Heritage University M.Ed. in Counseling

Heritage University M.Ed. in Counseling A Master of Education Degree in Counseling is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate education beyond the bachelor level. The Counseling program offers a more personalized and rewarding college experience through the following: weekend courses, seminar-style classes, and one on one mentoring with instructors. In addition, the graduate counseling program utilizes the cohort model where the Counseling students proceed through the program with the same group of students. The M.Ed. in Counseling prepares candidates for professional careers as counselors in community agencies. Those candidates interested in working as school counselors would complete an extra 10 credits to obtain their Educational Staff Associate (ESA) in School Counseling in addition to completing the required courses for the M.Ed. in Counseling. The counseling program is a five semester sequence, 40 credit program and courses are taught on an intensive weekend model, classes are Fridays 5:30-8:30pm, Saturdays 8:30am-3:30pm, and Sundays 8:30am-2:30pm. The faculty is composed of dedicated teachers with diverse areas of expertise and interest who are widely recognized for their professional and academic qualifications. All hold graduate degrees and are practicing professionals who bring first-hand experience into the classroom. Program Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, preferably in Psychology, from a regionally accredited college or university. If do not have degree in Psychology, a minimum of four (4) upper division (200 or above) Psychology courses (PSY 101 counts toward the requirement). Each of the four courses must have a minimum grade of 2.0 (C) on a 4.0 grade scale. Official transcripts must indicate at least a 3.0 GPA Core Courses (40 credits): CPSY 501 Issues in Counseling CPSY 530 Principles and Guidance CPSY 531 Practicum in Guidance and Counseling CPSY 538 Group Counseling CPSY 542 Developmental Counseling CPSY 544 Counseling Theories and Techniques I CPSY 546 Counseling Theories and Techniques II CPSY 557 Counseling Diverse Populations CPSY 576 Mental Health and Community Services CPSY 578 Career Counseling CPSY 579 Child Abuse Counseling CPSY 594 Professional Seminar PSY 553 Introduction to Research Design PSY 555 Testing and Evaluation PSY 571 Field Experience (taken Fall and Spring semesters) CPSY 539 Practicum in Group Counseling CPSY 543 practicum in Developmental Counseling CPSY 545 Practicum in Theories and Techniques I CPSY 547 Practicum in Counseling Theories II CPSY 558 practicum in Counseling Diverse Pop. CPSY 577 Practicum in Mental Health and Community PSY 554 Practicum in Research Design PSY 556 Practicum in Testing and Evaluation School Counselor (ESA) Candidates must complete, in addition to the above courses the following: ED 568 School Law CPSY 580 Seminar in School Counseling CPSY 581 School Counseling CPSY 585 Internship in School Counseling (taken Fall and Spring semesters) For More Information contact: Norm Walker, Interim Chair of Counseling and Psychology Department Walker_N@heritage.edu OR 509-865-8596

Graduate Counseling Question and Answer Sheet Program Interim Chair: Norm Walker Phone: 509-865-8596 e-mail: walker_n@heritage.edu 1. When are the classes offered? Our courses are offered using the intensive weekend model. Courses are taught the entire weekend starting on Friday and Ending on Sunday. Class times are Fridays (5:30pm-8:30pm), Saturdays (8:30am- 3:30pm) and Sundays (8:30am-2:30pm). 2. How many weekends do I attend to complete one course? The graduate counseling courses are either two or three credit courses and students attend one full weekend for every credit. Students would complete a two credit course in two full weekends and would complete a three credit course in three full weekends. 3. Do I need to do anything prior to class? At the start of each semester students are e-mailed out course assignments called Pre-Assignments. These Pre-Assignments include but are not limited to activities such as reading the textbook, writing reflective essays, researching and answering questions posed by the instructor. The Pre-Assignments are due the first night of class and are usually graded. 4. Heritage University has a cohort model, what is that? Once a student starts the program they take all of their courses with the same group of students. 5. Are courses offered at multiple sites? Yes, graduate counseling programs are offered at three sites (dependent on enough applicants): Toppenish, Tri-Cities, and Moses Lake. 6. Are courses offered multiple times during the school year? Courses are only offered once a year. However, in certain situations and with approval from the Program Chair students can take a class at another site other than their home site so not to wait until the following year to take the course. 7. Am I a full time student while attending? Can I only attend part-time? Yes, you are a full time student. The average number of courses taken each semester is three courses and up to three practica. Students can potentially attend part-time however courses taught each semester are pre-requisite courses for the next semester. Hence, if a student does not take all the courses offered each semester they may not able to take all the courses offered the next semester due to not taking the pre-requisite. This could ultimately delay graduation from the program.

