Counseling and Personnel Services (MEd)
Shape the Future
The MEd in Counseling and Personnel Services offers concentrations in Art Therapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, College Student Personnel, Counseling Psychology and School Guidance Counseling (K-12). With a focus on theory, research and field experience, this program prepares students to become effective advocates for social justice, fairness and equity. Graduates are equipped to support the welfare of individuals and communities and are committed to professional growth.
Course Catalog
Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services
Unit: College of Education and Human Development
Department: Counseling and Human Development
Program Website
Academic Plan Code(s): See Concentration Requirements tab.
Program Information
The School Counseling concentration is completed 100% online.
The MEd in Counseling and Personnel Services is designed to prepare prospective professionals in a variety of counseling areas:
Theory and practice are critically important components of the program. Students are required to pursue a logical sequence of study that permits a well-balanced preparation in theory, research, and field experience.
Mission
The mission of the MEd in Counseling and Personnel Services is to prepare scholar practitioners for counseling roles in which they contribute to society in a variety of professional positions. Our graduates support principles of social justice, fairness, and equity in their work; proactively promote the welfare of those they serve; and engage in a lifelong process of educational and professional renewal.
Admission Requirements
Application requirements
- Completed application submitted at https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/apply
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution to the UofL Graduate School directly. Transcripts issued to the student are considered unofficial.
- International transcripts must be evaluated per the grad school requirements: https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/international
- Personal statement
- 2 recommendations (can be academic or professional, personal recommendations not acceptable)
International Applicants:
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International applicants must submit additional application items, and meet additional admission requirements. Information on the internation application and admission requirements can be found here: https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/international
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application (including all checklist items) to be holistically reviewed
- Applicants who receive the highest evaluations from the admissions committee will be invited to participate in a virtual or in-person interview.
- Unconditional admission requires a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 for all undergraduate coursework taken. Cumulative undergraduate GPAs ranging from 2.5 to 2.74 will be considered for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.
- Conferred four year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required for unconditional admission. Applicants in their final year of their bachelor’s degree with final courses being completed before the graduate program start, can be reviewed for probationary admission pending a final transcript showing degree conferral by the end of the first semester.
- Admission is competitive. Meeting the GPA minimum and all other admission requirements does not guarantee that prospective students will be accepted into the program.
Priority Application Deadlines:
Art Therapy Fall start: February 1
Clinical Mental Health Fall start: March 1
Clinical Mental Health Spring Start- October 15
Counseling Psychology Fall start: March 1
Counseling Psychology Spring Start- October 15
School Counseling Fall start - March 1
School Counseling Spring Start – October 15
Program Admissions:
Art Therapy: Admission is for Fall cohort only
- Personal statement (Specify prompt if needed)
- Explain what has led you to wanting a career in art therapy, including how your personal art making practices have influenced your personal growth, self-awareness and how you relate to others.
- Explain a difficult experience(s) and how you overcame that personally and professionally.
Prerequisite Requirements:
- Psychology: Fifteen (15) credit hours. Specifically, Intro/General Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Personality Theory, and Statistics
- Studio Art: Eighteen (18) credit hours. Specifically, Drawing, Painting, and a Clay/Ceramics class. The other 9 credits may be in advanced class in those above, or other visual arts such as Fiber Arts, Photography, 2D/3D Design, Glassblowing, Sculpture, etc.
- Applicants may be admitted into the program with a maximum of 2-3 outstanding prerequisites. These must be completed within the first year of study
- Portfolio
- 10-12 pieces of work submitted via Powerpoint slides or similar
- Pieces should demonstrate a variety of media usage (e.g. Do not submit all examples of painting)
Program admission dates:
- Admission is for fall cohort only
- Priority Application Deadlines: February 1
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Admission in Spring and Fall (Summer term admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed each year.)
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Personal statement (Should explain why you would like to pursue a career in your chosen concentration and field of study. Such as how your personal and qualities and attributes make you a match for the procession, relevant work and volunteer experience, how your goals align with the concentration, and any areas/issues with your application package).
Program admission dates:
- Application Deadline (Spring): October 15
- Application Deadline (Fall): March 1
Counseling Psychology: Admission in Spring and Fall (Summer term admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed each year.)
-
The Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on how an applicant's goals, professional experiences, and commitment to education an appropriate fit with this program are.
