Eastern University's Counseling Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

Eastern University offers robust graduate programs in counseling, designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary for a successful career in mental health and education. These programs are characterized by their flexibility, academic rigor, and commitment to fostering culturally responsive practitioners. With a focus on transformative learning, Eastern University provides a pathway for aspiring counselors and school counselors to become agents of positive change in individuals, families, communities, and educational systems.

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology: Cultivating Transformative Professionals

The Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology at Eastern University is a distinguished program meticulously crafted to train students in comprehending the complexities of human personality organization and experience. This program emphasizes the implementation of strategies for positive change, extending its impact to individuals, families, churches, and communities. Graduates are academically prepared to pursue credentialing as licensed professional counselors, equipped with a deep understanding of psychological principles and practical counseling techniques.

Program Structure and Delivery

Eastern's MA in Counseling Psychology is a 60-credit program that can be completed in three years of full-time study or four years of part-time enrollment. The program offers a significant degree of flexibility through its innovative LifeFlex model, designed to accommodate the busy schedules of its students. Approximately 75% of the coursework allows for self-paced learning, enabling students to watch lectures and complete assignments without the constraint of set class times. This allows for a personalized learning journey, where students can delve into the material at their own speed.

The remaining 25% of the courses are dedicated to essential components such as practicum, internships, and accreditation requirements. These crucial elements necessitate weekly meetings with professors and classmates, fostering collaborative learning and practical application. For students in the 100% Online program, these interactive sessions are conducted via Zoom, ensuring accessibility regardless of geographical location. In the Hybrid program, these meetings take place on Eastern's beautiful Main Campus in St. Davids, offering a blend of online convenience and on-campus engagement.

Specializations and Tracks

The MA in Counseling Psychology program offers three distinct tracks, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career aspirations:

General Track: This track provides a broad foundation in counseling psychology, preparing students for a wide range of professional counseling roles.
Trauma Studies Concentration: This specialized track delves into the complexities of trauma, equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills to work with individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
Applied Behavior Analysis Certification Concentration (ABA): This concentration focuses on the principles and practices of Applied Behavior Analysis, preparing students for roles involving the assessment and treatment of behavioral challenges.

All three tracks are available in either the 100% Online format or the Hybrid format, offering diverse learning modalities to suit individual needs and preferences.

Accreditation and Recognition

A significant advantage of Eastern's MA in Counseling Psychology program is its accreditation by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). This accreditation, valid from August 2014 through December 2033, signifies the program's adherence to high standards of quality and its commitment to excellence in counselor education.

MPCAC accreditation offers several key benefits:

Professional Inclusion: MPCAC acknowledges the rich history of the counseling field, recognizing its intersection with both counseling psychology and psychology. This recognition ensures that students are trained in a manner that benefits the public by embracing the overlap of these disciplines in counselor training. Students with psychology backgrounds are particularly welcomed, as the program builds upon their existing knowledge base.
Personal Inclusion: MPCAC is deeply committed to promoting culturally responsive services that contribute to the public good. Their strong emphasis on diversity and social justice resonates with Eastern's foundational commitments to justice, reconciliation, and transformation, fostering an environment of inclusivity and equity.
Recognition by CHEA: MPCAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an accrediting body for master's programs that educate students in the science-based practice of counseling and psychological services. This recognition underscores the program's academic integrity and its alignment with national standards for graduate counseling education.

State Credentialing and Out-of-State Placements

Prospective students are advised to consult the State Authorizations page on Eastern University's website to verify if the program fulfills their specific state credentialing requirements. For those seeking licensure in states other than Pennsylvania, it is recommended to contact the appropriate credentialing agency in their home state for detailed information and guidance. Additional state or local requirements may apply to field placements or practica. It is important to note that out-of-state student placements and practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Master of Education in School Counseling: Nurturing Future Educators and Advocates

Eastern University's Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling program is designed to empower individuals to become catalysts for change within educational settings. This accredited program prepares master's-level students to address the multifaceted social, emotional, academic, and cultural barriers that impact students in today's diverse educational systems. Graduates are poised to raise up the next generation of socially and emotionally competent world changers.

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Program Focus and Outcomes

The MEd in School Counseling program equips students to:

Collaborate Effectively: Work synergistically with teachers, families, and administrators to support student learning, mental health wellness, and social-emotional development.
Provide Comprehensive Advising: Offer career, college, and academic advising across all grade levels, guiding students toward their future goals.
Develop and Implement Programming: Design, conduct, assess, and evaluate classroom guidance programs and school-wide positive intervention strategies.
Promote Student Growth: Implement prevention services that foster holistic student development.
Monitor Interventions: Effectively monitor intervention programs through rigorous research and evaluation practices.

Delivery and Location

The MEd in School Counseling program is available either as a fully online program or as a blended option, combining face-to-face evening classes with asynchronous online courses. This dual approach ensures that learners with varying needs and schedules can access high-quality education. The program is conveniently offered at Eastern University's Main Campus in St. Davids, Pennsylvania.

