Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology at GSU

The COE’s Division of Psychology and Counseling offers an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology.  The advanced program is a four-year, cohort-based model that provides future school psychologists a solid professional and academic foundation that reflects the depth and diversity in both psychology and education.  Students who graduate from the Educational Specialist in School Psychology program will have also earn a M.A. in School Psychology and be eligible to apply for practice in the state of Illinois.

This challenging program requires a total of 66-credit hours, and prepares professionals to directly and indirectly deliver a continuum of educational and mental health services to children and families.  GSU’s graduates are equipped to enhance student achievement and wellness by functioning in multiple roles including treatment, assessment, and consultative modalities, as well as teaching and research roles.

An Educational Specialist in School Psychology is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to work in a number of different settings such as public and private schools, juvenile detention centers or daycare centers and deals with students of all ages.  Practitioners in the field work with teachers as well as other educators to augment the learning process and well-being of each student they serve.  

In addition to the ED.S. in School Psychology degree, we also offer a Master of Arts in Psychology program that consists of a clinical sequence and a theoretical sequence.  Both are designed to prepare students for advanced graduate studies in psychology, and provide a broader understanding of cultural and individual differences.  Please see the College of Education’s website for the complete information and requirements on our undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.

We invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the College of Education’s quality advanced degree programs designed to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

The Division of Psychology and Counseling Certificate Offerings

In addition to our Master of Arts in Psychology and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology degrees, the COE’s Division of Psychology and Counseling offers several certificate programs.  The non-degree, post B.A. or M.A. certificates provide professionals with the opportunity to enhance their education and add to their current credentials.  

The Counseling Program offers a College Career Counseling Certification [AL1] (Post B.A.) that is a sequence of five 3-credit hour courses.  This certificate prepares professionals to work with adolescents and adults in order to help them develop college career readiness to successfully enter a chosen career path.  Much of the work is done online but there are face to face class meetings that help to foster a sense of community among the students. 

Another program from the Division of Psychology and Counseling is our School Counseling Certificate (Post M.A.).  This 24-credit hour program is approved to prepare students for the Professional Educator License-Endorsed in School Counseling.  To be admitted to the certificate program, students must possess a master’s degree in Counseling or Psychology.  The certificate is awarded once students meet all university requirements.

The Mindfulness in the Helping Professions Certificate also requires a B.A. degree and is a 14-credit hour multidisciplinary program offered jointly by the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services.  The program focuses on three areas, academic, professional and personal.  The academic perspective deals with the latest research on the application of mindfulness in a variety of clinical settings.  Professionally, students develop intervention techniques to treat a variety of clinical problems and disorders, while on a personal level; they learn how to integrate mindfulness practices in their own lives. 

Please see our website for the complete details and requirements for these challenging certificates along with information on all of GSU’s College of Education programs.  Our degree and certificate programs are offered in a variety of formats that make it easy to pursue your educational goals. 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.  

---

 [AL1]

Certificate Programs from the COE’s Division of Education

Along with our many undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the College of Education’s (COE) Division of Education offers several non-degree certificates.  These programs are designed for students who currently hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and offer the opportunity to enhance your education and add to your current credentials. 

In light of the rapidly increasing growth of fully online and hybrid format courses, there is a need for professionals to be able to develop and facilitate high-quality online learning. Our 12-credit hour Certificate in Online Teaching (Post B.A.) is specifically designed for graduate students, college faculty, K-12 teachers, community college instructors and others.  The program teaches students the most effective methods for teaching online courses.  Although it is offered year-round, the, fully online program must be taken in sequence.  Certificates are awarded to those who achieve a “B” or better in each of the four required classes.

Another post-B.A. offering is the Reading Teacher Certificate.  This program leads to an Illinois State Board of Education endorsement.  To be eligible, students must hold an Illinois or comparable out-of-state license in Early Childhood Education, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education. In addition you must have already completed two years of teaching before taking the reading diagnosis course.  The certificate requires 24-credit hours. 

