Counseling and Career Development

Master of Education Degree in Education and Human Resource Studies

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The Counseling and Career Development program prepares professional counselors to help people of all ages develop the self-awareness, exploration and decision making skills needed to live effective lives within a pluralistic society.
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits this program, unique within the state of Colorado for its career development emphasis. Students may choose from the following CACREP specialties:

• School Counseling
• Career Counseling
• Community Counseling

View the CCD Handbook

Sequence of Core Required Course Work

Student Backgrounds

Students in the counseling and career development program come from backgrounds including, but not limited to, public and private school teaching, social work, human development, psychology, postsecondary education, business, and the employment agencies. There are no specific requirements concerning the type of bachelor’s degree needed for admission; however, successful applicants typically have a 3.5 undergraduate GPA, and at least one or two years of post-baccalaureate experience.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution or an international college or university recognized by CSU, as evidenced by an official transcript of courses, grades and degree(s) awarded.
• Transcripts of all attempted undergraduate and graduate academic work.
• Three current letters of reference from people who are able to speak to your current or potential abilities as a counselor.
• Resume showing dates and job duties of all professional employment.
• A “Statement of Purpose” specifying: your reasons for seeking the specialization; your views of learning as an adult; what you bring to our community of learners; a summary of your long-term professional, educational or personal goals; your professional commitment to your field of study; how the program will meet your goals; your expectations for the program; and list the factors that led to the you to consider Colorado State University for graduate study.
• Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and higher are not required to have GRE scores for admission. Applicants whose GPA is lower than 3.0 must demonstrate their potential for academic success by providing additional evidence such as: Additional letters of reference indicating strong potential for successfully completing the master’s program, relevant work experience shown on a resume, completion of six credits of graduate level classes after the bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, or combined GRE of 900 or higher.
• View Admission Procedure and Forms

Program Requirements

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• The degree requires 52 semester credits of course work. Students must choose Plan A or Plan B when developing their programs of study. Plan A requires a preliminary written examination and the oral defense of a thesis. Plan B requires a preliminary written examination and a comprehensive oral final examination.
• Students are required to have liability insurance when registered for practicum and internship. Membership in the American Counseling Association (ACA) allows students to purchase this insurance (see www.counseling.org). Members of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) receive complimentary insurance (see www.schoolcounselor.org).
• Students are required to participate as a member of a 10-hour personal growth group as part of EDCO 651.
• A brief description of courses can be found in the Colorado State University General Catalog.

Required Core Course Work (37 Credits)

Career Counseling Concentration (15 Credits)