Admission Requirements: - Current Masters degree in a counseling discipline other than School Counseling (e.g., Community Counseling. MFT, Rehabilitation Counseling); AND
- Degree must be from Mercer University or from another university with a program equivalent to a CACREP accredited counseling program (minimum 48 semester hours); AND
- Must apply to the Graduate School and satisfy all admissions requirements as for admission to the degree seeking programs (see link to admissions on the left)
In addition, candidates must meet one of the following three requirements: - Licensed as an LPC or LAPC and Certified by the NBCC as having met the requirements for National Certified Counselor or National Board Certified Counselor; OR
- Meet all current graduate degree academic requirements for LPC status in the State of Georgia and a passing score on the NCE; OR
- Hold an MSW with certification as a school social worker and at least two years of experience as such (will require extnesive coursework beyond the recommended 16 hours of study).
The program will generally be between 16 and 30 semester hours but may be more based on the evaluation. Under no circumstances will the program be less than 16 hours. No credit earned in this program may be applied toward any other advanced degree. All course work must be completed at Mercer University with the possible exception of 3 credit hours in Special Education and 3 credit hours in technology competence. Upon completion of the approved program and passing of the National Certified School Counselor Exam and the GACE Content Assessment in School Counseling, a recommendation for certification will be given through the Mercer University Tift College of Education Certification office.
APPROVED PROGRAM PLAN OF STUDY
COUN 631 Introduction to School Counseling
COUN 632 Leadership and Administration in School Counseling
COUN 623 Play Therapy or approved elective
COUN 624 Advanced Addictions Counseling or approved elective
COUN 633 Seminar in School Counseling
COUN 640 Field Experience 1: School Counseling
The Field Experience will involve at least 375 total hours (minimum) at each school level (P-5, 6-8, & 9-12) under the supervision of a certified school counselor at the school site or within the school system.
Other:
The following coursework is required for certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. This coursework is not included in the 16 credit hour requirement.
- Three credit hours in the education of exceptional children
- Instructional Technology
**Note: If you do not hold a clear, renewable teaching or service certificate, Mercer will not recommend you for certification, until you pass or exempt the GACE Basic Skills Assessment.
***Note: Special Education and Instructional Technology or their equivalents are required to become certified in Georgia. If already met through coursework or staff development, either or both of these courses may be waived.
Approval of the School Counseling program at Mercer University by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) is currently pending. Until such program approval is granted, the program at Mercer University will not lead to certification as a school counselor in the State of Georgia. PSC approval is in process and expected to be granted in late fall of 2008.
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