8. What if I have to miss a weekend, do you allow absences? Due to the courses taught using the weekend model, absences are not allowed. One weekend is 15 hours of class time and it is equivalent to half of a semester. It is understood that life happens and sometimes circumstances we cannot control occur, so if students are not able to attend a weekend they are provided several choices: (1) attend the entire course with their home site, (2) not take the course and wait until next year to take the course, or (3) in special circumstances and with approval from the Department Chair, take the entire course at a different site. However, if student does not take all the courses offered each semester their graduation may be delayed (see previous question) 9. How long is the program? Most students attend full time and complete the graduate program in two years. However some student have decided to delay courses and take longer (3 years or more) to complete the program. 10. Can I work while going to school? During the first year many of the graduate students work during the week while attending classes on the weekend. During the second year, however, students are advised they cannot work full time while completing the one year, 400 hour internship. Current students have reported it is impossible to work full time while completing their internship. (see question # 15 and 16 for information about Internship) 11. Is financial aid available? Yes, and Heritage University has a financial aid office with more information. FYI...financial aid consists mainly of loans because grants and scholarships are reserved for bachelor-pursuing students. 12. I have already taken graduate courses can I transfer them? Due to Heritage University policy, up to six semester credits (10 quarter credits) of equivalent, graduatelevel work with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 (B) may be transferred from another regionally accredited college/university. Transfer credits must be taken with the last eight years, based on the date posted on the transcript and verified by an official transcript from the institution where credit was granted. 13. When I complete the program what degree will I receive? Students who have completed all the requirements for graduation will receive a Master of Education in Counseling. If students wish to take an additional 10 credits they may obtain a Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate in School Counseling along with their master degree. 14. Are the requirements different for those students wishing to obtain an ESA certification in school counseling? Students interested in pursuing an ESA certification in addition to the master degree are required to take several extra courses (School Law, School Counseling, Seminar in School Counseling) in addition to completing an internship in a school setting. 15. How long is the internship and do I find my own placement? The internship in school counseling is a year long internship consisting of a minimum of 400 hours supervised by a certified school counselor. Most students start their internship the second year of the program. Interns are at their internship site at least two full days per week in order to meet the required 400 hours. Due to that, students are encouraged to plan in advance how they will work a two day per week internship into their current work/family schedule. Students are provided help in finding a

placement. The University reserves final approval on all internship placements (i.e., internship supervisor, setting). 16. During the second year do I take courses in addition to the internship? Yes, students take a full load of courses (i.e., 3) in addition to their internship. This is why current students report it is impossible to work full time during the second year. 17. I want to obtain my ESA in School Counseling and I live in another state other than Washington, can I do my internship at a school outside of Washington? Heritage University prepares students to be school counselors in the state of Washington, hence the ESA certificate is a Washington certificate. If you are a student who does not live in the state of Washington you may do your internship at a school outside of Washington however you will be required to do a minimum of 50 hours in a Washington state school. The number of hours will be based on various factors but will ultimately be individual based depending on what Washington state certificate competencies student needs to meet. The Washington state school placement will be decided upon by Heritage University. 18. What if I just want to get my M.Ed degree and not obtain an ESA certification? Students interested in just completing the M.Ed program take the required courses and complete an internship in a mental health agency. The internship is a year long 400 hour internship supervised by a licensed mental health counselor. Students are provided help in finding a placement. The University reserves final approval on all internship placements (i.e., internship supervisor, setting).

Dear Applicant: Thank you for your interest in the Master in Education in Counseling Program at Heritage University. The M.Ed. Program in Counseling is designed to prepare practitioners to work as professional counselors in schools, mental health or related agencies. Our mission is to serve diverse multicultural and rural populations that have traditionally been educationally isolated. Heritage s students represent a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Students are encouraged to be involved in multicultural experiences in every course throughout the program. Students enroll for 40 semester credits including a 400 hour internship. Students who want to obtain their ESA (Educational Staff Associate) in School Counseling will take an additional 10 credits. The rigorous degree program features relevant research-based courses taught by responsive faculty. The six-semester sequence features two and three credit courses that are taught on alternate weekends. Being a cohort style program, the student group takes all classes together starting fall semester. A unique aspect of our counseling program is most required courses have a one credit practicum attached. For each practicum, students complete a minimum of 30 hours of experientially based activities directly related to the objectives of the course. Students typically take 2 practica (for 60 hours of experience) per semester. Continuation in the program is dependent upon maintaining a 3.0 (B) overall GPA. In addition, all classes must be mastered at the B- grade level or better to be considered for program completion. During the second year, students begin an internship that requires a full year placement, minimum of 400 hours, in a school setting or agency setting under the supervision of a certified school counselor or licensed mental health therapist. If you have any questions please contact us: Norm Walker SaraBecca Martin Interim Chair, Counseling & Psychology Administrative Assistant to the Dean (509) 865-8596 or (509) 865-8599 1-888-272-6190 ext. 2105 1-888-272-6190 ext. 1705 walker_n@heritage.edu martin_s@heritage.edu Thank you for your interest in our graduate program! 1

