental health counseling with specific attention given to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and professional competencies.

521 Standards of Care and Management in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. (3) Current trends in the counseling literature/research and strategies for counseling specific to clinical mental health are explored. Designed to provide an understanding of the range of mental health service delivery such as inpatient, outpatient, partial treatment, and aftercare/and the clinical mental health counseling services network. Particular attention is given to managed care, HIPAA, public policy, needs assessment, consultation, and prevention. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Counseling or permission of Department Chairperson.

530 Crisis and Response I. (3) This course will cover models used in learning practices for first responders who are members of crisis mobilization unites. Rapid assessment, intervention and post crisis follow-up will be addressed as a part of an integrated crisis system.

533 Current Issues in Counseling. (1–3, repeatable under different titles) Designed to provide counselor education students and mental health practitioners an opportunity for further professional growth and in-depth exploration of special topics. Graded S/U.

540 Marriage, Family, and Relationship Counseling. (3) An introduction to basic concepts of family counseling and their application in school and agency settings.

541 Lifestyles and Career Development. (3) Assisting clientele in various settings with life's decisions; emphasis on development with respect to life roles; theories, procedures, materials, and informational resources related to lifestyle and career development counseling.

542 Assessment Techniques in Counseling. (3) Principles of measurement and assessment. The use of various assessment instruments, achievement, aptitude, intelligence, interests, and personality. Supervision in administering, scoring, and interpreting of individual evaluation methods. Lab fee required.

544 Counseling Techniques for Children and Adolescents: Literacy and Play. (3) Counseling theories, skills, materials, and methods of reading/reading for working with children and adolescents are covered. Children’s developmental stages, tasks, and needs relative to clinical practice are applicable. Play counseling techniques, adventure-based counseling skills and consultation are included. Prerequisites: CN 500 and graduate standing in Counseling or permission of the Department Chairperson .

545 Counseling Theories and Applications. (3) This course will survey the major concepts, practices, and applications of contemporary and foundational therapeutic systems in counseling. Students will gain an overview of the divergent contemporary approaches to counseling.

547 Techniques of Counseling: Pre-Practicum. (3, repeatable to 6) The development and mastery of basic counseling skills through a combination of didactic and experiential approaches. Session recordings, role playing, simulation, and practice in procedures will be utilized. Graded A or B required for majors. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Counseling or permission of the Department Chairperson; CN 500 with a grade of A or B.

549 Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Counseling. (3, repeatable to 6) This course explores legal, ethical and professional identity issues in counseling. Understanding of the current professional Codes of Ethics as well as state, federal civil and criminal law will be demonstrated. Grade of A or B required for majors.

551 Counseling for Addictions. (3) Principles and practices of addiction prevention and counseling with special application to the functions of counselors. Process addictions, dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders), family dynamics and motivational interviewing will also be discussed.

552 Counseling/Helping in a Multicultural Society. (3) This course will address theory and application of multicultural competencies and cultural humility. Students will explore the ethical treatment and intersectional identities of clients in the context of multicultural and diverse communities.

554 Counseling Across the Lifespan. (3) This course will address counseling theory in relation to issues pertinent to human development from a counseling and prevention perspective. It will focus on contemporary counseling approaches in addressing stages of human development, from normal and abnormal populations across the lifespan, stages of human development within a contextual and cultural perspective, and issues pertinent to human development.

581 Group Counseling Theories and Procedures. (3) Didactic and experiential learning in group theory and practice. This course involves experience as a group participant to develop self-awareness, acceptance, and effective interpersonal skills. Grade of A or B required. Prerequisite: CN 500.Graduate standing in Counseling or Permission of the Department Chair. Lab fee required.

591 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum. (3, repeatable to 6) Practicum provides opportunities for students to apply and expand counseling techniques and theories as they work with clients. Supervision will come on-site supervision, supervision from faculty and group supervision during class time. Practicum meets CACREP guidelines. Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework; a grade of A or B in CN 581, CN 547, CN 549, and CN 600. Graduate standing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

592 Practicum: School Counseling. (3, repeatable to 6) Practicum provides opportunities for students to apply and expand counseling techniques and theories as they work with clients. Supervision will come on-site supervision, supervision from faculty and group supervision during class time. Practicum meets CACREP guidelines. Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework: a grade of A or B in CN 547, CN 549, CN 581 and CN 600. Graduate standing in School Counseling.

593 Practicum: Counseling. (3, repeatable to 6) Supervised experience in counseling. Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework; a grade of A or B in CN 581 and CN 547; additionally, for the clinical mental health option a grade of A or B in CN 549 and CN 600; additionally, for the school option a grade of A or B in CN 548 and CN 602. Grade of A or B required.

594 Internship Orientation. (1) This course is designed for students in both the Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling tracks who enrolled and passed Practicum during the Spring semester. The class will cover requirements of Internship, clinical supervision, and professional dispositions. Prerequisite: CN 591 or CN 592.

595 School Counseling Internship I. (3, repeatable to 6) Requires a minimum of 300 supervised hours in school counseling, intended to reflect the experiences of a school counselor. The intern’s primary source of supervision shifts from the faculty to the site. Grade of A or B required. Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework. CN 592 with a grade of A or B. Graduate standing in School Counseling.

596 School Counseling Internship II. (3, repeatable to 6) Requires a minimum of 300 supervised hours in school counseling, intended to reflect the experiences of a school counselor. The intern’s primary source of supervision shifts from the faculty to the site. Grade of A or B required. Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework; Graduate standing in School Counseling. Co-requisite: CN 655.

597 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I. (3, repeatable to 6) Requires a minimum of 300 supervised hours in school counseling, intended to reflect the experiences of a clinical mental health counselor. The intern’s primary source of supervision shifts from the faculty to the site. Grade of A or B required. Prerequisite: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework. Graduate standing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

598 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship II. (3, repeatable to 6) Requires a minimum of 300 supervised hours in counseling, intended to reflect the experiences of a clinical mental health counselor. The intern’s primary source of supervision shifts from the faculty to the site. Grade of A or B required. Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework; Graduate standing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Co-requisite: CN 655.

599 Independent Study. (1–6, repeatable) An investigation of problems related to the student's major area. Ordinarily a substantial written and/or oral report will be required. Students will arrange the topic, procedures, and methods of reporting with the instructor. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Counseling and permission of the Department Chairperson.

600 Diagnosis. (3, repeatable to 6) This course examines the diagnosis of mental disorders employing the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Principles and practices related to DSM diagnosis, etiology, assessment, treatment planning, interviewing, and interventions are emphasized. Grade of A or B required. Prerequisites: CN 545. Graduate standing in Counseling or permission of the Department Chairperson.

601 Thesis. (3) Master's thesis in counseling. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Counseling and permission of the Department Chairperson.

604 Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology. (3, repeatable to 6) Course explores aspects of counseling related to psychopathology, abnormal and maladaptive behaviors. Students will demonstrate knowledge commonly prescribed psychotropic medications. Students will gain knowledge of using mental status exams, psychosocial history and developing treatment plans. Counseling interventions are addressed. Grade of A or B required. Prerequisites: CN 545 and CN 600 with grades of A or B required, graduate standing in Counseling or permission of the Department Chair.

655 Comprehensive Examination. (0) The comprehensive examination is required of all degree-seeking students. A passing score is required. Students not passing three or more sections will be required to complete oral and/or written exams. Students will pay fees for test registration. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all counseling coursework. Concurrent enrollment in CN 596 or 598 and be a student in good standing.