Also the Division of Education offers an Early Childhood Education (Post-BA) Certificate.  This is a “license only” track and is for licensed Elementary or Special Education teachers.  Please keep in mind that this does not lead to a M.A. degree. 

The professional education unit at GSU seeks to offer the highest quality academic programs, balancing innovation and best practice to meet the needs of adult lifelong learners.  Please see the College of Education’s website for contact information as well as details and requirements on all of our exceptional programs.    

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of best colleges in Chicago.

   

Learn More about the Field of Counseling

Since there are many different types of counselors, it is important to find out as much you can about each one, and use that information to decide what kind of clients you would be best suited to serve.  According to the website Careers in Psychology.org, they suggest that, “Every one of us has special traits, empathies, attributes and interests that would make us better counselors in certain areas.”  Counseling can be an extremely rewarding profession but keep in mind that most counselors must have a masters or doctoral degree. 

At GSU’s College of Education (COE), we offer three exceptional Master of Arts in Counseling Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling and School Counseling.  In the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, you will examine clinical mental health and community counseling issues.  Course work includes the study of life style and career development, workplace and vocational counseling, group dynamics and counseling program management. 

Our Marriage & Family Counseling degree provides our graduate students with course work that deals with all facets of marriage and family counseling including individuals, children, adolescents, couples and family counseling. In addition students will explore topics such as group dynamics, intervention, prevention and sexual issues.

The other COE’s M.A. in Counseling - School Counseling degree promotes excellence in professional school counseling as an integral component in the development of all students.  The primary goal of our program is to prepare responsive professional counselors in K-12 school settings who will assist students in maximizing their educational, vocational and personal/social growth and development.

If you are interested in learning more about GSU’s Counseling program, you can get answers from students who are currently in the program.  Our Counseling Peer Mentor Program allows you to ask a myriad of questions about the course work or to get an informed opinion about handling a class load while working. You will find details for the Mentor program on our website.

Source: http://careersinpsychology.org/starting-a-career-in-counseling/

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.  

The College of Education’s Endorsement Programs

At GSU’s College of Education (COE), we offer educators the opportunity to enhance their Illinois Professional Educator License with additional endorsements.  Our three offerings include the Bilingual/ESL Approval, Mathematics Endorsement and a Middle School Endorsement.

The Illinois State Board of Education’s Bilingual/ESL Education endorsement requires 18 credit hours.  To fulfill the sequence requirement for a Master of Art in Education with Specialization in Bilingual/ESL Education, 21 credit hours (including BBED 8100 Practicum in Bilingual and ESL Education) may be applied.  The courses are generally taught 2 times per week each semester, which allows teachers to earn the credential in one calendar year.  See our website for the full course requirements and details.

You can also add to your qualifications with a Mathematics Endorsement that requires just 24 credit hours.  Requirements for undergraduate students include the following classes: Early Adolescent Educational Psychology along with Curriculum and Methods for Middle School.  For graduate students, required classes include Educational Psychology Applied to the Middle School as well as Curriculum and Instruction in the Middle School.  All students are required to take Teaching Math in the Middle and Intermediate Grades.  See the COE’s website for details on this endorsement. 

The third offering from the COE is a Middle School Endorsement, which offers both on and off campus course work for currently certified teachers.  To earn the endorsement, teachers need to take the following two courses: Educational Psychology Applied to Middle School and the Curriculum and Instruction in the Middle School.  See our website for information on how to host a cohort in your school or district.

Along with our endorsement programs, the COE offers a range of excellent undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs for educators, psychologists and counselors.  Check out our website for information on all of our programs. 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Academic Advising for COE Students

GSU’s College of Education (COE) prepares individuals who wish to pursue careers in the field of education, psychology or counseling with a selection of outstanding undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.  Our students receive a solid balance of theory with lots of practical experience so they are able to make a smooth transition from the university to a community agency, classroom or administrator’s office. 

