The mission of the Seattle University graduate counseling program is to prepare ethical, clinically skilled, and multiculturally competent counselors to become leaders and advocates who confront injustice.
Community Counseling
Preparing students to work in various mental health settings, this program includes an internship at a mental health counseling agency, e.g., youth service bureaus, mental health centers and correctional facilities. Students preparing for post-secondary setting may take appropriate electives and complete an internship in a post-secondary setting.
Integrated philosophy
The community counseling program is based on the belief that effective counselors have:
- a sense of personal identity and an understanding of the process of identity formation that guides their work and governs their professional ethics
- a commitment to social justice and working with diverse populations
- a thorough grounding in basic counseling skills compatible with any theoretical orientation
- knowledge of a variety of classical and contemporary counseling theories and ability to integrate these into their own evolving theoretical foundation
- managed the stresses of a demanding profession by developing effective coping skills
- developed a professional and personal support system to nourish and sustain them.
Reputation
Seattle University's College of Education has, for over 40 years, prepared highly qualified teachers, counselors and administrators. The community counseling program has a 30-year reputation of graduating outstanding counselors who have become leaders in the counseling profession. Members of the Seattle University counseling faculty are recognized by their peers for excellence and professionalism.
Designed for working professionals
Designed to meet the needs of working people, an average program of study is usually completed within two and one half to three years. Courses are offered in the afternoons and evenings and meet weekly.
Strong clinical experiences
Of the 72 credits required for the degree, 29 credits are experiential courses in which students work with actual clients, individually and in groups, and receive feedback from faculty and peers. All students complete a 9-month internship in a mental health agency, youth service bureau, correctional facility, or another appropriate facility or organization. Program graduates are often hired at their internship sites. All sites are considered first-rate internship opportunities.
Classes and degree requirements: Community Counseling
School Counseling (K-12) Program
School counselors perform a vital role in facilitating change - for students, teachers, parents, and schools as a whole. This school counseling program emphasizes helping skills that are applied in the context of a comprehensive counseling and guidance program. School counseling students become multiculturally competent and skilled social change agents, achievement advocates, and educational leaders who address issues of equity to help youth reach their educational, career and personal/social potential.
Integrating Counseling and Leadership
The foundation for this school counseling program is belief in the dignity and worth of every individual, with a focus on diversity, ethics and social justice. The program expects its graduates to take an active role as change agents who are dedicated to improving conditions for personal growth and enhanced academic and career success.
As schools increase their focus on student achievement of standards, state-required assessment and expanded requirements for high school graduation, school counselors must be prepared to participate in the educational process. They must also possess finely honed counseling skills to support others during times of change. As transition specialists, school counselors are strategically positioned to help students and families adjust to normal developmental stages, unexpected changes in personal or social situations, increased pressure for academic performance, and changing requirements for success in school and beyond. Because of their broad role in school settings, school counselors have contact with virtually all students and teachers. In that capacity, they identify and respond to school-wide issues that impede academic and personal/social development.
Counseling faculty provide educational experiences and support for school counseling students to develop strong clinical skills they will use in a variety of settings: individual and small group counseling, referral to outside agencies, classroom instruction for grades K-12, educational placement and career guidance, school-wide initiatives, and professional development for other staff. Throughout their learning experience at Seattle University, school counseling students form close relationships that lead to a strong professional network after graduation.
Certification
Persons serving as education staff associates in public schools shall hold certificates authorized by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) for service in these roles as required by statute or rules of the PESB. The university recommends a student who has successfully completed an approved program to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction which issues the School Counselor Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification. This certification program is included in the master’s degree in school counseling described below.
Reputation
Seattle University's College of Education has, for over 40 years, prepared highly qualified teachers, counselors and administrators. The school counseling program has a 30-year reputation of graduating outstanding counselors who have become leaders in the counseling profession. Members of the Seattle University counseling faculty are nationally recognized scholars who are actively engaged in shaping the state and national agenda for school counseling and frequently contribute to state, regional and national conferences. They are recognized by their peers for scholarship, excellence and professionalism.
Program Design
The school counseling program seeks students with strong interpersonal and academic skills who are passionate about helping others, particularly children and adolescents. Courses are offered throughout the year, including summers, at times that meet the needs of working professionals. Most students meet the requirements of this 72-credit program within two to three years. During that time, they will interact with others from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
Program requirements include a mix of counseling and education-related courses. All students complete a three-quarter internship at an elementary, middle or high school during a regular school year. Once students complete the program, they can be recommended to the state of Washington for an Education Staff Associate (ESA) certificate, which qualifies them for positions as school counselors. Employers of Seattle University counseling graduates continually express their satisfaction with the program and seek to fill vacancies with Seattle University students.