CATALOG

40-50 credits
The M.Ed. Program in Counseling at Heritage University is designed to prepare practitioners to work as professional counselors in elementary schools, secondary schools, mental health or related agencies and in college counseling centers.  Our mission is to serve diverse, multicultural, and rural populations that have traditionally been educationally isolated. Students represent a variety of ethnic backgrounds and are encouraged to be involved in multicultural experiences throughout the program. Students are encouraged to become engaged in personal counseling/therapy to address some change for themselves.  Up to five (5) therapy hours may be applied to satisfy practicum hour requirements per practicum course.

Students who plan to work in community agencies enroll for 40 semester credits including a mental health field experience.  Students who will become school counselors will take an additional 10 credits.  Courses emphasize the WAC’s (Washington OSPI standards for school counseling) for Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification.  The rigorous degree program features relevant research-based courses, taught by responsive faculty, and offered in a convenient weekend model.  Students will be admitted in the fall semester.  Heritage University currently has counseling programs at the following sites: Toppenish/Yakima, Wenatchee/Moses Lake, and Tri-Cities. 

Prerequisite:  a bachelor’s degree in psychology is preferred.  A minimum of 9 semester credits in psychology is required.

Program Goals
A Heritage University graduate from the counselor preparation program will have developed the ability to positively impact human relationships with clients in various settings, and will be able to:

1.   Develop, articulate, and share with clients and colleagues a vision focused on personal growth.
2.   Develop and sustain a counseling/guidance program that promotes client growth and assists in the professional growth of colleagues.
3.   Assist in the development and implementation of the counseling mission of the employing organization and help to develop resources which produce a safe, efficient, effective, and growth-producing environment.
4.   Work positively with clients, families, and community members by identifying and responding to diverse community interests and needs and by helping to mobilize community resources.
5.   Promote the success of all clients by acting with integrity and fairness in an ethical manner.
6.   Understand and respond to the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context of the employing organization and larger community.

Additional Admissions Requirements for Certification
In addition to the requirements for admission into the counseling program, requirements for candidates interested in pursuing a Residency ESA Certificate include:

• Submit a letter explaining experiences relevant to counseling youth and why the candidate wants to become a school counselor.
• Maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout the program.
• Earn a B- (2.7) or better in each graduate counseling course.
• Interview with and receive a recommendation for admission from a committee consisting of faculty and Heritage University Professional Educational Advisory Board (PEAB) members.

The Dean and the faculty of the College of Education and Psychology reserve the right to refuse to admit to a counseling program, or recommend a student for a school counseling (ESA) certificate if, in the discretion of the Dean and the faculty, such a recommendation or assignment would be contrary to, or in violation, of WAC 181-79A-155 - Good Moral Character and Personal Fitness.
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