M.Ed. in Counseling Application Procedures IMPORTANT NOTICE Application to the Counseling Program is a two-part process. Part A describes the requirements for University acceptance. Part B describes the requirements for the Counseling Program acceptance. Both parts must be complete to be considered for the Counseling Program. All materials must be received by May 15, 2014 for a fall 2014 start. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the fall 2015 cohort. Part A. Complete and submit the following, Attn: Admissions Office, 3240 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948: Graduate Application for Admissions apply online or contact Admissions. Application fee see Application for Admissions. Official transcripts Transcripts must indicate a 3.0 GPA or better for the last two years of undergraduate or graduate course work. You must hold an undergraduate degree, preferably in psychology. A minimum of four (4) psychology courses are required; each course must have a minimum grade of 2.0 (C) on a 4.0 scale. Part B. Complete and submit the following, Attn: Graduate Counseling Program, 3240 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948: Counseling Preparation Program Application Complete and submit (enclosed). Confidential Letters of Recommendation Submit two (2) confidential recommendations (forms enclosed) from current or former employers, instructors, or colleagues regarding your character and potential counseling skills. These recommendations must be signed and sealed by the person recommending you. Letter of Intent This is a typed paper, one to two pages in length. Please include: a) Motivation and rationale for seeking admission to the counseling program. b) Description of previous experience working with clients in school or clinical settings. c) Statement regarding future career goals. d) How an M.Ed. in Counseling will help you meet your career goals. Please double space your work and attach it to your application. If you wish, you may e- mail your essay to SaraBecca Martin at martin_s@heritage.edu. Resume Focused, one page summary of program-relevant, educational and career experiences. Intake Interview Upon review of your file, if you meet the entrance requirements and the department committee recommends you for the program, you may be contacted for an interview. Upon completion of the interview process, final admission decisions are then made by the committee. 2

Counselor Preparation Program Application Personal Information Full Legal Name Last: Middle: First: Former Name: Mailing Address Street: City: State: Zip: Contact Information Home Phone: Cell Phone: Work Phone: E-mail: List all colleges/universities in order of attendance beginning with the institution from which you received your degree(s). Institution City State From (date) to (date) Degree/Diploma & Date Granted ~ Please complete the reverse side as well ~ 3

Background Information 1. Have you ever had any adverse action taken on any certificate or license (adverse action includes letters of warning, reprimands, suspensions, revocations, voluntary surrenders, or voidance)? YES NO_ 2. Are you currently, or have you ever been, the subject of any certificate or licensing investigation or inquiry by any certification or licensing agency for allegations of misconduct? YES NO_ 3. Have you ever been denied, or otherwise been rejected for cause, any certificate, credential, or license? YES NO_ 4. Have you ever withdrawn an application for any certificate, credential, or license? YES NO_ 5. Have you ever been dismissed, discharged, or fired from any employment involving children or dependent adults? YES NO_ 6. Have you ever resigned from or otherwise left any employment while allegations (e.g., settlement agreement) of misconduct were pending? YES NO_ If you responded YES to any of the above questions, on a separate piece of paper, give a complete explanation, including duties, circumstances, and supporting documentation. Projected Program Information 1. Do you have a Master s Degree? YES NO 2. What specialization is desired? M.Ed. in Counseling degree only OR M.Ed. in Counseling along with ESA Certification 3. Location of intended cohort: Toppenish/Yakima Other Tri-Cities Wenatchee/Moses Lake 4. When do you plan to start this program? Fall 20 I understand that failure to submit complete and official credentials from all undergraduate and graduate institutions of higher learning I have attended may result in the denial of this application or my subsequent dismissal from the University. I certify that to the best of my knowledge all statements I have made in this application are complete and true. Signature of Applicant Date of Application 4

