COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling and Career Development is a graduate program designed to prepare students for professional counseling roles across educational, clinical, and career-focused settings. The program emphasizes the development of ethical, culturally responsive, and highly skilled counselors who can support the mental health, wellbeing, and personal growth of individuals from diverse backgrounds. It combines strong academic training with extensive practical preparation to ensure graduates are ready for real-world counseling practice.The program offers three main areas of study, each tailored to specific career paths. The Career Counseling specialization focuses on helping individuals explore and navigate their career development while also addressing personal and cultural factors that influence decision-making. Students learn to provide both traditional career guidance and deeper counseling support that helps individuals find meaning and purpose in their professional lives.The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization prepares students to become licensed mental health professionals who use psychotherapy and evidence-based practices to support clients facing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Graduates often work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential treatment centers, hospice care, or private practice settings, where they provide holistic and client-centered care.The School Counseling specialization is designed for those who want to work in K–12 educational environments. School counselors support students’ academic achievement, social-emotional development, and career planning. They work individually and in groups, and also collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to create equitable and supportive learning environments. This specialization emphasizes data-informed decision-making and culturally responsive practices to reduce barriers and promote student success.Overall, the M.A. in Counseling and Career Development provides comprehensive training that integrates theory, practice, and ethics. It prepares graduates to become compassionate, competent professionals capable of making a meaningful impact in schools, healthcare settings, and career development environments.