The COE not only offers small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and a world-class faculty, but we also provide professional academic advisors to guide and mentor students.  Within each of the COE’s divisions, we have academic advisors who will act as your first contact when you are enrolled in one of our degree programs.   

Getting guidance from an academic advisor is helpful at different stages throughout your time at GSU, and is especially important when you are considering transferring into one of our degree programs.  And again, once you are admitted into the program, the advisor will help you to develop a plan of study as well as evaluate your transfer credits.  Even for current students, advisors are helpful in addressing questions or comments regarding the program’s policies, procedures and requirements.  

The College of Education’s advising staff includes: Maya Blackwell - Psychology, B.A. and M.A.; Bonnie Gregg - Counseling, M.A. and Ed.D; Terrance Felker - Education, Multi-categorical Special Education; Cynthia Hutson -       Early Childhood, Elementary Education;      Carla Johnson - Educational Administration, Interdisciplinary Leadership Ed.D, and Reading;    and Eileen Lally - Urban Teacher Education. 

Please refer to our website for contact information as well as details and requirements on all of our exceptional programs.  The COE’s mission is to prepare students to be reflective lifelong learners; advocates for diversity and social justice; and engaged, effective, transformative educators and mental health professionals.

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of best colleges in Chicago.

The Challenging Job of a School Superintendent

What makes a successful school superintendent?  While there is no doubt varying opinions, there is some consensus on the basic characteristics of an effective school superintendent.  A survey of recognized top superintendents from around the country indicates that effective communication from the school’s leadership has a significant impact on the success of moving the district’s vision forward.  

The National School Public Relations Association (NPRA) survey shows the “need for good communications as an integral ingredient in superintendent success was cited by every superintendent in this study. Although leadership, vision, and strategic thinking were listed as the most important skills for superintendent success, every superintendent in the study ranked good communications skills as a “very important” component of each of those skills.”

The superintendents mentioned that communication is especially important during times of institutional changes such as implementing “No Child Left Behind and other accountability requirements; changes in curriculum; redrawing attendance boundaries; grade configuration changes; and closing schools.” 

An article on GreatSchools’ website states that successful superintendents have a clear vision, goals and objectives for the district, and work toward achieving those goals.  They noted that the best superintendents understand they are instructional leaders and strive to ensure their students are learning and achieving at the highest levels possible.  This means a superintendent must be “knowledgeable of the best practices for maximizing student achievement and is supportive of teachers in the district.”

Superintendents are managers, and as such, must effectively evaluate the performance of their district.  They are also responsible for seeing to it that school principals are equally effective leaders in their buildings.  Finally just as good communicator skills are a must, the best superintendents are good listeners.  

GSU’s College of Education offers an Interdisciplinary Leadership, Ed.D degree program with a Superintendent (P-12) as one of the concentrations.  The program’s other concentrations are Higher Education Administration, Public Safety, and Not-for-Profit/Social Entrepreneurship.  The doctoral program provides students a comprehensive set of core courses in leadership, research, planning, communication, globalism and finance.  Please refer to the College of Education’s website for the complete requirements and details of our Interdisciplinary Leadership ED.D. 

Sources:

http://www.nspra.org/files/docs/CharacteristicsOfEffectiveSuperintendents.pdf

http://www.greatschools.org/improvement/quality-teaching/94-what-makes-a-great-superintendent.gs

At GSU you will discover a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds and courses that are taught by gifted professors.  At the College of Education we offer undergraduate, graduate, cohort and non-degree certificate programs to prepare you with the credentials you need to be a successful education or mental health professional. Contact us for more information.

