COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling at Wichita State University requires students to complete a criminal background check after admission and before beginning coursework. This requirement helps ensure student eligibility for field placements and alerts students to any issues that could affect future licensure or employment. The program offers several 60-credit-hour specializations, each combining counseling theory, human development, assessment, ethics, multicultural counseling, practicum experiences, internships, and elective coursework. The School Counseling track prepares students to work in PK–12 educational settings and includes specialized courses in school counseling foundations, consultation, leadership, advocacy, and professional school counseling. Students complete practicum and internship experiences and may pursue Kansas school counselor licensure. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares graduates for careers in community mental health agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice while meeting the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Kansas. Coursework includes psychopathology, crisis counseling, addiction counseling, family systems, clinical practicum, and internships. The Addiction Counseling track follows a similar structure but places greater emphasis on substance abuse treatment, recovery support, crisis intervention, and addiction-focused practicum experiences. Graduates are prepared to work in treatment centers, behavioral health organizations, and community agencies serving individuals with substance use disorders. The Sports Counseling track is a unique specialization designed for students interested in supporting athletes and student-athletes through counseling, mentoring, advising, and personal development services. Specialized courses focus on counseling student athletes, athlete identity development, mental health, and performance-related challenges while still meeting professional counseling licensure requirements. Across all tracks, students must maintain strong academic performance, including minimum grade requirements in key counseling skills, practicum, and internship courses. Students may choose either a thesis option, which requires additional research credits and an oral defense, or a non-thesis option that culminates in a comprehensive examination. The program’s combination of classroom instruction, supervised practicum experiences, internships, and flexible evening, online, and hybrid courses provides extensive hands-on training and professional preparation. Graduates are equipped for careers as school counselors, clinical mental health counselors, addiction counselors, sports counselors, academic advisors, student affairs professionals, and behavioral health specialists, while also meeting educational requirements for professional licensure in Kansas and many other states.