Maintaining Good Standing
M.A. students in the Department of Counselor Education must meet the following standards in order to remain in their degree programs and advance to candidacy and remain a candidate for a degree:
- maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00;
- successfully complete practicums and internships;
- maintain professional behavior consistent with the ACA Code of Ethics (American Counseling Association) and any additional code of professional ethics adhered to in any agency in which a student completes a practicum or internship; and
- demonstrate progress toward the degree through successful completion of semester hours specified in the curriculum plan and active registration each session (exceptions may be approved by the advisor).
Each student's academic and professional progress is reviewed annually. A written report is provided to the student and a copy is placed in the student's department file.
Probational Status
Students who earn a cumulative GPA lower than 3.00 are placed on probational status and are notified in writing. Students on probational status have two consecutive sessions to raise their GPA to the established standard. If that requirement is not met, a student may be removed from the program. Students are allowed one probational status during their program of study.
Learning Outcomes
Counselor Education Standards
The following are the standards of the Department of Counselor Education at the University of Iowa, which are the key performance indicators for M.A. students.
- acquire the awareness, knowledge, and skills of a professional counselor and/or counselor educator;
- develop a process of ongoing reflective practice in relation to cultural humility and the profession’s multicultural, social justice, and ethical counseling competencies and education;
- develop counseling skills that will address problems in living from a developmental/life span approach;
- cultivate a commitment to ethical practices and behavior in counseling, counselor education, supervision, and research; and
- acquire an understanding of the social, vocational, educational, and psychological needs of individuals served in various settings such as schools, vocational, or counseling centers.
The Master of Arts program in counselor education with a clinical mental health counseling subprogram requires a minimum of 60 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00. Full-time students can complete the program in approximately 20 months (four semesters).
The program prepares professional counselors to provide assistance with psychological wellness through flexible, consumer-oriented therapy to individuals experiencing various problems in living, including mental disorders and substance abuse. They combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical, problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic efficient path for change and problem resolution.
Clinical mental health counselors work in a variety of settings, including public government agencies; private practice; community mental health agencies; managed behavioral health care organizations; integrated delivery systems; hospitals, including the Veteran’s Administration; employee assistance programs; and substance abuse treatment centers. They provide interventions designed to help individuals with their immediate needs such as assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy, treatment planning, brief and solution-focused therapy, alcoholism and substance abuse treatment, psychoeducational and prevention, and crisis management.
The M.A. subprogram in clinical mental health counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates of the program are eligible for certification by the National Board for Certified Counselors. By completing the program's coursework, students also complete the courses they must take in order to apply for licensure as mental health counselors in Iowa.
The curriculum blends academic work with supervised clinical experiences. Students take practicum and internship concurrently with academic courses. The program concludes with a full-time internship (40 hours per week) during a spring semester. Students are assigned to mental health agencies or facilities that meet CACREP accreditation standards and that have programs or clientele who match a student's interests and educational objectives. Clinical placements require criminal background checks. Supervised practicums, internships, and comprehensive examinations are not offered during summer sessions.
The M.A. in counselor education with a clinical mental health counseling subprogram requires the following work.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| CSED:5202 | Introduction to Group Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5203 | Career Development and Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5221 | Theories of Counseling and Human Development Across the Life Span | 3 |
| CSED:5241 | Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice | 3 |
| CSED:5248 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Traditional, Vulnerable, and Special Populations in Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5249 | Medical and Psychopathological Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability | 3 |
| CSED:5250 | Multiculturalism in Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:5254 | Assessment and Appraisal | 3 |
| CSED:5278 | Applied Microcounseling | 3 |
| CSED:6342 | Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:6349 | Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:6352 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 12 |
| CSED:6353 | Pre-Practicum and Case Management in Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:6500 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least three of these (9 s.h.), in consultation with advisor: | ||
| CSED:4110 | Psychology of Food and Mood | 3 |
| CSED:4113 | Sleep, Sleep Deprivation, and Sleep Disorders | 3 |
| CSED:4114 | Psychology of Body Modification and Self-Image | 3 |
| CSED:4130 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| CSED:4131 | Loss, Death, and Bereavement | 3 |
| CSED:4132 | Introduction to Addictions and Impulse Control Disorders | 3 |
| CSED:4162 | Introduction to Couple and Family Therapy | 3 |
| CSED:4173 | Trauma Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:4174 | Positive Psychology | 3 |
| CSED:4175 | Motivational Interviewing | 3 |
| CSED:4176 | Child Abuse: Assessment, Intervention, and Advocacy | 3 |
| CSED:4179 | Sexuality Within the Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:4185 | Introduction to Substance Abuse | 3 |
| CSED:4187 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 |
| CSED:5280 | Topical Seminar in Counselor Education (may be taken more than once if the topic differs) | arr. |
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of a departmental comprehensive examination on the process and practice of clinical mental health counseling. Exams are offered only during fall and spring semesters.