Principal Leadership – Take Your Career to the Next Level

Until recently there was not much real-world evidence regarding the impact of effective school principals on student learning, but a recent study changes that.  Reported in the EducationNext, Winter 2013 edition, the article cites evidence that indeed a school’s leadership does make a difference.  The authors of the study are Gregory F. Branch of the University of Texas at Dallas Education Research Center, Eric A. Hanushek from the Hoover Institution of Stanford University and Steven G. Rivkin, professor of economics at University of Illinois at Chicago. 

The study indicates that, “Highly effective principals raise the achievement of a typical student in their schools by between two and seven months of learning in a single school year; ineffective principals lower achievement by the same amount. These impacts are somewhat smaller than those associated with having a highly effective teacher. But teachers have a direct impact on only those students in their classroom; differences in principal quality affect all students in a given school.”  Their report specifically examines the importance of effective leadership at schools serving disadvantaged students as leadership is vital to attracting and retaining high-quality teachers despite less desirable working conditions.  We encourage you to read more of their fascinating study. 

At GSU we offer educators the opportunity to take their career to the next level by earning their Master of Arts in Educational Administration degree designed to prepare school administrators and leaders.  For those wishing to pursue the job of a school principal, one of the choices of concentration in our program is Principal Leadership (K-12).

As a student in the program, you are given the opportunity to learn how to transition from the classroom to a leadership role with plenty of field and clinical experiences.  Please see our website for the complete requirements and details for our Master of Arts in Educational Administration concentration in Principal Leadership (K- 12). 

Source: http://educationnext.org/school-leaders-matter/

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Reading – The Essential First Step in Learning

As educators, we all understand the great importance of reading in the success of our students.  Reading impacts all aspects of the learning process and by helping our students become proficient readers, we not only make a huge difference in their lives but enhance the entire school’s overall quality.  This is why GSU’s College of Education offers teachers an exceptional Master of Arts in Reading program.  Graduates of the program will be reading specialists who have the expertise to bring staff development to educators serving an increasingly diverse student population. 

To qualify for this outstanding program, you need to have an Illinois (or comparable out-of-state) Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education professional educator license.  In addition you must have completed at least two years of appropriate teaching experience in a recognized public or private school as stated in the application materials prior to candidacy.  Please see our College of Education website for the complete program requirements and details. 

Our M.A. in Reading program includes practicum experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels.  Students are presented challenging course work with classes in diagnosis, remediation, the psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic foundations of literacy, developing reading programs, and narrative and expository writing instruction. Degree requirements also include a successful completion of an action research project. 

This excellent program provides students the required course work as identified by the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and the Advisory Group to the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education Joint Task Force of the International Reading Association.  Graduates of GSU’s Master of Arts in Reading program are given the knowledge and theoretical foundation in the field of reading and literacy to address the needs of K-12 learners as well as those students who need specialized literacy intervention.

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of best colleges in Chicago.

GSU’s College of Education - Doctoral Programs

At Governors State University, we offer an exceptional selection of doctoral programs that will take your career to the next level.  All of our programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and offer course work in a variety of formats or times.  Our class-sizes are small and students are mentored by a group of experienced, gifted professors.

One of our doctoral offerings is a Counselor Education and Supervision, Ed.D degree that is designed to produce advanced clinicians, supervisors, competent researchers and educators. The challenging program offers students experiences in clinical work, teaching, supervision, research and advocacy.  As a student, you will develop a strong background in education and counseling theory.  If you have a CACREP-accredited master’s degree, you will be able to complete the program in as little as eight semesters.

Another doctoral program offered from the College of Education is our Interdisciplinary Leadership, Ed.D.  To ensure the program is convenient; all courses are offered online or in a hybrid format.  Students will learn the theories, principles, practices and applications of effective leadership.  The program offers the opportunity for advanced study in the choice of one of the following concentrations:  Higher Education Administration; Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship; Public Safety and Superintendent (P-12 Endorsement).

In addition we also offer an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology.  The program equips professionals to directly and indirectly deliver a continuum of educational and mental health services to children and families and to work with teachers and other educators to enhance student learning and well-being.  This is a four-year, cohort-based model that provides future school psychologists with a solid professional and academic foundation that reflects depth and diversity in both psychology and education.

