Program Objectives

The School Counseling Program prepares students for Residency level Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification in K - 12 settings, public and private. School counseling program objectives are: 

  1. To prepare reflective school counselors to be technologically competent, professional, ethical decision-makers, and knowledgeable of legal matters. 
  2. To prepare school counselors to be multicultural and social justice competent leaders who tailor their approach to align with clients’ cultural worldview, practice advocacy, value diversity, and promote social justice. 
  3. To prepare school counselors to use knowledge of human growth and development to improve client understanding, well-­being, addictions, and to enhance resiliency from a multicultural and social justice framework. 
  4. To prepare school counselors with career development knowledge and skills to help individuals make informed career decisions. 
  5. To prepare school counselors to demonstrate understanding and application of established and emerging counseling theories through effective use of empowerment techniques for working with diverse populations. 
  6. To prepare school counselors to demonstrate an understanding of established and emerging group counseling theories through effective use of group techniques for working with diverse populations. 
  7. To prepare school counselors to use their understanding of assessment to assess individuals’ abilities, aptitudes, achievements and interests. 
  8. To prepare school counselors to utilize research to evaluate services and make research based professional judgments. 
  9. To prepare school counselors to be change agents who plan, implement, and evaluate a student centered data-driven school counseling program that advances the mission of the school and to address substance use disorder issues in schools. 
  10. To prepare school counselors to work collaboratively with school staff, families, and community members to achieve common goals for the education of all K-12 students, improvement of schools, and advancement of the larger community. 
  11. To prepare school counselors with knowledge and skills to provide quality service in K-12 schools that lead to a more just and humane world.