All students must meet the Requirements for the Master's Degree
Overview
There are 2 tracks of study in the Graduate Counseling Program: the school counseling program (60 credits) and the clinical mental health program (60 credits). Students may elect to enroll in both programs - the Dual Option, which is 76 credits. The Graduate Counseling Program (including all specialty programs) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The school counseling program meets the requirements set by the State of Vermont Department of Education for preparing school counselors (K-12) for licensure in Vermont, and the clinical mental health counseling program meets the academic requirements set by the Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners for preparing clinical mental health counselors for licensure in Vermont.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Science
Submit the following (below) to the University of Vermont Graduate Admissions Office. Please be advised that the UVM Graduate College uses an online admissions process. Applications received by January 15 will be considered for the following Fall matriculation.
- Graduate Application Form: Available on-line from the Graduate College
- Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose will be reviewed for clarity of expression, grammatical construction, and insight regarding the applicant's reasons for pursuing study in the Counseling Program. The statement of purpose must also include information as to how the applicant’s experience and/or reasons for study will advance the Counseling Program’s mission regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.
- 3 Letters of Recommendation: Letters written by individuals who have a professional relationship with the applicant and who are well acquainted with the applicant’s accomplishments and potential for becoming an effective counselor are considered valid letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should be from an academic advisor or instructor. Please do not include letters written by personal friends or acquaintances.
- Official College Transcripts: An official college transcript of course work (undergraduate and graduate) should be submitted from every college and/or university attended.
- Professional Resume: An up-to-date resume that attests to the applicant's education, work, and volunteer experience should be included in the application packet. Work experience in counseling or in a related field is highly desired.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Applicants whose native or first language is not English must submit TOEFL (or IELTS) test scores for admission. Minimum acceptable scores for admission may be found on the Graduate College Admissions website.
After an initial review of applications, qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a group interview. The applicant will be interviewed with a small group of others who are also applying to the Counseling Program. The group interview is critical in the application process. Faculty will be looking for evidence of candidates’ self-awareness, awareness of social and cultural issues, ability to communicate with others, and interest and commitment to the profession of counseling. The interview will also offer candidates an opportunity to receive information about the Counseling Program at UVM and meet other students applying to the program.
Minimum Degree Requirements
The Graduate Counseling Program offers 2 specialty programs: school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Students may also select the Dual Option which includes preparation in both specialty programs. 60 credits are required for completion of the school counseling program, 60 credits are required for the clinical mental health counseling program, and 76 credits are required for the Dual Option. Successful completion of the program is based on the demonstration of appropriate knowledge, relevant skills, and professional disposition, as well as the accumulation of credits.
| School Counseling Program Course Requirements | ||
| CNSL 6750 | Lab Experience in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6200 | Dev. Perspectives in CNSLNG | 3 |
| CNSL 6500 | Prof Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6740 | Counseling Theory & Practice | 3 |
| CNSL 6630 | Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| CNSL 6400 | Development Guidance in Schls | 3 |
| CNSL 6770 | Diversity & Intersectionality | 3 |
| CNSL 6920 | Group Counseling Experience | 1 |
| CNSL 6000 | Research Methods in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6410 | Diagnosis in School Counseling | 1 |
| CNSL 6420 | Assessment in School CNSLNG | 1 |
| CNSL 6991 | Counseling Internship (Taken twice for 6 credits total) | 6 |
| CNSL 6930 | Adv Group:Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CNSL 6440 | Modalities: Counsel Child & Ad | 3 |
| CNSL 6880 | Family and Couples Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6810 | Counsel/Career&Lifestyle Dev | 3 |
| CNSL 6760 | Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6990 | Special Topics (3 credits must be Leadership for Transformational SC) | 12 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
| Clinical Mental Health Program Course Requirements | ||
| CNSL 6750 | Lab Experience in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6200 | Dev. Perspectives in CNSLNG | 3 |
| CNSL 6500 | Prof Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6740 | Counseling Theory & Practice | 3 |
| CNSL 6630 | Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| CNSL 6610 | Practice of Mental Hlth Cnslng | 3 |
| CNSL 6450 | Diagnosis in CMH Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6770 | Diversity & Intersectionality | 3 |
| CNSL 6920 | Group Counseling Experience | 1 |
| CNSL 6000 | Research Methods in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6870 | Therapeutic Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| CNSL 6991 | Counseling Internship (Taken more than once; 6 credits required) | 6 |
| CNSL 6930 | Adv Group:Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CNSL 6440 | Modalities: Counsel Child & Ad | 3 |
| CNSL 6880 | Family and Couples Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6520 | Assessment in CMH Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6760 | Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6810 | Counsel/Career&Lifestyle Dev | 3 |
| Counseling Elective | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
| Dual Option Program Course Requirements | ||
| CNSL 6750 | Lab Experience in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6200 | Dev. Perspectives in CNSLNG | 3 |
| CNSL 6500 | Prof Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6740 | Counseling Theory & Practice | 3 |
| CNSL 6630 | Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| CNSL 6610 | Practice of Mental Hlth Cnslng | 3 |
| CNSL 6450 | Diagnosis in CMH Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6770 | Diversity & Intersectionality | 3 |
| CNSL 6920 | Group Counseling Experience | 1 |
| CNSL 6000 | Research Methods in Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6870 | Therapeutic Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| CNSL 6991 | Counseling Internship (4 semesters; 12 credits required) | 12 |
| CNSL 6930 | Adv Group:Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CNSL 6440 | Modalities: Counsel Child & Ad | 3 |
| CNSL 6880 | Family and Couples Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6520 | Assessment in CMH Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6760 | Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| CNSL 6400 | Development Guidance in Schls | 3 |
| CNSL 6810 | Counsel/Career&Lifestyle Dev | 3 |
| CNSL 6990 | Special Topics (3 credits must be Leadership for Transformational SC) | 12 |
| Total Credits | 76 | |
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive exam for the Graduate Counseling program consists of the oral defense examination for the clinical mental health program and the Vermont Level I Licensure Portfolio for the school counseling program. They must be completed in full by the end of the student's last semester in the program.
The oral examination is designed to be an assessment of a student's knowledge of fundamental elements of clinical mental health practice. The exam process requires a written submission as well as a digital video recording of a clinical session at 3 points in time during the program. A standard format for the oral exam is adhered to by the orals committee and communicated in advance to the students in oral and written format.
The Vermont Level I Licensure Portfolio required by the Vermont Agency of Education is designed to be a comprehensive assessment of a student's knowledge and engagement in School Counseling practice. A standard format for the portfolio is adhered to by the portfolio reviewers and communicated in advance to the student in oral and written format.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science
Successful completion of any prerequisite courses, and at least 15 graded graduate credits with a 3.00 GPA or better, including all core courses.