Counseling Graduate Program

Since the Fall of 2012, the counseling programs in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling have been offered both on campus and online. Our goal is to make the WFU Counseling Programs accessible to working professionals who desire to complete a master’s degree in counseling but cannot leave work for two years to complete the program on campus. More specifics about curriculum, admissions, faculty and other matters are outlined in the following sections. Click here to learn more about the part-time Masters in Counseling online program. 

Please view additional information pertinent to Online Campus Students in the MA Counseling programs on the Online Campus Program Information page.

Online Campus State Specific Information

Please find state specific information regarding licensure on our State Licensure Requirements page.

Course Requirements

The Master of Arts in Counseling degree is awarded to candidates who successfully complete a minimum of sixty semester hours in a planned and directed program of study. The program consists of a common core of courses to provide knowledge in eight areas: human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career and lifestyle development, appraisal, research and program evaluation, and professional orientation. The program also supplies clinical instruction with practicum and internship experiences. In addition, students must select a program specialty area—school counseling or clinical mental health counseling—in which they complete their internships and take courses that assure at least entry-level competence. First-year students in the full-time, Reynolda Campus program complete core courses such as Theories and Models, Professional Orientation to Counseling, Counseling Skills and Techniques, Research, Group Procedures, Life Span Development, Family Counseling, and Career Counseling. In the second semester of the first year, students begin their field experiences in Practicum. First semester Online Campus students will complete core courses including Professional Orientation to Counseling and Life Span Development or Theories and Models of Counseling and Research and Statistical Analysis in Counseling. Online Campus students begin their Practicum field experience in their sixth semester of course work.

In order to complete all requirements, summer school attendance is required between the first and second years for Reynolda Campus students. Online Campus students are able to complete the program in three years by continuing course work in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. In addition to academic coursework, students work an average of 20 hours each week in an internship in either a school or clinical mental health setting. Internships occur during the second year of the Reynolda Campus program and during semesters eight and nine for Online Campus students. All courses for full-time students are offered on the Reynolda Campus of Wake Forest University. None of the required Reynolda Campus courses are offered in a long-distance format or at night or on weekends. All classes for the Online Campus program are offered in a long-distance, online delivery format.

Continuance in the program and admission to candidacy are based on success in academic courses and on personal, ethical, and performance considerations. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Exam (NCE)  and/or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE). Those who complete the School Counseling track are eligible to apply for licensure with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. As a CACREP-accredited program, the program of study through the Department of Counseling generally meets the licensure requirements for other states. However, certain states may have additional requirements. For example, Florida requires a course in Human Sexuality. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their state licensing boards to determine what requirements are necessary and to plan for meeting those requirements, if any. State licensing board information and whether our program meets standards can be found on our State Licensure Requirements page. This page is updated annually. State licensing information can also be accessed through the American Counseling Association.

Wake Forest University Masters of Arts – Counseling Reynolda Campus Students and Online Campus Students

A minimum of 60 semester hours is required for Master of Arts degree in Counseling. The Program of Study includes fifteen required Core Courses, three Clinical Courses, and three courses in a Program Specialty Area.

CORE COURSES: (42 semester hours)

