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The counselor education program offers two areas of concentration leading to the degree of education specialist: school counseling and marriage and family counseling. The Ed.S. degree requires 66 hours and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

School Counseling

The Ed.S. in Counselor Education with a specialization in school counseling fulfills the certification requirements for endorsement as a K-12 school counselor in South Carolina. Students are advised to speak to the appropriate staff in the Office of Student Affairs (Wardlaw 113) for information about the certification requirements of other states. Completion of this specialization will also satisfy South Carolina’s academic requirements for application for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern (LPC-Intern). After the completion of the required post-degree clinical hours and supervision of these hours, licensure as an LPC is possible. Students are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board for more details.

Certification

In the school counseling certification degree program, the degree requirements and certification requirements are linked. Inasmuch as the certification requirements are the responsibility of the S.C. State Board of Education, if state regulations change, degree requirements are also subject to change. All students seeking school counseling certification must:

• successfully complete the requirements of the degree program
• achieve test scores at or above those established by the state on the program-appropriate exams (Praxis II Series); scores earned on the Praxis must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education, Wardlaw 113, USC, and to the South Carolina Department of Education
• submit to an FBI check for prior felony convictions (for initial S.C. certification applicants only)
• pay all certification fees as required.

Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling

The Ed.S. in Counselor Education with a specialization in marriage, couples, and family counseling will satisfy South Carolina’s academic requirements for application for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern (LPC-Intern). Completion of this specialization may also fulfill the academic licensure requirements of states that specify the completion of a two-year program of graduate study as a marriage and family counselor/therapist. Be advised that completion of this specific course of study does not prepare the graduate for endorsement by the University as a school counselor. The student must also be aware that state licensing boards may have additional academic and/or supervised clinical requirements beyond the qualifying degree in order to obtain a license to practice. Students are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board for application materials and to discuss these requirements with their advisors.

Admission

The Counselor Education Program recommends students for admission once a year.  Applicants should:

1. Apply the the Graduate School (www.gradschool.sc.edu)

2. Provide evidence ofthe admissions criteria listed below:

a.A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
b. Official transcripts of all completed college level work
c Two letters of recommendation as follows:

1) one from a former university instructor, when possible
2) one from a former or present employer

d. Examination scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Verbal and Quantitative sections or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
e. Letter of Intent stating the student’s desire to enter the degree program and outlining his/her long-term professional goals and estimated length of time to complete a program of study
f. Current resume
g. Contact Counselor Education, jcattell@mailbox.sc.edu, after you have applied.ments