COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling at Wichita State University offers four specialized 60-credit-hour tracks: School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, and Sports Counseling. All tracks provide a strong foundation in counseling theory, human development, multicultural counseling, assessment, ethics, research, career development, group counseling, and supervised practicum experiences. The School Counseling track prepares students for PK–12 school counselor licensure and includes courses in school counseling foundations, leadership, advocacy, and professional school counseling, along with practicum and internship experiences. Students must earn at least a B in key counseling skills and practicum courses and may pursue either a thesis or nonthesis option. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares graduates for future licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kansas and includes specialized coursework in psychopathology, crisis counseling, family systems, addiction counseling, and clinical mental health practicum and internships. The Addiction Counseling track follows a similar curriculum but emphasizes substance-use treatment and addiction-focused practicum experiences, preparing graduates for careers in rehabilitation centers, community agencies, and behavioral health organizations. The Sports Counseling track combines professional counseling training with specialized courses focused on student-athlete identity development and counseling student athletes, preparing graduates for positions in athletics departments, higher education, and student support services while also meeting educational requirements for counselor licensure. All tracks require extensive supervised field experiences through practicums and internships, ensuring students gain practical counseling skills in real-world settings. Elective coursework allows students to tailor their education to specific career goals and interests. Graduates are prepared for careers in schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, universities, community agencies, athletic departments, and private practice settings, depending on licensure and specialization. The program combines academic coursework, professional training, ethical practice, and applied learning experiences to develop competent counseling professionals capable of supporting individuals, families, students, and diverse populations across a wide range of personal, educational, and mental health needs.