• CNS 721: Research and Statistical Analysis in Counseling (3)
  Qualitative and quantitative research methods. Analysis and evidence-based evaluation of research-based literature in the counseling field. Grant writing. Program evaluation. Descriptive, Inferential, parametric and non parametric statistical procedures involved in research.
• CNS 736: Appraisal Procedures for Counselors (3)
  Appraisal, assessment, and diagnosis of personality, emotional, intellectual, and learning characteristics and disorders of clients in schools, colleges, and community human service agencies. Use of tests in counseling as an adjunct to clinical impressions.
• CNS 737: Basic Counseling Skills and Techniques (3)
  Basic communication skills, helping relationships, and strategies for personal change. Issues and ethics in counseling.
• CNS 739: Advanced Counseling Skills and Crisis Management (3)
  Topics covered will be advanced and specialized counseling interventions including crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and emergency management models. Students will be required to demonstrate appropriate skill level.
  Pre-requisite: CNS 737 .
• CNS 740: Professional Orientation to Counseling (3)
  Covers the history, roles, organizational structures, ethics, standards, specializations, and credentialing in the profession of counseling. Public policy processes and contemporary issues are also considered.
• CNS 741: Theories and Models of Counseling (3)
  Study of theories and approaches to professional counseling: psychoanalytic (Freud, Adler, Jung), person-centered (Rogers), existential (May, Frankl), behavioral (Skinner, Glasser), cognitive/rational (Ellis), holistic/systemic, eclectic. Professional orientation, issues, ethics, cultural pluralism, and trends in counseling.
• CNS 742: Group Procedures in Counseling (3)
  An experiential and conceptual exploration of the psychological dynamics and interpersonal communication of small groups, including group structure, leadership models, group process and practice, stages of group development, group techniques, and ethical principles.
• CNS 743: Career Development and Counseling (3)
  Vocational development throughout life; psychological aspects of work; occupational structure and the classifications of occupational literature; theories of vocational choice and their implications for career counseling.
• CNS 747: Cultures and Counseling (3)
  The influence of culture in human development and in counseling relationships. A study of personal and ethnic diversity and commonality.
• CNS 748: Life Span Development: Implications for Counseling (3)
  Examination of major theories and principles of human development across the life span, including physical, psychological, intellectual, social, and moral perspectives.
• CNS 765: Addiction Counseling (3)
  Introduces the concepts of chemical dependency, counseling procedures and techniques, and treatment considerations. The student has opportunities to apply models of chemical dependency counseling to hypothetical situations at various stages of substance use.
• CNS 773: Family Counseling (3)
  Examination of the philosophy and goals of seven major theories of family counseling (Bowenian, Adlerian, psychodynamic, experiential/ humanistic, behavioral, structural, strategic) as well as the development of the profession of family counseling from a historical and current trends perspective. Differences between family counseling and individual/group counseling are highlighted and ethical/legal considerations for working with family units are stressed. Techniques associated with theories are demonstrated through video and play simulations. Research methods for gathering data on families are highlighted.
• CNS 780: Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Counseling (2)
  Provides an overview of the critical professional issues in counseling with emphasis on current ethical, legal, and values-related questions and the relationship of these issues to the counselor’s role in training, supervision, consultation, appraisal, and research.
  Pre-requisite: Advanced graduate standing or permission of instructor.
• CNS 786: Consultation and Program Development in Counseling (2)
  his course examines the theory and application of consultation in counseling! including consultation with families, schools, colleges and community agencies. The course also explores technologies used in counseling practice, and the ethical and practical implications of engaging in technology assisted counseling such as distance counseling.
•  CNS 790: Professional Identity Capstone Course (2)
  view and application of counseling skills, settings, practice parameters and other current issues necessary to integrate students into the profession of counseling. Pre-requisite: CNS 744

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CLINICAL COURSES: (9 semester hours)

• CNS 738: School Counseling Practicum (3)
  Supervised experience for the development of individual and group counseling skills under individual and group supervision in a school or clinical mental health agency. Involvement in direct service work and activities similar to those of regularly employed professional staff.
  Pre-requisite: CNS 737.

OR

• CNS 738: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum (3)
  Supervised experience for the development of individual and group counseling skills under individual and group supervision in a school or clinical mental health agency. Involvement in direct service work and activities similar to those of regularly employed professional staff.
  Pre-requisite: CNS 737.

AND

• CNS 744: School Counseling Internship I (3)
  Supervised counseling experience in a school, college, or community agency under a regularly employed staff member professionally trained in counseling. Observation of and active participation in direct service work to clients. Monitoring of audio or videotaped interviews. Case review. 
  Pre-requisite: CNS 738

OR

• CNS 744: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I
  Supervised counseling experience in a school, college, or community agency under a regularly employed staff member professionally trained in counseling. Observation of and active participation in direct service work to clients. Monitoring of audio or videotaped interviews. Case review. 
  Pre-requisite: CNS 738

AND

• CNS 745: School Counseling Internship II (3)
  Supervised counseling experience in a school, college, or community agency under a regularly employed staff member professionally trained in counseling. Observation of and active participation in direct service work to clients. Monitoring of audio or videotaped interviews
  Pre-requisite: CNS 744.

OR

• CNS 745: Clinical Mental Health Internship II (3)
  Supervised counseling experience in a school, college, or community agency under a regularly employed staff member professionally trained in counseling. Observation of and active participation in direct service work to clients. Monitoring of audio or videotaped interviews
  Pre-requisite: CNS 744.

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PROGRAM SPECIALTY COURSES: (9 semester hours)

School Counseling Program Specialty Courses

• CNS 749: School Guidance and Counseling (3)
  The organization and management of comprehensive school guidance and counseling programs. Individual and group counseling, consultation, coordination, and collaboration in student services in schools. Program development in elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
• CNS 746: Counseling Children (3)
  Theory and practice of counseling with children in schools and community agencies. Elementary school counseling; models, methods, and materials. Counseling children with special emotional, learning, psychological, or behavioral concerns.
• CNS 760: Issues in School Counseling (3)
  This course is designed to allow students to investigate current issues related to the practice of school counseling. The emphasis will be on identifying appropriate prevention responses to these issues. Counseling students only.

OR

Clinical Mental Health Program Specialty Courses

• CNS 771: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3)
  History, philosophy, organization, management, and delivery of counseling services in various clinical mental health settings. Preventative, developmental, and remedial strategies for use with various populations.
  
