Initial Licensure: School Guidance Counselor (PreK-8, 5-12)

The Department of Psychology at Westfield State College offers a 48-credit graduate Master’s program in Psychology with a specialized track in school guidance counseling (levels: Pre-K-8; 5-12). Successful completion of the course requirements and the Portfolio demonstrate that the candidates have acquired subject matter knowledge and application competencies required for the School Guidance Counselor license. The specific subject matter knowledge and courses meeting the standards are presented below.

The portfolio serves as a developmental capstone project for the M.A. Psychology, School Guidance Concentration, program. The portfolio focuses on the integration of graduate learning to professional development throughout the program and provides evidence of a candidate’s competence. The portfolio is begun upon entry into the degree program, is monitored throughout the program of study, and is delivered for final scoring near the conclusion of the practicum experience. An approved portfolio is a prerequisite to graduation.

Required Courses (40 credits)
PSYC 0522 Theories of Counseling**
PSYC 0523 Counseling: Theory and Practice** 3 s.h.
PSYC 0555 Special topics in Guidance
PSYC 0591 PrePracticum (Pre K - 8)
OR PSYC 0592 PrePracticum (5-12)
PSYC 0601 Psychological Theories and Practices in Career Development** 3 s.h.
PSYC0605 Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents 3 s.h.
PSYC 0610 Principles and Practices of Psychological Testing** 3 s.h.
PSYC 0613 Principles and Practices of Guidance 3 s.h.
in Educational and Community Services** 3 s.h.
PSYC 0621 Basic and Applied Research 4 s.h.
PSYC0620 Dynamics of Group Counseling 3 s.h.
PSYC 0623 Advanced Counseling 3 s.h.
PSYC 0630 Advanced Developmental Psychology 3 s.h.
PSYC0635 Crisis Intervention in the School and Community 3 s.h.
PSYC0645 Counseling Diverse Populations 3 s.h.

Practicum Requirements (8 credits - 450 hours)
PSYC 0691 Practica in Counseling I (For Guidance Prek-8) 3-12 Credits (may be repeated)
Or PSYC 0692 Practica in Counseling I (For Guidance 5-12) 3-12 Credits (may be repeated)

** Pre-practicum Hours for Licensure are included in the following courses:
PSYC 0522 Theories of Counseling
PSYC 0601 Psychological Theories and Practices in Career Development
PSYC 0610 Principles and Practices of Psychological Testing
PSYC0613 Principles and Practices of Guidance in Educational and Community Services