Program Overview
The Master of Arts Counseling degree consists of a
minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of course work designed to prepare
professionals to counsel in a variety of settings. Two foci areas
are currently available to students: addictions counseling and school
counseling. Courses promote the acquisition of the knowledge and
skill development in the eight core areas listed in the Council for the
Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The
school program is CACREP accredited. A limited number of students are admitted each year and placement is
competitive.
The student's culminating experiences include a
written comprehensive exam, videotaped evidence of skill, and theory
integration supported by a comprehensive portfolio. Students have
considerable latitude in selecting internship sites to maximize their
experience in line with specific career goals with at least 700 hours of
internship experience.
Completion of the school emphasis meets Idaho school
counseling certification requirements. Initial licensure for
Professional Counselors in Idaho requires a master's degree of 60
semester hours with 1000 hours of supervised experience and passing the
National Counselor Examination (NCE). The Boise State University
program prepares students to begin this licensure process.
Addictions Focus Program Overview
The Addictions focus is designed to prepare professionals in substance abuse education and prevention or intervention settings. The degree program offers coursework that may meet the didactic experiences required to become a nationally credentialed Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) and an Advanced Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ACACD).
School Counseling Focus Program Overview
The School Counseling focus is designed to prepare professionals in education and related careers to become professional counselors at the elementary, middle and secondary school levels. For Idaho Certification as a School Counselor, graduates must complete 700 clock hours of field experience (600 need to be in a K-12 setting).
Master's Program Format
Students are admitted in the fall as a group cohort. Full-time graduate faculty teach, work with students on research projects, and supervise practicum and internship experiences. Adjunct faculty with specific expertise provide delivery of additional special topics, courses, and site supervision.
Class Scheduling
A minimum of six credit hours of coursework is offered each fall and spring semester in evenings or weekends to accommodate students who are employed. Summer sessions involve a commitment of six to seven credits and are offered during the weekdays, evenings, or weekends.
Experiential Component
The practicum and internship sequence is central to the preparation of counselors and is integral to this degree. During the second year, students participate in practica under close supervision to provide a range of counseling services. The third year includes a 700 clock-hour internship.
