How many credits do I take each term?
To complete the program within a reasonable time, students will take between 6-12 credits per term. Fewer credits may be taken during the summer term. Students interested in completing the program in less than three years should consult with their faculty advisor to determine how many credits to take each term.

What if I am interested in more than one specialization?
The program is designed so that students can complete core courses and one specialization in a reasonable period of time. Students can add a specialization but doing so will extend the amount of time needed to complete degree requirements.

Where do students complete their internships?
Students intern in schools, mental health centers, agencies, universities, community college, rehabilitation and hospital settings. These internship sites are selected by students based on whether they are specializing in school, community, rehabilitation or college counseling. As time passes, the faculty plans to develop some paid internship/assistantship positions. For a basic Department Directory of potential local internships sites, email Maria Garcia. Directories are available in the Counselor Education office in Foster Hall Room 250.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required for admission?
Yes, applicants are required to take the General Test of the GRE. Information can be found at the GRE website.

I am interested in becoming a school counselor. Do I need to have a teaching certificate before I am admitted?
Persons can be licensed as an Ancillary School Counselor in Louisiana without having previously earned a degree in education or being a certified teacher. Interested applicants should refer to the Louisiana Department of Education for details.

Are there any prerequisites or required majors?
There are no required undergraduate majors. Typical majors include psychology, sociology, child and family studies, and education.

How many people apply, and how many are accepted?
On average, we receive approximately two or three times as many applications as we have available space. We do not accept a specific number of candidates per term. Rather, a number of factors are considered, including number of current students graduating, faculty work load, and departmental resources.

What does the interview consist of?
Invited applicants will meet individually with a panel of interviewers. The interviewers will be faculty members, and occasionally, community professionals. The interview session will last approximately 20-25 minutes. The interview questions are not shared in advance but generally address the applicant's experience, goals, and communication skills.

How long does it take to complete the program?
Students typically take between 2 1/2 to 3 years to complete the program. Students take courses year-round, registering for an average of 9 to 12 credits per academic semester.

Can I take courses online?
At this time, the department does not offer an online degree program. Occasionally, a course might be taught online and most courses have an online component.

When are courses taught?
Courses are usually taught one evening (5:00-7:50) per week during the fall and spring term and Monday through Friday during the summer term. Many students balance a work and school schedule. While faculty hopes to be able to eventually offer classes during the day, none presently are offered at those times.

What if my application packet is incomplete?
Only completed applications are reviewed by faculty. It is the candidate's responsibility to check on your materials and ensure they are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications may be reviewed for the next appropriate term.

What type of experience do I need to have?
Students who enter our program range in age from 22 to 60. As a result, they bring a range of prior experience to their participation in the graduate program in Counselor Education. This experience may be volunteer or paid and may have taken place in educational, business, mental health or other settings. In the case of individuals who have no experience in a helping relationship, we usually recommend they do volunteer work in a school or agency prior to the time of application to the program. The diversity in age and experience the students bring to the program is viewed as one of our most valuable learning tools.

What is the process for becoming licensed or certified in my concentration?
The process varies depending on which concentration you select - community counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or school counseling. All concentrations require a licensing exam and supervision by a qualified counselor. This can take several years after graduation. Licensure and other professionl issues are covered extensively in COUN 500 (Introduction to Counseling) which is required for all students in the program. More information on licensure and certification can be found in the "Links" section of the site.