OVERVIEW
Waynesburg University has emerged as a leader in counselor education. Our Master of Arts in Counseling Program is designed in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA). Waynesburg University will prepare you to be a professional counselor who is caring, competent and committed to helping others.
The Counseling program has two specialized tracks, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Addiction Counseling. The program also offers courses in Christian Counseling. All courses are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of students.
The counseling profession has grown significantly during the past decade and is expected to grow “much faster than average” through 2016 according to the US Department of Labor. As licensed professionals, counselors are now able to practice independently and receive reimbursement from medical insurance companies. Counseling is a growing field with exciting personal and professional growth opportunities.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
University Mission Statement
Waynesburg University educates students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so they might faithfully transform their communities and the world. As a Christian comprehensive University, we strive to inspire and challenge every undergraduate and graduate student to a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.
Master of Arts in Counseling Purpose Statement
To develop professional counselors who have the ability and willingness to support and enhance the emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual development of others through the creative and caring use of counseling theories and techniques.
Goals for the Master of Arts in Counseling are to prepare professional counselors who are able to:
- Respect the dignity, integrity and humanity of all those they serve in their counseling activities;
- Maintain adequate self-awareness, emotional health and moral integrity in order to enhance their responsiveness to the needs of others;
- Articulate a professional philosophy and theoretical orientation that guides their counseling approach;
- Provide competent counseling that is guided by the ethical principles of the American Counseling Association and reflect the values inherent in the Judeo-Christian heritage;
- Articulate the essential tenets of the major theories of counseling and the application of these theories in a variety of clinical settings with a range of presenting problems;
- Effectively apply counseling theory and technique to address concerns raised in individual, group, family, and career counseling;
- Demonstrate knowledge of developmental stages and processes across the lifespan and use this knowledge to inform therapeutic interventions and strategies;
- Think critically and creatively regarding research and treatment methodologies in the fields of counseling and psychology;
- Demonstrate in their personal and professional lives an awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural diversity, gender equity, and social justice;
- To competently evaluate individuals and programs through a variety of assessment instruments and methodologies;
- Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with clients, peers, and the community at large, using a variety of traditional and electronic media;
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills set forth by the American Counseling Association.
