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EARN A MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION IN COUNSELING

Concentrations in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling & Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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CHOOSE YOUR CONCENTRATION

The Department of Counseling and Student Affairs offers a MAE in Counseling. Included in this degree option are two concentrations students may choose for their programs of study to their primary areas of interest:

Why Choose WKU’s Counseling Programs?

Our faculty and students value experiential learning. Most of our classes are offered face to face on WKU’s Bowling Green campus, during the week in the afternoon and evenings and occasionally on weekends. Since we also offer a cohort model, many of our students become lifelong learners, colleagues and friends. The Department also offers a team of exceptional faculty who are highly experienced and trained; and highly motivated to mentor and support students throughout their academic journey and beyond. Check us out!

The Department of Counseling and Student Affairs is honored to house the Talley Family Counseling Center (TFCC). Under excellent supervision, counseling students placed as interns in the TFCC provide counseling services to couples, families, individuals, and groups right here on WKU’s Bowling Green campus.

Our programs are based within the core ideals within the field of Professional Counseling. Our programming is founded in the following:

  • Counselors focus on the mental health or wellness of the client instead of diagnosing mental illness.
  • Counselors assume that personal and emotional issues are developmental and normal; asking for help is a healthy response rather than a sign of weakness.
  • Counselors believe that early prevention is better than remediating a problem after it has become more serious.
  • Counselors work to empower clients and encourage them to become more independent.

Considering moving out of state? Review our State and Regional Licensure Crosswalk, which references how/whether our programs qualify for licensure and credentialing in states and regions outside of Kentucky.

ELECTIVE OPTIONS: GRADUATE CERTIFICATES AND AREAS OF SPECIALTY

This interdisciplinary certificate program prepares students to provide counseling, education services, and/or support services to individuals experiencing addiction issues. Individuals who complete the program will be knowledgeable about the various components of addictions and gain skills related to their professional field such as prevention strategies, assessment procedures, intervention skills, treatment planning, and recovery support. This program is appropriate for both licensed eligible mental health professionals (i.e., Professional Counselors, Social Workers), as well as bachelor level employees (i.e., mental health support professionals, human resources administrators and staff).

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This certificate program is for graduate students who are interested in the college and career readiness of P-12 students; with a specific focus on interacting and intervening with this target population, as well as developing professional relationships with school-related stakeholders. The College and Career Readiness (CCR) certificate is created to support the career and college readiness needs of local, regional, and national P-12 students. It is offered online through WKU’s Bowling Green campus; courses are taught by CNS faculty with the integration of experts from local businesses and schools. Students will have opportunities to participate in action research and service learning consultation activities. This certificate program plays a leading role in Kentucky’s economic and social development by preparing CCR graduates to prepare P-12 students to join a high quality educated workforce in an area of local, regional, and national need. Additionally, it meets the needs of area schools by providing specific training to the personnel being hired or asked to work with students in the areas of college and career readiness. It also serves to help build and maintain networks between districts and industry in Bowling Green.

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Students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program who take courses that meet Kentucky state requirements can be eligible for both the KY Professional Clinical Counselor License and the Kentucky School Counseling Certification (Provisional-Rank I). Additional courses beyond the 60-hour CMHC program are required to acquire the Standard School Counseling Certification. Students should work with their advisor upon being accepted into the CMHC program to make sure they are following the appropriate Planned Program and courses to meet the requirements for both.

The following Play Therapy courses are offered pending enrollment. These Face to Face courses may be applied to various training and content requirements for the Play Therapy credential

Scholarship Opportunities & Financial Support

WKU offers generous scholarships that may help you further reduce the cost of the Hilltopper experience.

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Department of Counseling
and Student Affairs

Gary A. Ransdell Hall 3036
1906 College Heights Blvd. #51031,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
(270) 745-4953


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 Last Modified 1/26/24