Counselor Preparation Program Confidential Recommendation for Admission To the Applicant: Please complete the top portion of this form and forward to your reference. Please return the two (2) completed recommendation forms, signed and sealed by your reference, with your application materials to the Graduate Counseling Department. Applicant s Name (type or write legibly): To the Reference: The applicant whose name appears above is applying for admission to the Counselor Preparation Program at Heritage University. The Professional Education Advisory Board will appreciate your honest estimate of the applicant. As you rate and write your letter of recommendation, please describe the applicant s qualifications in any of the areas below. Please provide specific examples when appropriate. Name of Reference (type or write legibly): What was your job title at the time you worked with this candidate? From year to in the (employing organization) Please rate (x) the applicant on a scale of 1-4 as follows: 1~unacceptable, 2~Acceptable with reservation, 3~Acceptable, 4~Outstanding Personal Characteristics, Behaviors, & Skills Unable to rate 1 2 3 4 Intellectual Capacity: Integrates and works effectively with large quantities of information; grasps, analyzes, and understands complex material and concepts. Leadership: Sets high expectations for self; seeks innovation and improvement; contributes ideas toward achieving solutions to problems/opportunities; understands and is active in implementing reform(s); demonstrates integrity. Communication Skills: Written: Can organize, synthesize, and evaluate informational concepts in a written form that is appropriate for a defined audience and purpose. Oral: Expresses opinions and information orally in a clear and coherent manner. Interpersonal Relations: Works with others in a collaborative and tactful manner; voices disagreement without creating unnecessary conflict; utilizes effective listening skills. Self Confidence and Personal Development: Has capacity to improve performance and achievement through an awareness of own strengths and weaknesses. Judgment: Analyzes situations objectively and uses information to make decisions in an organized and timely manner. Dependability and Responsibility: Completes tasks promptly and accurately. Initiative: When appropriate, acts independently to resolves issues or create solutions. ~ Please complete the reverse side as well ~ 5

Counselor Preparation Program Confidential Recommendation for Admission Applicant s Name (please print): My overall perception of this applicant s qualifications for admission to the counselor preparation program is as follows (please check ONE rating): 1 2 3 4 Recommended with Recommended Reservation Not Recommended Highly Recommended Please add your comments in the space below to explain your recommendation. Signature: Title/Position Date Phone number(s): E-mail address(s): Please place your recommendation in an envelope and sign your name across the seal to ensure confidentiality. Please return the envelope to the candidate who will submit the reference with his/her completed application form. If you wish, you may also mail the form directly to: Graduate Counseling Program, Heritage University, 3420 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948. Thank you for assisting this applicant!! 6

Counselor Preparation Program Confidential Recommendation for Admission To the Applicant: Please complete the top portion of this form and forward to your reference. Please return the two (2) completed recommendation forms, signed and sealed by your reference, with your application materials to the Graduate Counseling Department. Applicant s Name (type or write legibly): To the Reference: The applicant whose name appears above is applying for admission to the Counselor Preparation Program at Heritage University. The Professional Education Advisory Board will appreciate your honest estimate of the applicant. As you rate and write your letter of recommendation, please describe the applicant s qualifications in any of the areas below. Please provide specific examples when appropriate. Name of Reference (type or write legibly): What was your job title at the time you worked with this candidate? From year to in the (employing organization) Please rate (x) the applicant on a scale of 1-4 as follows: 1~unacceptable, 2~Acceptable with reservation, 3~Acceptable, 4~Outstanding Personal Characteristics, Behaviors, & Skills Unable to rate 1 2 3 4 Intellectual Capacity: Integrates and works effectively with large quantities of information; grasps, analyzes, and understands complex material and concepts. Leadership: Sets high expectations for self; seeks innovation and improvement; contributes ideas toward achieving solutions to problems/opportunities; understands and is active in implementing reform(s); demonstrates integrity. Communication Skills: Written: Can organize, synthesize, and evaluate informational concepts in a written form that is appropriate for a defined audience and purpose. Oral: Expresses opinions and information orally in a clear and coherent manner. Interpersonal Relations: Works with others in a collaborative and tactful manner; voices disagreement without creating unnecessary conflict; utilizes effective listening skills. Self Confidence and Personal Development: Has capacity to improve performance and achievement through an awareness of own strengths and weaknesses. Judgment: Analyzes situations objectively and uses information to make decisions in an organized and timely manner. Dependability and Responsibility: Completes tasks promptly and accurately. Initiative: When appropriate, acts independently to resolves issues or create solutions. ~ Please complete the reverse side as well ~ 7