Please refer to GSU’s College of Education website for the programs’ complete requirements and details.  If you have further questions, please contact a department advisor. 

We invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  GSU has a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds as well as courses taught by gifted professors. Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.   

M.A. in Psychology – Theoretical Sequence

At Governors State University, our College of Education offers a M.A. in Psychology degree that provides the professional preparation for students seeking to enter into the field of human services or as a stepping stone toward advanced graduate studies.  Our program has the choice of two exceptional sequences, Clinical Psychology or Theoretical Psychology.

Our Theoretical Sequence in Psychology offers students a strong theoretical background in the traditional areas of psychology.  The program is designed to engender sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.  This sequence prepares students to pursue advanced graduate studies such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree.  

Furthermore, the M.A. in Psychology gives students the educational background they need to work in research for businesses or social services.  The degree also provides the opportunities to teach general psychology classes at the junior or community college level.  For those that hold a teaching certificate, you will be eligible to teach at the high school level. 

Our master’s in psychology theoretical sequence is not an applied degree but rather focuses on a strong theoretical background in traditional areas of psychology.

It is not mandatory that students have an undergraduate degree in psychology to be admitted to the program; however, it is strongly recommended.  Please see our website for complete requirements and information or contact a department advisor if you have additional questions.

     

For those interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, beginning in Summer 2015, we will now offer the program at the GSU Naperville Education Center.  Check out our website for complete details and requirements for applying to this program. 

  

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

GSU’s College of Education Offers Exceptional Master’s Programs

If you are interested in advancing your career, GSU’s College of Education (COE) offers professionals an excellent selection of Master of Arts degree programs.  Our gifted faculty guides learning while mentoring students through hands-on experiences, and our class-sizes are small to ensure individualized attention.  Furthermore, students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom at our on-campus Family Development Center, working with children from the community.

The College of Education offers a M.A. in Counseling degree with specializations that include: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling, and School Counseling (K-12).  Starting in Fall 2015, the program will run on a cohort-based model.  The program prepares students with the skills to provide direct services to clients; diagnostic, consultative, and evaluative services; and preventive intervention.

Another program from the COE is our Early Childhood Education.  Here we offer a Sequence for Currently Licensed Teachers and Licensure Sequence for Non-Teachers.  Students are provided the opportunity for significant field experience in school settings and experience the type of challenges and situations faced as a practicing professional.

In our M.A. in Education (non-licensure program), we offer Computer Education, Curriculum & Instruction, ESL/Bilingual Education, Mathematics Education and Science Education.  Our program is designed to enhance and facilitate your professional development as a classroom teacher, regardless of the level at which you teach and prepare you to take a leadership role in your school system.   

Our M.A. in Educational Administration offers the following concentrations: Chief School Business Official, Higher Education Administration and Principal Leadership.  This is an in-depth program that prepares school administrators and leaders to meet the challenges of a demanding educational environment. 

The College of Education’s M.A. in Multicategorical Special Education prepares experienced teachers to work across the full continuum of educational services.  Here, students are offered a program that emphasizes an individual approach to the education of the exceptional learner. 

The M.A. in Psychology degree offers a choice of Clinical Sequence or Theoretical Sequence. You will develop a strong theoretical base as well as learn assessment and research skills.

Lastly, our M.A. in Reading program will prepare you to be a reading specialist and to deliver staff development to educators who serve a diverse student population.  Please see our website for complete program details and requirements. 

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.

Education is in Need of Strong Leaders

According to a recent report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, “It turns out that leadership not only matters: it is second only to teaching among school-related factors in its impact on student learning.”  In addition the study declares that, “the impact of leadership tends to be greatest in schools where the learning needs of students are most acute.”