• CNS 770: Classification of Mental and Emotional Disorders (3)
  Analyzes healthy and unhealthy personality, as well as developmental and situational problems in adjustment. Studies the classification of mental disorders, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Examines appropriate ways in which diagnosis can be utilized by counselors to explore personality and systemic interventions for career, educational, and relationship concerns.
• CNS 762: Case Formulation and Treatment Planning–Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3)
  Examines case conceptualization (e.g., assessment, diagnosis) and treatment planning in clinical mental health counseling settings as well as contemporary issues related to clinical mental health counseling. Explores ethical and professional considerations for counselors’ interfacing with the legal system and in integrated behavioral health settings.

Approved Electives (0-6 semester hours)

• CNS 746: Counseling Children (3) (Elective for Clinical Mental Health Counseling students)
  Theory and practice of counseling with children in schools and community agencies. Elementary school counseling; models, methods, and materials. Counseling children with special emotional, learning, psychological, or behavioral concerns.
• CNS 770: Classification of Mental and Emotional Disorders (3) (Elective for School Counseling students)
  Analyzes healthy and unhealthy personality, as well as developmental and situational problems in adjustment. Studies the classification of mental disorders, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Examines appropriate ways in which diagnosis can be utilized by counselors to explore personality and systemic interventions for career, educational, and relationship concerns.
• CNS 750: The Vienna Theorists (3) (Reynolda Campus Students Only) 
  Examination of the original writings of four of the leading theorists of modern counseling, which is enhanced by a visit to the city in which they initially formulated their clinical ideas. Students read and discuss several original writings of each practitioner-Freud, Adler, Moreno, and Frankl-prior to and during a two-week stay in the Wake Forest University Flow House in Vienna during which they visit relevant historical sites and institutes.
• CNS 764: Creative Arts in Counseling (1-3) (Reynolda Campus Students Only)
  Examines history, theories, processes, and techniques of using the creative arts in counseling with clients throughout the life span. Particular attention is given to the visual and verbal arts, such as drawing, imagery, photography, cartooning, cinema, movement, dance, literature, drama, and music.
• CNS 766 (online): Crisis Prevention and Response (3)
  This course will present counseling approaches which effectively address crises. The course will examine the characteristics and impact of trauma and crisis and potential neurobiological responses. Students will gain knowledge and skills useful in theory-based prevention and response models and community-based strategies for a diverse society. Students will also explore counseling and human service contexts for application of assessment and intervention approaches in addressing specific crisis situations.
• CNS 767 (online): Human Sexuality (3)
  This course is designed for counseling students whose work will bring them into contact with clients experiencing problems and concerns with their sexuality. The course is designed to develop: a) students’ knowledge base related to human sexuality, b) an understanding of the varied sexuality issues which may be encountered in professional counseling practice, c) students’ skills in assessment and intervention skills with sexuality issues and d) increased awareness of one’s personal perceptions, attitudes and affect related to sexuality issues. Course participants will become more effective in identifying, assessing, and intervening with human sexuality related counseling issues.
• CNS 768 (online): Psychopharmacology for Counselors (3)
  Students will learn the basic prinicples of psychopharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and neurobiology as they pertain to their role as a professional counselor. They will learn how psychopharmacological drugs are classified, prescribed, and managed. The information presented in this course will prepare student to function as knowledgeable members of multi-disciplinary treatment teams serving clients seeking counseling services. Finally, students will gain knowledge about the important and complex ethical and legal issues that surround the use of psychopharmacological drugs.

Sequence of Courses

• Full-time Reynolda Campus Program
• Part-time Online Campus Program

The School Counseling Program is designed to provide prospective school counselors with the knowledge, skills, and competence necessary to establish and conduct effective developmental guidance and counseling programs in schools, kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The course of study that leads to a license in school counseling in North Carolina (and through reciprocity agreements leads to licensure in most other states), is based on the requirements of the North Carolina State Board of Education, and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty leads to eligibility, after passing the required examination and meeting the post-master’s supervised experience requirement, as a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina and may lead to licensure in other states, depending on their requirements. The course of study is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the core required courses in the program meet the eight CACREP core areas required by most states for licensure. In addition, students will gain professional knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to address a wide variety of circumstances within the clinical mental health counseling context.

This degree is an academic program for graduates who seek to enter the ministry with skills in both theology and in counseling. Full-time on-campus students accepted into the dual degree program can complete the requirements for both Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling degrees in four years instead of the usual five. In this combined program, neither the MDiv nor the MA in Counseling is compromised.

All classes are offered on the Reynolda Campus of Wake Forest University. At this time, the Dual Degree program is not available for students in the Online Campus Counseling program. The curriculum is in line with the accreditation bodies of both partners. Graduates will meet the educational requirements of licensure as professional counselors in North Carolina and in most other states.