Admission
Applicants must meet the department's general admission requirements. They should have a good academic record and relevant experiences. No specific undergraduate major area of study is required for the M.A. program, but a major in one of the social sciences is considered good preparation. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test (verbal and quantitative) is required. Postbaccalaureate work and volunteer experiences relevant to the field of mental health counseling is preferred. The program encourages applications from persons historically underrepresented in the field, particularly those with a disability and/or members of underrepresented groups. A personal interview is required, either in person or by telephone.
Applications for full-time study are accepted for fall semester entry; applications for full-time study are reviewed beginning Jan. 15. Applications for part-time study are accepted for fall and spring semesters and are considered when class space permits.
Students pursue a sequenced plan of study that begins in the fall semester. Although students may be admitted for any semester, the program highly recommends that full-time students begin in the fall.
The Master of Arts program in counselor education with a rehabilitation counseling subprogram requires a minimum of 60 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00. Full-time students can complete the program in approximately 20 months (four semesters).
The program prepares professional counselors to provide assistance in psychological wellness, employment, independent living, and personal or economic development to persons with disabilities and other individuals who encounter barriers in meeting their own functional needs.
Rehabilitation counselors work in a variety of settings, including public agencies such as state vocational rehabilitation programs and Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation programs, independent living centers, community-based rehabilitation centers and supported employment, psychiatric rehabilitation programs, transition from school to work programs, and private for-profit worker's compensation and insurance rehabilitation agencies. They provide interventions designed to help persons with disabilities adapt to the demands of their environments. They also prepare the environments to accommodate an individual's needs. Assessment, personal and vocational counseling, development of rehabilitation and treatment plans, case management, service coordination, psychosocial adjustment, job development, placement, and follow-up are typical services that rehabilitation counselors provide.
The program in rehabilitation counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates of the program are eligible for certification by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
The curriculum blends academic work with supervised clinical experiences. Students take one semester of practicum and one semester of internship concurrently with academic courses. The program concludes with a full-time internship (40 hours per week) during a spring semester. Students are assigned to rehabilitation agencies or facilities that meet CACREP accreditation standards and that have programs or clientele who match a student's interests and educational objectives. Clinical placements require criminal background checks. Supervised practicums, internships, and comprehensive examinations are not offered during summer sessions.
The M.A. in counselor education with a rehabilitation counseling subprogram requires the following work.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| CSED:5202 | Introduction to Group Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5221 | Theories of Counseling and Human Development Across the Life Span | 3 |
| CSED:5241 | Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice | 3 |
| CSED:5249 | Medical and Psychopathological Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability | 3 |
| CSED:5250 | Multiculturalism in Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:5253 | Forensic Rehabilitation and Case Management | 3 |
| CSED:5254 | Assessment and Appraisal | 3 |
| CSED:5278 | Applied Microcounseling | 3 |
| CSED:6341 | Occupational Information, Job Development, and Job Placement | 3 |
| CSED:6342 | Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:6346 | Practicum in Rehabilitation Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:6347 | Internship in Rehabilitation Counseling | 12 |
| CSED:6500 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least four of these (12 s.h.), in consultation with advisor: | ||
| CSED:4110 | Psychology of Food and Mood | 3 |
| CSED:4113 | Sleep, Sleep Deprivation, and Sleep Disorders | 3 |
| CSED:4114 | Psychology of Body Modification and Self-Image | 3 |
| CSED:4130 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| CSED:4131 | Loss, Death, and Bereavement | 3 |
| CSED:4132 | Introduction to Addictions and Impulse Control Disorders | 3 |
| CSED:4162 | Introduction to Couple and Family Therapy | 3 |
| CSED:4173 | Trauma Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:4174 | Positive Psychology | 3 |
| CSED:4175 | Motivational Interviewing | 3 |
| CSED:4176 | Child Abuse: Assessment, Intervention, and Advocacy | 3 |
| CSED:4179 | Sexuality Within the Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:4185 | Introduction to Substance Abuse | 3 |
| CSED:4187 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 |
| CSED:5280 | Topical Seminar in Counselor Education | arr. |
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of a departmental comprehensive examination on the process and practice of rehabilitation counseling. Exams are offered only during fall and spring semesters.
