Curry School of Education

Applicants to an entry-level program must:
1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college by date of entry.
2. Have a B average or better for the last two years of undergraduate study.
3. Submit an application for admission (including a $60 non-refundable application fee) and unofficial transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work.  Once admitted, official transcripts will be required.
4. Submit an official report of the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test containing scores no more than five years old.
5. Submit at least two letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to the potential of the applicant to succeed as a graduate student and professional counselor.
6. Submit a written statement of professional goals and reasons for seeking admission to the masters program in Counselor Education.
7. Submit a current resume. 
Meeting these minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.

If I had a different major than psychology (and related fields), could I still apply to the counseling program?
Yes, you may apply if your undergraduate degree is in a field other than psychology. Your personal goal statement should reflect your career or goal shift and include a brief explanation for your change of direction.

How many applications do you normally receive?  How many students are admitted into the program?
This program is very competitive as we receive between 50 – 70 applications each year.  We typically admit a cohort of 10 to 15 students.  Cohort size is determined by the quality of the applicant pool and the CACREP-established faculty-student ratio limitation

January 5th

Selected candidates will be interviewed in Charlottesville, VA on Friday, February 22, 2013.  Note: Invitations for interviews are issued via email in early February.

All masters students in counseling are required to take 33 credit hours of course work in eight foundational areas specified by CACREP.  Students must also take 18 credit hours of courses specific to school counseling. In addition, student complete a 100-hour school-based practicum and a 600-hour Internship placement. Practica and Internships are complemented by course seminars that allow for group supervision and case discussions. During their program of studies, students compile a professional portfolio.

Transferring Credits:
You can transfer up to 6 credits of graduate level courses taken at another university. The courses must be equivalent to courses offered in our program. Your faculty advisor reviews the syllabus and transcript to decide whether a course is equivalent.  Course credits may be considered for transfer that are (1) credits from a recognized graduate school completed within the preceding five years, (2) of at least B grade, and (3) directly related to the student’s graduate program and approved by the student’s advisor. Practice based courses such as Essential Counseling Skills, Practicum and Internship cannot be transferred.

There are several financial aid options available to new and continuing undergraduate and graduate students, Information about federal financial aid can be found through the University of Virginia Office of Student Financial Services.

Financial aid options available to MEd, students include loans and federal work-study options described on the website for Student Financial Services. At the school and departmental levels, master’s and education specialist students are encouraged to speak to their advisors and principal investigators (PI’s) regarding potential paid positions on grant-funded projects at the Curry School and throughout the University.

For those who qualify, America Reads is a unique work-study opportunity at Curry.

This program is designed for full-time students so that they can complete their studies within two years, typically earning 12-15 hours in each regular semester.  Starting in August, the student will enroll for four semesters of coursework and graduate in May of the second year.

Full or Part Time:

This is a full-time program with no on-line classes.  All courses are classroom based, offered at the UVA main campus in Charlottesville.  In addition, to provide the opportunity to perform the activities of a school counselor, the Practicum and Internship courses require the students to go to an off-grounds school in the surrounding area.

The program meets the pre-degree academic and internship requirements established by the Commonwealth of Virginia State Department of Education for licensure as preK-12 school counselors. 
Typically 12-15 hours in each regular semester, spring and fall, in addition to summer course work.  Practicum is part of the first spring semester.  Your second year is also a year of internship at a school, working under the supervision of a professional school counselor.

Content based courses have 10-15 students, practice based courses such as Essential Counseling Skills have 10-15 students or less, Practicum and Internship have no more than 10 students each.

You do not need a teaching license to become a school counselor in the state of Virginia.  A Counselor in a public or private school is the desired career outcome unless you plan to continue your studies and do research or teaching with a PhD. 

Most graduates of the School Counseling program are employed by school systems (public or private, elementary, middle and high schools) to work as School Counselors.

The staff members of the University Career Services Center assist students in seeking professional positions as they near graduation.  Services available through the Center include resume and portfolio preparation advice, job listings, and interview coaching.  Students should also tell the Counselor Education faculty members when they are looking for professional positions.  If faculty members know students are searching, they will assist them in any way possible.  In addition to writing letters of reference, professors often learn about job leads through informal communication with their colleagues.  The professional friends and associates of faculty members can often help students find the positions they are seeking.

Vickie Thomas           

vat3w@virginia.edu              

434-924-7472