Program admission dates:
- Application Deadline (Spring): October 15
- Application Deadline (Fall): March 1
School Counseling: Admission in Spring and Fall (Summer term admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed each year.)
- The Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on how an applicant's goals, professional experiences, and commitment to education are an appropriate fit with this program.
Program admission dates:
- Application Deadline (Spring): October 15
- Application Deadline (Fall): March 1
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Professional Area | ||
| LEAD 600 | Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics | 3 |
| ECPY 605 | Human Development 3 | 3 |
| or ECPY 611 | Learning Systems: Theory and Practice | |
| ECPY 629 | Theories and Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy (OR) 1 | 3 |
| or ECPY 630 | Theories and Techniques of School Counseling | |
| ECPY 650 | Group Process and Practice | 3 |
| ECPY 663 | Multicultural and Diversity Issues | 3 |
| ECPY 670 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 730 | Social, Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| Mid-Point Assessment | ||
| ECPY 672 | Practicum in Clinical Mental Heath Counseling (OR) 1 and 2 | 3 |
| or ECPY 673 | Practicum in Counseling Psychology | |
| or ECPY 674 | Practicum in School Counseling | |
| or ECPY 676 | Internship I in Art Therapy | |
| One of the following Concentrations: | 12-36 | |
Art Therapy (36 credit hours) | ||
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (36 credit hours) | ||
Counseling Psychology (36 credit hours) | ||
School Counseling (12 credit hours) | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 36-60 | |
- 1
Prior to ECPY 672 Practicum in Clinical Mental Heath Counseling, students must complete ECPY 629 with a minimum grade of B.
- 2
At least 700 hours of field placement must be completed during the practicum and two internships including at least 280 direct service hours. 10 hours per week are required during the practicum. No less than 20 hours per week are required during the two internships. CACREP requires that 600 hours be completed during the internships.
- 3
ECPY 611 is only an option for the concentration in School Counseling. All other concentrations must take ECPY 605.
MEd in Counseling and Personnel Services Concentrations
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Academic Plan Code(s): CPS_MEDMHC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECPY 540 | Evaluation and Measurement in Education | 3 |
| ECPY 619 | Empirical and Theoretical Foundations of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| ECPY 621 | Differential Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 626 | Consultation | 3 |
| ECPY 640 | Assessment Methods for Counselors | 3 |
| ECPY 682 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 682 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 601 | Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 639 | Prevention & Treatment of Substance Use Disorders | 3 |
| ECPY 646 | Crisis and Trauma in Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Professional Electives | 6 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 36 | |
CACREP and Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors Curriculum Guidelines:
CACREP requires that 600 hours be completed during the internships.
- The helping relationship, including counseling theory and practice
- Human growth and development
- Lifestyle and career development
- Group dynamics, process, counseling, and consulting
- Assessment, appraisal, and testing of individuals
- Social and cultural foundations, including multicultural issues
- Principles of etiology, diagnosis, treatment planning, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior
- Research and evaluation
- Professional orientation and ethics
Degree assessment: All program coursework must be completed with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
School Counseling (P-12)
Academic Plan Code(s): CPS_MEDSCO
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECPY 624 | Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 626 | Consultation | 3 |
| ECPY 640 | Assessment Methods for Counselors | 3 |
| Elective (approved by faculty advisor) | 3 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 12 | |
Notes: ECPY 674 Practicum in School Counseling must be applied for by March 1 for Fall term and October 1 for Spring term.
- Students must earn at least a "B" in ECPY 630 to be eligible to enroll in ECPY 674 School Counseling Practicum.
- For school counseling certification, a grade of "B" or better is required in ECPY 674.
- Transfer of credit is dependent upon receipt of transcript, satisfying all Graduate School transfer course requirements, and advisor’s approval.
- Upon admission, students have six years to complete their program.
- All students must have liability insurance prior to taking practicum.
- At any point after admission, the faculty reserve the right to review a student’s fitness on the basis of personal characteristics, for continuing in the counseling or student personnel program. Such a review shall be initiated upon written recommendation of two faculty members and shall consist of a review of the student’s academic result in a recommendation to the Dean for (1) continuation of the student in the program, (2) continuation for a specified provisional period with specific conditions for continuation thereafter, or (3) dismissal from the program.
- The program requires the acceptable completion of a program portfolio.