Admission
Applicants must meet the department's general admission requirements. They should have a good academic record and relevant experience such as assisting individuals with disabilities. No specific undergraduate major area of study is required for the M.A. program, but a major in one of the social sciences is considered good preparation. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test (verbal and quantitative) is required. Postbaccalaureate work experience relevant to the field of rehabilitation counseling is preferred. The program encourages applications from persons traditionally underrepresented in the field, particularly those with a disability and/or members of minority or ethnic groups. A personal interview is required, either in person or by telephone.
Applications for full-time study are accepted for fall semester entry; applications for full-time study are reviewed beginning March 1. Applications for part-time study are accepted for fall and spring semesters and are considered when class space permits.
Students pursue a sequenced plan of study that begins in the fall semester. Although students may be admitted for any semester, the program highly recommends that full-time students begin in the fall.
The Master of Arts program in counselor education with a school counseling subprogram requires a minimum of 60 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00.
The program prepares individuals to work effectively as counselors in K-12 school settings. It is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Successful graduates are eligible for K-12 school counselor licensure in Iowa.
During the first few semesters, students take core counseling courses, including coursework focusing on counseling children and adolescents, school counseling programs, and courses focusing on clinical practice in the schools (practicum and internship). Students are expected to complete at least 100 clock hours in practicum and 600 clock hours in internship activities in an approved school setting, under the supervision of an experienced licensed school counselor and a university faculty supervisor.
Students who enter without teaching licensure are required to take the following classes in education: EPLS:3000 Foundations of Education and EDTL:4900 Foundations of Special Education.
Students must complete program and department core courses as outlined on the Department of Counselor Education website before enrolling in CSED:6300 Practicum in School Counseling for the fall semester of their second year in the program. All students are required to complete a background check the semester before they enroll in the practicum. Students who are not licensed teachers must complete coursework in education before enrolling in the practicum.
Each student's progress is reviewed periodically by the major advisor and yearly by the school counseling program. Students who have successfully completed all prerequisites for CSED:6300 Practicum in School Counseling are reviewed in the semester before they take the practicum course, to assure that they are prepared for it. Additionally, students are evaluated to assure their readiness for the internship CSED:6321 Internship in Elementary School Counseling or CSED:6322 Internship in Secondary School Counseling, which requires assignment in approved schools for the fall and/or spring semesters.
The M.A. in counselor education with a school counseling subprogram requires the following courses.
Required Courses
The following schedule of required courses reflects a two-year program of study. Students who do not have teacher licensure are required to complete the following courses in education: EPLS:3000 Foundations of Education, EDTL:4900 Foundations of Special Education, and PSQF:6200 Educational Psychology. Students who have completed the required courses should consult with their advisor regarding electives in order to fulfill the 60 s.h. requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSED:4137 | Introduction to Educating Gifted Students | 3 |
| CSED:5200 | Professional School Counselor | 3 |
| CSED:5202 | Introduction to Group Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5203 | Career Development and Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5204 | School Culture and Classroom Management for School Counselors | 3 |
| CSED:5221 | Theories of Counseling and Human Development Across the Life Span | 3 |
| CSED:5222 | Counseling Children and Adolescents in Schools | 3 |
| CSED:5230 | School Counseling Program Leadership and Management | 3 |
| CSED:5250 | Multiculturalism in Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:5254 | Assessment and Appraisal | 3 |
| CSED:5278 | Applied Microcounseling | 3 |
| CSED:6300 | Practicum in School Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:6321 | Internship in Elementary School Counseling (consult advisor for options) | 12 |
| or CSED:6322 | Internship in Secondary School Counseling | |
| CSED:6500 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| EDTL:4940 | Characteristics of Disabilities | 3 |
| Electives (consult advisor) | 6 | |
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of a departmental comprehensive examination on the process and practice of professional school counseling. Exams are offered only during fall and spring semesters.