Accreditation and Standards Alignment

This program is accredited and meets the competency areas established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). Furthermore, it meets the educational requirements for Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as stated in PA Code § 49.2. Educational requirements. This alignment ensures that graduates are well-prepared for professional practice and licensure within Pennsylvania and potentially other states, depending on individual state regulations.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Counseling Programs

Admission to Eastern University's graduate counseling programs is a selective process designed to identify candidates with the aptitude and commitment necessary for graduate study and a professional career in counseling. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a significant dedication to their graduate training. While minimum graduate school requirements exist, program-specific requirements may be more stringent.

Key admission criteria include:

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Academic Aptitude: Demonstrated through one of the following:
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 GPA in the second half of the undergraduate program.
- A graduate GPA of 3.3 on a previously completed advanced degree.
- For programs that require it, GRE scores may be considered, with a minimum score at the 50th percentile or above. Applicants not meeting other criteria but possessing five years of relevant experience in the counseling field may be eligible, subject to specific procedures.
Personal Statement: A one-page narrative statement detailing the applicant's motivation for seeking admission, their rationale for pursuing a career in counseling, and their background and future goals.
Relevant Experience: Evidence of experience in helping professions, which can include paid professional work or structured volunteer experiences that demonstrate commitment and understanding of the mental health field. This experience should be documented in the resume and may be referenced in the personal statement.
Résumé: A focused summary of educational, career, and life experiences relevant to the program of study.
Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation from professional supervisors and/or supervising professors who can attest to the applicant's professional work quality. Recommendation forms and letters must be submitted directly from the recommender.

Domestic Applicant Transcript Requirements

Domestic applicants may be exempt from submitting transcripts from all undergraduate institutions if they meet specific criteria related to credit hours and GPA:

If the transcript lists 30 or more credit hours with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If the transcript lists 60 or more credit hours with an overall GPA between 2.7 and 2.99.

In such cases, only the transcript from the institution granting the bachelor's degree is required.

The Admission Process

The admission process involves a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant based on several criteria:

Academic Potential: Assessed through grade-point average and/or GRE scores.
Experience: The quality, extensiveness, and relevance of career, life, and educational experiences to clinical mental health counseling.
Professional Goals: The clarity and alignment of the applicant's professional goals and objectives.
Recommendations: The strength and content of the submitted recommendations.

Applicants who meet the initial criteria may proceed to a second phase, which typically includes an invitation to campus for a personal interview. During this interview, candidates receive detailed information about the program of study, faculty expectations, and topics related to professional counselor licensure. Additional materials may be requested at this stage. Admissions decisions are made after a thorough evaluation of all submitted materials and interview performance. Applicants who are denied admission and wish to reapply are encouraged to consult with the advising coordinator to understand the reasons for denial and to discuss reapplication procedures. An admissions appeal procedure is also available for applicants who believe their due process rights were violated during the admissions process.

Program Advisors and Degree Requirements

Upon admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, students are assigned program advisors who provide guidance in developing a personalized program of graduate study. Advisors must approve all course selections and subsequent changes. Transfer credits can be applied toward graduation only if they are reviewed and accepted by the student's advisor and comply with Graduate School guidelines.

The master's degree program must be completed within six years of initial enrollment. Successful completion of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam is a prerequisite for enrolling in the Counseling Practicum and for graduation.

Critical Graduation Information and University Policies

Each graduate student is responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the Eastern University catalog in effect at the time of their initial registration or any subsequent catalog, including the one in force at graduation. Master's degree requirements must be completed within six years of first enrollment. Failure to meet this deadline may necessitate a re-evaluation of credits in accordance with the catalog requirements in effect during the year of graduation.

Eastern University has specific policies regarding credit hours, residency, and academic standing for master's degrees:

Minimum Credit Hours: A master's degree must require a minimum of 30 credit hours.
Independent Study and Special Topics: No more than six credits of independent study courses, and a combined maximum of 12 credit hours for special topics and independent study courses, can be applied to a graduate degree.
Residency Requirement: For programs with 36 or fewer required hours, at least 24 new graduate hours must be earned at Eastern University, beginning from the semester of acceptance and enrollment. For programs with 37 or more required hours, at least 30 new graduate hours must be earned at Eastern University. Remaining program hours may be fulfilled through transfer or prior degree credit.
Multiple Programs: Students enrolled in multiple master's or specialist degree programs must complete 24 unique credit hours in each degree program.
Graduate Certificates: Credits from a completed graduate certificate in a relevant field may be applied to a master's or specialist degree, subject to approval by the Graduate School and the degree-granting academic department, and will be included in residency hours.
GPA Requirement: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all graduate-level courses taken at Eastern University and within their program of study to remain in good academic standing and be eligible for graduation.
Graduation Semester: Students do not need to be registered for classes during the semester of graduation.
Undergraduate Courses: Undergraduate courses (499 and below) are not permitted to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
Program Completion Options: Some master's programs require a thesis, while others may require a special project or internship, or a final examination. All completed theses or dissertations must be submitted to Digital Commons after approval by a faculty advisor and the Graduate School.

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