Counseling, M.S.

College of Applied Human Sciences

Milestones and Beyond, the Inspiration to Spread Joy in Learning

The scope of practice for graduates of this degree is expansive, covering a wide spectrum of coursework that will prepare you for the practice of individual, couple, family, and group counseling. Graduates of our program may provide services, such as child, youth, couple, family, employment, health, gerontological, substance abuse, and wellness counseling. 

To ensure a high-quality program, the counseling faculty has developed twelve program objectives. The objectives are applicable to both the school and clinical programs:

1. Professional Orientation and Identity: You will demonstrate an understanding of counseling as a profession, develop a professional identity, and demonstrate their ability to function effectively within the ethical guidelines established by both the American Counseling Association and the American School Counselors Association, in settings rendering counseling and related services to diverse populations
2. Counseling Theory: You will learn a range of counseling theories that are applicable when working in a pluralistic society with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability in the counseling process, and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge in a therapeutic manner within rural and diverse communities.
3. Helping Relationships: You will develop skills to work with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability that promote therapeutic change and demonstrate their ability to evaluate progress in meeting counseling objectives.
4. Social and Cultural Diversity: You will develop an awareness of the impact of social and cultural factors on human behavior and recognize the role of individual differences in establishing and working toward counseling objectives.
5. Human Growth and Development: You will learn stages of development throughout the life span and the importance of assessing and considering developmental goals when working with both children and adults.
6. Career Development: You will learn the role of career development theory as applied to working with both children and adults and the impact of economic and cultural factors on career decisions, job performance, and lifestyle.
7. Group Dynamics: You will learn the purpose and function of groups, group dynamics, and the application of counseling theories and leadership skills within the group setting to promote decision making and growth.
8. Assessment: You will learn to determine appropriate assessment techniques when working with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability and to utilize relevant information within the counseling process.
9. Research and Program Evaluation: You will develop the ability to read and evaluate professional research literature and incorporate such information into their professional development.
10. Specialization: You will develop specific knowledge relevant to the student’s area of interest (e.g., addictions, mental health, children, school, etc.) and will learn from their area of interest how to provide professional services including assessment, prevention, referral, and program development, implementation, management, and evaluation.
11. Experiential Learning: You will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective professional counselor through supervised practicum and internship experiences.
12. Personal Growth and Understanding: You will be provided the opportunity to explore values and beliefs as they pertain to their evolving roles as professional counselors and develop a level of self-understanding that leads to an integrated personal approach to counseling and client advocacy.

Academic Benefits of the Counseling M.S. Program

The counseling program the College of Applied Human Sciences offers a curriculum at the master’s degree level. All students will complete coursework in core counseling knowledge and skill development as well as knowledge associated with addiction, couples/families, and grief. The clinical mental health counseling specialization prepares students in individual and group counseling with a diverse population across a wide scope of developmental stages and backgrounds in various community settings such as correctional facilities, treatment centers, mental health agencies, etc.

The digitally delivered counseling program emphasizes academic excellence, competence in counseling skills and personal growth. The low-residency model creates an environment in which students form strong bonds as they progress through the advanced coursework together and enter the workforce. The counseling faculty at West Virginia University endeavor to reflect the university’s vision by providing a purposeful program whose curriculum prepares students to partner with their communities — both near and far — to bring needed and valued solutions to real-life problems within the pillars of education, healthcare and prosperity.

• Submit three letters of reference
• The Graduate School Application process includes forms that are emailed to your references.
• Submit resume/C.V.
• A personal statement as outlined in the department application.
• Your personal statement must include what it means for you to have a commitment to diversity and social justice.
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students
• Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
• Mail To: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
• or Email to: [email protected].
• Students may start in fall or spring of each year. 
• The Application Deadline is February 15 for Fall admissions and October 1 for Spring admissions

Your Future in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The counseling program the College of Applied Human Sciences offers a curriculum at the master’s degree level. During the program, you will complete coursework in core counseling knowledge and skill development as well as knowledge associated with addiction, couples/families, and grief. The clinical mental health counseling specialization prepares students in individual and group counseling with a diverse population across a wide scope of developmental stages and backgrounds in various community settings.