The Department of Counselor Education offers programs leading to Master of Arts degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. The Counseling Programs further Clark Atlanta’s mission by preparing students to assume roles of leadership and service in society as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Certified School Counselors . The curricula of the department are designed to prepare candidates who are knowledgeable, critical thinkers, and competent, ethical change agents. This preparation takes place in a pluralistic teaching and learning environment that incorporates all educational means, including didactic courses, practicum and internships, on-line courses, research, and community service. The counseling programs are designed to meet the standards of the Licensed Professional Counselors and School Counselors based on Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists, the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Standards, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Mission
The mission of the Department of Counselor Education is to prepare candidates to assume roles of leadership and service in society as Licensed Professional Counselors and/or certified School Counselors based on Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists, the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Standards, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Vision
The vision of the Department of Counselor Education is to prepare a diverse pool of candidates who are knowledgeable, critical thinkers, and ethical change agents, who promote a more just society. Graduates are prepared to counsel and foster change through counseling in collaboration with schools and community stakeholders
Programs in Counselor Education
The Department of Counselor Education Program Goals
Upon graduation from the CAU counseling program, graduates will be able to:
- Comprehend and adhere to professional ethical standards and identity, including: the history and philosophy of the counseling profession, professional roles and responsibilities.
- Understand the uniqueness of human diversity and how it relates to the context of relationships, and issues in a pluralistic society.
- Understand and apply scientific processes, theory, and concepts to human behavior, human service systems and problems in human behavior at all developmental levels.
- Understand and integrate career theories, career decision making. Career planning and career assessment in counseling through work at an agency or school.
- Understand and apply basic helping skills necessary for effective counseling and consultation with individuals and groups in schools or agencies.
- Learn group theory and group practice as related to dynamics, counseling theories, group counseling methods, and group approaches,
- Understand individual and group assessment approaches and their utility in a pluralistic society.
- Understand appropriate research methods (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, case study), statistical analysis, needs assessment and program evaluation methodologies, as well as ethical concerns for conducting research and evaluating research in a pluralistic society.
- Understand and use basic technology: PowerPoint, Prezi, appraisal instruments, World Wide Web, e-mail, Google Docs, Zoom, and excel.
The Department of Counselor Education Program Objectives
- Introduce theory and concepts to human behavior, human service systems, and problems in human behavior at all developmental levels.
- Prepare candidates to provide individual and group counseling on personal concerns, community services, education and lifestyle development, and career planning in diverse settings.
- Prepare candidates for licensure as a Professional Counselor in Georgia and to qualify to take the National Counselor Examination.
- Prepare candidates for advanced studies and/or professional counseling careers in a variety of community settings.
- Train candidates to integrate individual and group counseling methods and practices.
- Conduct follow-up studies with appropriate stakeholders.
- Recruit students and faculty from diverse populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many hours is the program?
- Both programs have a 60-hour requirement which is 20 classes.
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- 3 years
- What is the student/teacher ratio?
- 1-: 15
- What time are the classes?
- 4:30 or 7:05
- Can I finish the program earlier and take more classes each semester?
- Yes, there is a FAST-TRACK Option
- Do you offer online classes?
- No
- Can I do both programs?
- It is possible but requires more time in the program and more money
- What are the requirements to be accepted to the program?
- The minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree, in most any discipline, 3.0 GPA, a letter of intent and three recommendations. An interview may be requested.
- When does the semester start and end?
- Fall semester starts the end of August and ends the Beginning of December, Spring Semester starts the middle of January and ends the beginning of May, Summer semester is from May through August.
- When do you accept new applicants?
- There is a November 15 and April 15 deadline. Exceptions can be made here.
- Do you offer scholarships?
- Yes, they are offered on an individual basis.
- Can I transfer my credits from another institution?
- You may transfer up to 4 credits from a CACREP accredited institution only.
- Will I need to select my own field site?
- You may have some input, but the final decision will be up to the department chair, field coordinator and/or SOE Director of Partnership and Clinical Experiences.
- What is the cost to attend?
- Approximately $2,500.00 per course.
- What is a full-time student?
- One who takes 3 classes
- What is a Part-time students?
- One who takes 2 classes, which is the minimum required.
- Who can I talk to if I have more detailed questions?
- The department chair, a faculty member, or staff administrator.