Admission
Applicants must meet the department's general admission requirements. They should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher. The department prefers that applicants have either one year of teaching experience or other successful experiences with children and/or adolescents, which they must document in a written statement. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test scores must be on file at the university (however, the GRE requirement has been suspended for the 2023–24 admissions cycle).
Applications are accepted for summer and fall entry and should be submitted by Feb. 1.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Counselor Education, M.A.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Subprogram
- Rehabilitation Counseling Program Subprogram
- School Counseling Subprogram
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 60 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSED:5202 | Introduction to Group Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5203 | Career Development and Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5221 | Theories of Counseling and Human Development Across the Life Span | 3 |
| CSED:5241 | Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice | 3 |
| CSED:5248 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Traditional, Vulnerable, and Special Populations in Counseling | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSED:5249 | Medical and Psychopathological Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability | 3 |
| CSED:5250 | Multiculturalism in Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:5254 | Assessment and Appraisal | 3 |
| CSED:5278 | Applied Microcounseling | 3 |
| CSED:6500 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSED:6342 | Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:6349 | Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| CMHC Elective b | 3 | |
| CMHC Elective b | 3 | |
| CMHC Elective b | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSED:6352 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 12 |
| CSED:6353 | Pre-Practicum and Case Management in Counseling | 3 |
| Final Exam c | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Work with academic advisor to determine appropriate graduate electives and sequence. Information about elective coursework is included in the General Catalog and on department website.
- c
- The comprehensive examination consists of a departmental comprehensive examination on the process and practice of clinical mental health counseling. Exams are offered only during fall and spring semesters.
Rehabilitation Counseling Program Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 60 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSED:5202 | Introduction to Group Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5221 | Theories of Counseling and Human Development Across the Life Span | 3 |
| CSED:5241 | Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice | 3 |
| CSED:5249 | Medical and Psychopathological Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability | 3 |
| CSED:5278 | Applied Microcounseling | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSED:5250 | Multiculturalism in Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:5253 | Forensic Rehabilitation and Case Management | 3 |
| CSED:5254 | Assessment and Appraisal | 3 |
| CSED:6341 | Occupational Information, Job Development, and Job Placement | 3 |
| CSED:6500 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSED:6342 | Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:6346 | Practicum in Rehabilitation Counseling | 3 |
| RCP Elective b | 3 | |
| RCP Elective b | 3 | |
| RCP Elective b | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSED:6347 | Internship in Rehabilitation Counseling | 12 |
| RCP Elective b | 3 | |
| Final Exam c | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Work with academic advisor to determine appropriate graduate electives and sequence. Information about elective coursework is included in the General Catalog and on department website.
- c
- The comprehensive examination consists of a departmental comprehensive examination on the process and practice of rehabilitation counseling. Exams are offered only during fall and spring semesters.
School Counseling Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 60 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits and course substitution allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a, b, c | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSED:5200 | Professional School Counselor | 3 |
| CSED:5221 | Theories of Counseling and Human Development Across the Life Span | 3 |
| CSED:5250 | Multiculturalism in Helping Professions | 3 |
| CSED:5278 | Applied Microcounseling | 3 |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSED:5202 | Introduction to Group Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5203 | Career Development and Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:5204 | School Culture and Classroom Management for School Counselors | 3 |
| CSED:5222 | Counseling Children and Adolescents in Schools | 3 |
| CSED:5254 | Assessment and Appraisal | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDTL:4940 | Characteristics of Disabilities | 3 |
| CSED:4137 | Introduction to Educating Gifted Students | 3 |
| CSED:5230 | School Counseling Program Leadership and Management | 3 |
| CSED:6300 | Practicum in School Counseling | 3 |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSED:6322 or CSED:6321 |
Internship in Secondary School Counseling or Internship in Elementary School Counseling |
12 |
| CSED:6500 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Final Exam e | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- a
- Students who enter without teaching licensure are required to take the following classes in education: EPLS:3000, EDTL:4900, and PSQF:6200; these three courses do not count towards the 60 s.h. required to complete the degree.
- b
- Prior to fall 2018 a minimum of 57 s.h. were required for degree completion. Therefore, students admitted prior to fall 2018 will complete 57 s.h. and will not be held to the 60 s.h. requirement.
- c
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- d
- Work with academic advisor to determine appropriate graduate electives and sequence.
- e
- The comprehensive examination consists of a departmental comprehensive examination on the process and practice of professional school counseling. Exams are offered only during fall and spring semesters.