- The program is not official unless signed by both advisor and student.
- This program must be completed, and degree posted, to apply for a rank change with the state of Kentucky. Kentucky certified teachers who already hold a Rank II (and complete a total of 60 graduate credit hours) will be eligible for a Rank I upon completion of this program.
- The CEHD will recommend the Provisional certificate for program completers. To qualify for a Standard certificate, program completers must complete an additional graduate level course (approved by ECPY Department faculty advisor) and document employment in School Counseling to the KY Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). Please contact KY EPSB for specific employment requirements.
Exit Requirements: To complete the program, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. No credit shall be accepted for carrying a grade lower than C (no C-minus).
Counseling Psychology
Academic Plan Code(s): CPS_MEDCPL
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECPY 540 | Evaluation and Measurement in Education | 3 |
| ECPY 611 | Learning Systems: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ECPY 619 | Empirical and Theoretical Foundations of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| ECPY 621 | Differential Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 648 | Psychological Assessment I | 3 |
| ECPY 649 | Psychological Assessment II | 3 |
| ECPY 680 | Practicum in Psychological Assessment 1 | 3 |
| ECPY 683 | Internship in Counseling Psychology 1 | 3 |
| ECPY 775 | Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| LEAD 601 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
| Professional Electives | 6 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 36 | |
Degree Assessment: All program coursework with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. A grade of B- or better is required in ECPY 619, ECPY 629, ECPY 648, ECPY 649, ECPY 673, ECPY 680, and ECPY 683.
- 1
600 hours of field placement are required during the combination of ECPY 673, ECPY 680, and ECPY 683; 1 full psychological assessment is required during the combination of ECPY 673, ECPY 680, and ECPY 683.
Art Therapy
Academic Plan Code(s): CPS_MEDET
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECPY 540 | Evaluation and Measurement in Education | 3 |
| ECPY 619 | Empirical and Theoretical Foundations of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| ECPY 621 | Differential Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 632 | Clinical Art Therapy I: Theories | 3 |
| ECPY 633 | Clinical Art Therapy II: Assessment and Practice | 3 |
| ECPY 638 | Group Art Therapy Techniques | 3 |
| ECPY 677 | Research in Art Therapy and Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 641 | Applied Methods in Art Therapy | 3 |
| ECPY 643 | Practicum in Art Therapy-Counseling | 3 |
| ECPY 678 | Internship II in Art Therapy-Counseling | 3 |
| Professional Electives | 6 | |
From the educational areas designated in Curriculum Guidelines for LPAT and ATR, including but not limited to: | ||
ECPY 628 | Theories and Techniques of Counseling Children | |
ECPY 639 | Prevention & Treatment of Substance Use Disorders | |
ECPY 637 | Expressive Techniques in Psychotherapy | |
ECPY 644 | Introduction to Sandtray | |
ECPY 653 | Grief Counseling | |
ECPY 694 | Graduate Seminar in Educational and Counseling Psychology | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 36 | |
*ACATE – CAAHEP Educational Standards
- History and Theory of art therapy
- Professional Orientation, Ethical, and Legal Issues
- Materials and Techniques of Art Therapy Practice
- Creativity, Symbolism, and Metaphor
- Group Work
- Art Therapy Assessments
- Thesis or Culminating Project
- Human Growth and Development
- Helping Relationships and Applications
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- Psychological and Counseling Theories
- Appraisal and Evaluation
- Research
- Cultural and Social Issues
- Studio Art
- Specializations
- Career Development
*The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) cooperate with the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) to establish, maintain and promote appropriate standards of quality for educational programs that meet or exceed the minimum standards.
- 1
At least 700 hours of field placement must be completed during one practicum and two internships. 10 hours per week are required during the practicum. No less than 20 hours per week are required during the two internships.
The Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services program prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure in the following concentrations:
- Counseling Psychology
- School Counseling P-12
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Art Therapy
If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree.
More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website: https://louisville.edu/about/departments/academic-planning-accountability/disclosures/professional-licensure.
For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here:
https://online.louisville.edu/resources/compliance/license.
Counseling Psychology Information Session
Interested in a career in counseling? Join our Counseling Psychology information session to explore ECPY master’s degree options, learn about licensure and career pathways, and discover how counseling differs from other helping professions. Faculty will also share application tips and answer your questions about the program and the University of Louisville.
