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.