Degree Programs
The counseling program is a careful balance of theory with practice. Students are required to complete a practicum and a minimum of two internships. Over the years, the department has developed a variety of sites for experiential learning. These sites include elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, public and private social service agencies, and hospitals and businesses. Learning sites are jointly selected with advisement.
Additional information can be found on the Program Specific Information (Course Work, Candidacy & Portfolio Requirements) page.
Shippensburg University's Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is designed to develop expertise in advanced practice and clinical supervision that builds upon a requisite 48-credit master's degree.
This part-time 60-credit program will primarily serve license-eligible and licensed professional counselors who aspire to advance their professional knowledge and standing across advanced practitioner, clinical supervisory, counselor educator, and leadership positions in Pennsylvania and beyond.
A minimum of 60 semester hour credits of graduate work is required for the Master of Education degree with specialization in Counseling. Certification as a School Counselor by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires successful completion of four (4) PRAXIS Exams. All students must successfully complete the three (3) subtests of the PPST PRAXIS Exam prior to candidacy. The School Guidance and Counseling PRAXIS Exam (#0420) should be completed toward the end of a student's course of study, ideally following or while enrolled in Clinical Field Experience II and Organization and Administration of School Counseling Services.
- Dual (PK-12) School Counseling Specialization (Degree and Certification): The school counseling specialization is for those who are wishing to pursue working in the educational system as a school counselor. Our specialization is a PK-12 specialization, qualifying all graduates to work at any grade level in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school. Those in the school counseling specialization are expected to complete a practicum and two field classes, allowing for three experiences in schools with three separate supervisors.
The Master of Science degree with specialization in Counseling has been designed to meet the needs of students whose backgrounds and aspirations vary. Its orientation is toward persons who are preparing for service in areas other than elementary and secondary schools; therefore, completion of the Master of Science degree will not lead to certification as a school counselor. A minimum of 48 semester credit hours is required for completing all specialization degrees except for the Clinical Mental Health specialization, which requires 60 semester hour credits. A common core curriculum provides each student with a common base of substantive and experiential knowledge. The remaining credits are taken in an area of emphasis, which has been planned with the close assistance of an advisor.
Students in this Counseling program may select, with Departmental approval, an area of emphasis from the following: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, College Counseling, and College Student Personnel.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling emphasis is designed to prepare counselors with a significant level of diagnostic and treatment skills. Those selected into the program are expected to complete 60 credits.
- College Student Personnel: The College Student Personnel emphasis provides preparation for students who plan to work as student affairs educators in colleges, universities, or community colleges.
- College Counseling and Student Affairs: The College Counseling emphasis prepares counselors to work in college, university, and community college settings.
For more information about Certification-Only School Counseling, please look at this PDF file.
To apply for a graduate assistantship online, follow the directions here.
In addition to applying online, you may also contact graduate assistantship supervisors directly. Contact information for supervisors as well as descriptions of assistantships is provided in the link above.
Shippensburg University provides financial assistance to graduate students through graduate assistantships (GAs), student life graduate assistantships (SLGAs), graduate residence director appointments, student loans, and student payroll positions (SPPs).
Graduate assistant appointments can provide you with the opportunity to participate in professionally-related activities with faculty and administrators. These assignments can extend your learning experience beyond the classroom and enhance your professional development.
GA and SLGA appointments are awarded on a competitive basis, without regard to financial need. They provide a tuition waiver as well as compensation for work performed.