The non-certification program in School Counseling is designed for those who want to work with children and youth in positions that do not require state licensure/certification as a school counselor, or who may want to enter a school counselor licensure/certification program at a later date, or who may want to gain a strong general foundation in areas such as counseling theory, child development, and education best practices in preparation for a variety of other occupations and career paths.
Admission
In addition to general admissions requirements, admission to this degree program requires applicants to have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or have a GPA in the top 50th percentile for coursework completed during the most recent two years of the applicant’s post-secondary education.
Admission to the non- certification Master of Education Elementary and Secondary School Counseling degree program requires the candidate to complete the following:
1. Complete and submit the Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent to Wilmington University's Office of Graduate Admissions. Please note that any graduate course(s) accepted for transfer into the program must have a letter grade of B or higher and be from a degree-granting, regionally accredited institution. With official transcripts, submit a copy of your Immunization Records.
3. Schedule and participate in a program planning conference with program academic advisor.
4. Register for MED 6102 (E-folio) a prerequisite for all other courses in the program
Program Purpose
Program Purpose
The Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling non-certification program prepares candidates to address the academic, career, and social/emotional, developmental needs of children and youth. This graduate program is aligned with the philosophy and vision of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, the ASCA Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs, the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. These standards emphasize training in the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program promoting leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change to enhance student achievement and success.
Outcomes Assessment
The assessment of outcomes involves multiple measures throughout the program. Grades on assignments and for courses are the first level of assessment. Course goals, learning outcomes, assignments, and assessments are designed to address program competencies as well as graduation competencies. Other measures may include observation of candidate performance in authentic or simulated settings, surveys, standardized tests, and performance assessments.
Dispositions and Skills
Counselor dispositions and skills are assessed throughout the program to ensure candidates are prepared to effectively work with children and youth. MEC instructors assess candidates based on five specific areas: academic performance, intrapersonal factors, interpersonal relationships, and professional behavior. This comprehensive evaluation process enables candidates to receive mentoring and coaching to foster growth necessary for success as a school counselor. See full description and details of the disposition and skills evaluation process in the MEC Program Handbook.
Program Competencies
Program competencies, the ASCA Professional Standards and Competencies and the ASCA Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs (ASCA, 2019), are implemented and assessed throughout the program. Both sets of ASCA standards and competencies outline the mindsets, behaviors, and skills school counselors need to meet the demands of the school counseling profession. The MEC program implements and assesses ASCA mindsets and behaviors to ensure aspiring school counselors are equipped in establishing, maintaining, and enhancing school counseling programs that address academic achievement, career planning, and social/emotional well-being. The standards and competencies can be accessed in their entirety through the ASCA website.
Program Design
The non-certification program of the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling curriculum is designed on a three-tiered system focusing on various competencies and skills. Level 1 courses provide content knowledge which establishes the foundation for counseling skill development in Level 2 courses. Levels 1 and 2 provide the necessary competencies and skills to move to the clinical experience at Level 3 including a supervised 200-hour practicum.
Program Requirements
Completion of the degree includes successful completion of the courses within Levels 1 and 2, and a non-certification 200-hour practicum. Twenty-one (21) semester credits in counseling theories, human behavior, college and career readiness, school counseling ethics, measurement and accountability, consultation, and working with special needs populations are required in Level 1. The minimum passing grade of a C or higher is expected for each Level 1 course; however, a candidate must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to gain access to Level 2 courses. Twelve (12) semester credits in individual counseling, family counseling, and group counseling strategies and techniques are required in Level 2. The minimum passing grade of a B or higher is expected for all Level 2 courses. Three (3) semester credits of practicum (locations vary depending on career goals and exclude the K-12 school setting) and an elective course are required to fulfill the clinical portion of the program.All degree-seeking candidates in the MEC program are required to demonstrate graduation and program competencies by engaging in a prescribed variety of related counseling activities.
Course Requirements
Candidates must complete the 11 academic courses below in appropriate sequence to meet prerequisite requirements and a supervised non-certification 200-hour practicum:
Level 1 Coursework
| MED 6102 | E-Folio | 0 |
| MEC 6400 | Introduction to School Counseling & Theories | 3 |
| MEC 6402 | Human Behavior and Child Development | 3 |
| MEC 6607 | Ethical Issues in School Counseling | 3 |
| MEC 7213 | College & Career Readiness K-12 | 3 |
| MEC 7502 | The Counselor as Consultant | 3 |
| MEC 7503 | Special Education Law and the School Counselor's Role | 3 |
| MEC 7701 | Testing, Measurements, and Research in School Counseling | 3 |
Level 2 Coursework
Level 3 Clinical Experience
| MEC 7600 | Non-Certification Supervised Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| AND | |
| MEC 6901 | Classification of Psychopathology | 3 |
| OR | |
| MEC 6600 | Introduction to Drug/Alcohol Counseling | 3 |
| OR | |
| MEC 6608 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| OR | |
| MEC 7806 | Research Methods, Statistics, and Accountability in School Counseling | 3 |
| OR | |
| an MEC seminar to be approved by the Program Chair | |
Qualifications for Degree
To qualify for the non-certification degree program in school counseling, a candidate must successfully complete all 39 credit hours, a 200-hour non-certification practicum, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. The program must be completed within five years.
To qualify for the non-certification degree program in school counseling, a candidate must successfully complete all 39 credit hours, a 200-hour non-certification practicum, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. The program must be completed within five years.