The report indicates that successful school leaders are those that chart a clear direction for the school that everyone understands and are diligent in establishing high expectations for all involved.  They also efficiently use data to track progress and performance to ensure it is meaningful.  The best leaders are committed to providing teachers and staff with the tools and support they need in order be successful.  Moreover they recognize that by making the organization work, it ensures that “the entire range of conditions and incentives in districts and schools fully supports rather than inhibits teaching and learning.”

At GSU we too fully understand the importance of strong educational leaders.  Our Master of Arts in Educational Administration degree program provides in-depth study to prepare school administrators and leaders to meet the challenges of a demanding educational environment. Our graduates are caring, critical, reflective professionals who are academically strong, pedagogically skilled and responsive to the needs of our diverse society.

As a student in the M.A in Educational Administration, you are offered the following three areas of concentration to advance your career: Chief School Business Official (K-12), Higher Education Administration (colleges and universities), and Principal Leadership (K-12).  Furthermore, you will have plenty of opportunities to transition from the classroom to a leadership role with both field and clinical experiences.  Please see our website for complete program requirements and details. 

Source:

http://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/school-leadership/key-research/Documents/How-Leadership-influences-Student-Learning.pdf

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.

Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education

The professional education unit in the College of Education at GSU offers the highest quality academic programs that balance innovation and best practice in order to meet the needs of today’s educators.  Our Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education program is one of our exceptional programs and is designed to develop experienced teachers who are capable of working across the full continuum of educational services. With an emphasis on the individual approach to the education of the exceptional learner, our fully accredited program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children and NCATE.  

GSU graduates are equipped to work in the special education categorical areas covered by the Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist I Unlimited endorsement on a Professional Educator License.  This includes the following areas: learning disabilities, behavior disorders, intellectual disabilities, mental impairments, traumatic brain injury and autism.  Students also receive training in psychological diagnosis, authentic assessments, case study development, IEP development and implementation and much more.

The MCSE degree will give you the opportunity for a rewarding career as a classroom teacher, resource personnel, or a collaborator/consultant to educators, administrators, staff, and parents.  If you already possess a teaching certificate, you will not be required to complete additional clinical hours in the areas that you have previously had supervised experience in.  Furthermore, the program will prepare you for the Learning Behavior Specialist I Unlimited endorsement on a Professional Educator License.

GSU Naperville Education Center is now recruiting interested students for our Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education/LBS l Unlimited Endorsement program.  It will be offered in the Fall Semester 2015. Check our website for all of the requirements and details as well as contact information.  Application deadline is March 15, 2015.

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals. 

A Rewarding Career as a School Counselor

By the year 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an almost 12 percent increase in employment for educational, guidance, school and vocational counselors, which will mean 31,200 new jobs.  Most employers require school counselors to have at least a master’s degree, and jobs include working in elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges and universities, government and private organizations.  The BLS states that the median annual income for school and career counselors was $53,610 in May 2012 and the top wage-earners make more than $86,680.

A school counselor works closely with school officials, students and parents. The job involves collaborating with other individuals and organizations to advocate and promote the academic, career, personal and social development of children and youth.  “School counselors help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents and personalities to develop realistic academic and career goals.”*

At GSU our M.A. in School Counseling degree program is designed to promote excellence in professional school counseling as an integral component in the development of all students.  Our primary goal is to prepare responsive professional counselors in K-12 school settings who will assist students in maximizing their educational, vocational and personal/social growth and development.  GSU’s program endorses the role of the professional school counselor as a licensed educator who addresses the needs of students comprehensively through the implementation of a developmental school counseling program. 

In addition beginning in the Fall Semester 2015, Governors State Naperville Education Center (NEC) will offer the Master of Arts in School Counseling program.  Students interested in attending the NEC program will need to apply through the NEC and the application deadline is March 15, 2015.  Please see our website for all program requirements and information. 

Source:

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm

*http://www.gradschools.com/search-programs/school-counseling

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.