Counselor Preparation Program Confidential Recommendation for Admission Applicant s Name (please print): My overall perception of this applicant s qualifications for admission to the counselor preparation program is as follows (please check ONE rating): 1 2 3 4 Recommended with Recommended Reservation Not Recommended Highly Recommended Please add your comments in the space below to explain your recommendation. Signature: Title/Position Date Phone number(s): E-mail address(s): Please place your recommendation in an envelope and sign your name across the seal to ensure confidentiality. Please return the envelope to the candidate who will submit the reference with his/her completed application form. If you wish, you may also mail the form directly to: Graduate Counseling Program, Heritage University, 3420 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948. Thank you for assisting this applicant!! 8

M.Ed. in Counseling Course Curriculum Fall Semester I Credits CPSY 500 Orientation for M.Ed. in Counseling... 0 CPSY 501 Issues in Counseling: Legal and Ethical... 2 CPSY 530 Principles of Guidance and Counseling... 2 CPSY 531 Practicum in Guidance and Counseling... 1 CPSY 557 Counseling Diverse Populations... 2 CPSY 558 Practicum in Counseling Diverse Populations... 1 Total Credits: 8 Spring Semester I CPSY 544 Counseling Theories and Techniques I... 3 CPSY 545 Practicum in Counseling Theories and Techniques I... 1 CPSY 546 Counseling Theories and Techniques II... 2 PSY 555 Testing and Evaluation... 2 PSY 556 Practicum in Testing and Evaluation... 1 Total Credits: 9 Summer Semester I CPSY 547 Practicum in Theories and Techniques II... 1 CPSY 542 Developmental Counseling... 2 CPSY 543 Practicum in Developmental Counseling... 1 CPSY 576 Mental Health and Community Services... 2 CPSY 577 Practicum in Mental Health and Community Services... 1 Total Credits: 7 Fall Semester II CPSY 538 Group Counseling... 2 CPSY 539 Practicum in Group Counseling... 1 PSY 553 Introduction to Research Design... 3 PSY 554 Practicum in Research Design... 1 PSY 571 Mental Health Field Experience... 2 Total Credits: 9 Spring Semester II CPSY 578 Career Counseling... 2 CPSY 579 Child Abuse Counseling... 2 CPSY 594 Professional Seminar... 1 PSY 571 Mental Health Field Experience... 2 Total Credits: 7 TOTAL CREDITS: 40

M.Ed. in Counseling along with ESA Course Curriculum Fall Semester I Credits CPSY 500 Orientation for M.Ed. in Counseling... 0 CPSY 501 Issues in Counseling: Legal and Ethical... 2 CPSY 530 Principles of Guidance and Counseling... 2 CPSY 531 Practicum in Guidance and Counseling... 1 CPSY 557 Counseling Diverse Populations... 2 CPSY 558 Practicum in Counseling Diverse Populations... 1 Total Credits: 8 Spring Semester I CPSY 544 Counseling Theories and Techniques I... 3 CPSY 545 Practicum in Counseling Theories and Techniques I... 1 CPSY 546 Counseling Theories and Techniques II... 2 PSY 555 Testing and Evaluation... 2 PSY 556 Practicum in Testing and Evaluation... 1 Total Credits: 9 Summer Semester I CPSY 547 Practicum in Theories and Techniques II... 1 CPSY 542 Developmental Counseling... 2 CPSY 543 Practicum in Developmental Counseling... 1 CPSY 576 Mental Health and Community Services... 2 CPSY 577 Practicum in Mental Health and Community Services... 1 ED 568 School Law... 2 Total Credits: 9 Fall Semester II CPSY 538 Group Counseling... 2 CPSY 539 Practicum in Group Counseling... 1 PSY 553 Introduction to Research Design... 3 PSY 554 Practicum in Research Design... 1 CPSY 581 School Counseling... 2 CPSY 580 Seminar in School Counseling... 1 CPSY 585 Internship in School Counseling... 4 Total Credits: 14 Spring Semester II CPSY 578 Career Counseling... 2 CPSY 579 Child Abuse Counseling... 2 CPSY 594 Professional Seminar... 1 CPSY 580 Seminar in School Counseling... 1 CPSY 585 Internship in School Counseling... 4 Total Credits: 10 TOTAL CREDITS: 50