School of Education

Department Chair: Dr. Alfred Bryant, Jr. Associate Professor Office: Education, Room 317 Phone: 910.775.4009 Email: alfred.bryant@uncp.edu

Prospective students should email the Graduate Office at grad@uncp.edu or visit the website at http://www.uncp.edu/grad.

Program Description:

UNCP offers a program of study leading to the Master of Arts degree in Service Agency Counseling. The primary objective of the program is to develop professional level competence in the application of psychological principles, counseling theory, and counseling techniques in order to facilitate personal development, personal adjustment, and interpersonal relations in service agency settings. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to become more sensitive to society and its dynamic qualities, as well as competent in designing and executing counseling and consulting activities. The program is housed in UNCP’s School of Education.

The Master of Arts in Service Agency Counseling is organized into four curriculum components:

1. A professional counseling core component focusing on counseling theory and techniques, methods of analyzing the individual, and research.

2.  A core of specialty area courses.

3. Laboratory/internship experiences enabling the student to apply theories, techniques, and skills under supervision in field settings.

4. Guided electives chosen to permit the student to fulfill personal objectives and interests.

 

Program Goals

The goals for the service agency counseling program are consistent with the outcomes expected of beginning counselors as described by professional organizations, accreditation agencies, and professional literature.  The program addresses the academic and career needs of a diverse group of counselors-in-training by offering a mixture of theoretical and applied training.  Input for program policies is solicited from the Counseling Programs Steering Committee.  The program  is designed to provide students with:

• advanced study in the theory of counseling individuals and groups;
• study of applied skills in counseling, testing, research, ethical practice, and service delivery techniques;
• advanced study in the theory and skills needed for work in service agency settings;
• the opportunity for the integration and reflection of theories and techniques into a defendable personal theoretical orientation to counseling in service agencies;
• improved counseling skills for individuals already employed in counseling positions;
• resources to enhance the potential for mental health within the region and state.

 

Internship Experiences

A counseling skills laboratory (PCN 6100) and a supervised internship are required of all students. Students must pass the Counseling Comprehensive Examination prior to enrolling in the counseling skills laboratory. The counseling skills laboratory experience is designed to refine basic counseling techniques, develop more advanced skills, and evaluate readiness for internship through the use of role playing, micro‑counseling, and video‑taping. A supervised internship in an appropriate field‑based setting is also required.

 

Portfolio

All students will be required to establish, maintain, and present a portfolio that demonstrates competencies in service agency counseling.  Students will receive guidelines for completing this requirement.  Students will present and orally defend their portfolios to a panel during the internship class.  The panel consists of a faculty member, student, and licensed practicing counselor.

 

Program-Specific Admissions Standards (see also Graduate Admissions)

a) All applicants for the M.A. degree are required to submit an essay detailing their professional experiences and their objectives in pursuing graduate studies.

b) The applicant must also demonstrate graduate-level writing skills in his/her essay (see item a, above) indicating program-career goal compatibility and evidence of the personal attributes expected of a professional counselor.

c) A personal interview with the program director may be requested.