What graduate programs are offered in the Counseling and School Psychology Department?
Four graduate programs are offered which include:
Advanced Specialist Degree
- Counseling, Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) is beyond the master's degree level and below the doctorate degree. The Ed.S. in Counseling provides those with a master’s degree the additional coursework needed for a Nebraska Department of Education endorsement (for example, School Counselor or School Psychologist) or the Nebraska Mental Health Practitioner License (LMHP) requirements.
Certificate Program
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling certificate offers courses required for Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensure allowing clinical mental health counseling students and Mental Health professionals in the field to gain the education necessary to hold this specialty license.
How long does it take to complete a counseling degree?
- School Psychology (SP) 72 credit hour degree can generally be completed in 3 years with a paid internship during the third year.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) 60 credit hour degree is between 2-3 years as a full-time student (minimum 6 credits per semester) with courses being completed fall, spring and summer.
- School Counseling (SC PK-8 or 7-12) 43 credit hour degree can generally be completed in 2-3 years with courses being completed fall, spring and summer.
- Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) 36 credit hour degree can generally be completed in 2 years with courses being completed fall, spring and summer
*Note: Students have up to 10 years to complete a degree program.
How are the Courses Offered & When?
School Counseling Course Delivery
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Course Delivery
School Psychology Course Delivery
I work full time/during the day. Will I be able to take courses?
Yes, most of our courses meet in the late afternoon (approximately 4:30 PM – 9:20 PM M-TH). Courses in the fall and spring semesters meet once a week for 2:50 minutes, while summer course schedules vary considerably and should be closely checked before registering.
What is the credit hour differences between full-time and part-time students?
To be considered full-time, a graduate student must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours. Graduate students are considered half-time or part-time when enrolled in at least 4 credit hours.
Students enrolled in more than 12 credit hours must have the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. In some programs, special permission may be granted to take more than 12 credit hours, but students should consult with the department faculty beforehand.
Can I transfer previous graduate credits?
You can transfer up to 9 credit hours taken in another accredited program at a different university. The courses must be equivalent to courses offered in our program. The Graduate Program Committee reviews the syllabus and transcript to decide whether a course is equivalent. Clinical courses such as Techniques, Practicum and Internship cannot be transferred.
Can I take courses as a non-degree seeking student?
Students not formally admitted to the program may apply as a ‘non-degree seeking’ student. When completing the Graduate Student online application, select ‘non-degree seeking’ on the pull-down menu rather than a specific degree program when applying for admission. While students may take up to 12 hours of CSP Department coursework as a ‘non-degree seeking’ student, they are not eligible for financial aid with this status. When completing the Graduate Student online application, select ‘non-degree seeking’ on the pull-down menu rather than a specific degree program when applying for admission. If you are admitted as a ‘non-degree seeking student’ and then decide to apply to a CSP degree program, you will need to complete a new Graduate Student online application and select the desired degree program from the pull-down menu when you do so. Contact the CSP Department Chair for advice on course selection.
What is the job market for CSP professions?
The job market in counseling and school psychology is slated to be above average in need during the upcoming decade. Our department prides itself in graduating professionals who generally secure employment prior to and early after graduation. Our belief is this, if you are dedicated, passionate, professional, and eager to pursue a career in professional counseling, you will accomplish your goal.
Are there differences in financial aid opportunities for part-time and full-time students?
Part-time or full-time status is not impacted by out-of-state, in-state, or international student status.
If students are planning to receive federal aid (FAFSA), they will need to be enrolled in at least 4 credits (part-time). Typically, for graduate students, the amount of financial aid that is offered will not change between part-time and full-time status.
Please reach out to the Financial Aid Department at UNK if you have further questions.
Are there scholarships available?
We are very fortunate to have many scholarship opportunities for students because of the generous support of alumni and professor emeriti. Scholarship applications are accepted during the month of February for the following year to students who have been admitted.
Are there Graduate Assistantship Opportunities?
Graduate Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified graduate degree seeking students. Students can find a list of open Graduate Assistantships, as well as instructions for creating an application at http://unkemployment.unk.edu.
Will I have an advisor to help me with my plan of study?
Yes, admitted students will be assigned a faculty advisor. Your advisor will help you select your courses and build a program of study. You should work closely with this advisor for the remainder of your time in the program to ensure steady progress toward graduation.
How do I register for classes once I am admitted to the program?
Prior to registration, please contact your advisor to make sure you are in the proper classes that were planned on your program of study.
Do I choose my practicum and internship sites?
Yes, students choose their sites with the support of faculty based on their career goals and site availability.
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