Why Concordia University Wisconsin for Counseling?
- Courses are conveniently located in your area.
- Classes are taught by faculty who are also practitioners in the field of counseling.
- The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Course work is rigorous, comprehensive, and includes portfolio assessment.
- The Graduate Program at Concordia University is designed to prepare graduate students for leadership roles in professional education careers, specifically counseling. Students have the option of picking from two educational tracks: school counseling and professional counseling. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for licensure as a school counselor through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction or licensure as a Professional Counselor through the State of Wisconsin, Department of Regulation and Licensing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the program accredited?
Concordia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. The school counseling track is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and meets the licensing requirements for Counselor License #54 and Alternative Education License #952.
I am uncertain whether I want school or professional counseling. May I begin in one track and switch to the other?
The courses in the cohort program include both school and professional counseling students. You have the flexibility to switch your program until you begin your practicum.
What are entrance requirements?
Students are expected to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 and a degree in education, psychology, social work, sociology, nursing or ministry. GRE's are not required!
What materials are required to apply?
A complete application includes a one-page application, non-refundable $35 application fee, essay, resume, two recommendations and all official transcripts leading to your bachelor's degree.
Is a practicum included in the program?
Yes. The practicum is 600 hours. School counseling students are encouraged to complete 200 hours at each of three levels; elementary, middle school and high school under the supervision of a licensed school counselor. Professional counseling students complete their practicum hours in a community agency under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor.
Are transfer credits accepted?
Yes. During the application process, previous graduate credits will be reviewed for possible transfer to the counseling program. They must be at least 3 credits and have been taken within the past seven years.
What are the steps for licensure?
A praxis exam is required for all school counseling graduates. School counseling graduates must also complete an application for state licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Students seeking licensure in other states must contact their state Department of Public Instruction. After graduation, professional counseling students must work a total of 3000 hours as a professional counselor in an agency under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor. They are then eligible to sit for the professional counselor state licensure exam.
School or Professional Counseling Courses
| COUN 552 Social/Cultural Foundations |
3 credits |
| COUN 543 Theories and Issues |
3 credits |
| COUN 554 Theories of Personality |
3 credits |
| COUN 561 Career Counseling |
3 credits |
| COUN 587 Tests and Measures |
3 credits |
| COUN 582 Trauma Counseling |
3 credits |
| COUN 586 Design, Implementation and Evaluation |
3 credits |
| COUN 592 Professional Ethics |
3 credits |
| COUN 593 Individual Counseling |
3 credits |
| COUN 594 Group Counseling |
3 credits |
| COUN 598/603 Practicum 1 |
3 credits |
| COUN 599/604 Practicum 2 |
3 credits |
| COUN 627 Portfolio 1 |
0 credits |
| COUN 628 Portfolio 2 |
0 credits |
| COUN 629 Portfolio 3 |
0 credits |
| EDG 580 Family Development |
3 credits |
| EDG 632 Educating Students at Risk |
3 credits |
| EDG 633 Alternative Education |
3 credits |
| Total Credits Required |
45 credits |
*Please note: School Counseling students who do not hold a teaching license must also complete the following course which is not included as part of the cohort program.
EDG 620 Praxis: The Art of Pedagogy (3 credits) This course must be taken face to face in a classroom. It must also be completed before a student begins their practicum. Cohort students, with program director's approval, may complete this course at a college or university near their home. This course is offered on our Mequon campus during the summer.
How does the cohort program work?
A cohort is a group of students that complete an entire program of study together. Concordia's off campus cohorts are held at various locations around Wisconsin conveniently located to meet the needs of a busy teacher.
The courses within the cohort program are accelerated. Students will complete each course in eight sessions. Each cohort will include a maximum of 22 students. The small class size allows students to receive personal attention.
Classes are offered one evening per week. All classes are offered at the off-campus location. The program can be completed in 2 1/2 years including two practicums.
Where do I go for more information?
Aaron Dobberstein
Graduate Admission Counselor
800.330.9866 or 262.243.4576
Chuck Boyer
Program Director
Counseling Program
262.243.4476
