Bible icon Business icon Communication icon Education icon Languages icon Fine arts icon History icon International studies icon Nursing icon Social sciences icon Biology & environmental science icon Chemistry icon Criminal justice icon Engineering icon Exercise science icon Forensics icon Bachelor's to master's icon Math & computer science icon Professional preparation icon Undergraduate minors icon Email icon Facebook icon Twitter icon LinkedIn icon Apple icon Calendar icon Diploma icon Piggy bank icon Students icon

Master of Arts in Counseling Degree Requirements

Required Courses for All Options

Course Title Credits

CNS 505

Foundations of Counseling

3

CNS 506

Lifespan Development

3

CNS 507

Introduction to Mental Disorders

3
CNS 508

Culture and Identity

3
CNS 513

Counseling Theories

3
CNS 514

Counseling Techniques

3
CNS 516

Theory and Techniques in Career Counseling

3
CNS 517

Theory and Techniques in Group Counseling

3
CNS 518

Research Design and Program Evaluation

3
CNS 519

Professional Issues and Ethics

3
CNS 525

Testing and Appraisal

3
CNS 546

Psychopathology and Diagnosis

3
CNS 557

Theories of Addiction and Recovery

3
CNS 565

Practicum

3
CNS 566

Internship I

3
CNS 566

Internship II

3

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Course Title Credits

CNS 545

Advanced Techniques of Mental Health Counseling

3

CNS 548

Family Counseling

3

CNS 556

Counseling Trauma Survivors

3
CNS 559

Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

3

Addictions Counseling

Course Title Credits

CNS 527

Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances

3

CNS 537

Addiction Counseling Techniques

3

CNS 539

Addiction, Stress and Trauma

3
CNS 558

Family Counseling in Addiction

3

Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program

General Information

The Certificate in Addictions Counseling is designed for professionals currently working in addictions counseling or a related field, and for professionals with a master's degree in counseling who are interested in growing their expertise in the addictions field.

This 12-credit, post-baccalaureate certificate, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), is approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) as fulfilling educational requirements towards completion of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certifications. Credits may also be transferred into the Master of Arts in Counseling program upon completion.

Admission Requirements

  1. Verification of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a minimum 3.00 GPA. Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions must be provided.
  2. A current resume.
  3. Two letters of reference.
  4. A personal statement.
  5. Interview with graduate Counseling faculty.
  6. Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances. 

Required Courses 

Course Title Credits

CNS 527

Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances

3

CNS 537

Addiction Counseling Techniques

3

CNS 539

Addiction, Stress and Trauma

3
CNS 558

Family Counseling in Addiction

3

Advanced Specialty in Christian and Spiritual Counseling

In alignment with Waynesburg University’s emphasis on the connection between faith, learning, and serving, the Advanced Specialty in Christian and Spiritual Counseling trains students to gain the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively and ethically integrate faith with the service-focused profession of counseling. This specialty is designed to train practicing counselors, counselors-in-training (post 60 credits), educators and/or other helping professionals, to address issues of religion and spirituality in a variety of counseling and ministry settings including, but not limited to: private practice, hospitals, community agencies, faith-based organizations, churches and chaplaincies.

Required Courses

Course Title Credits

CNS 509

Spiritual and Religious Values in Counseling

3

CNS 515

Theories and Techniques of Christian and Spiritual Counseling

3

CNS 547

Grief and Loss Counseling

3
CNS 555

Advanced Issues in Christian and Spiritual Counseling

3

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Supervision

Program Description

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Supervision program, to launch in January 2023, is intended to enhance the professional identity and competence of clinical supervisors in the behavioral health workforce through an advanced educational training program. Clinical supervision is a required component of the counseling profession, yet state licensure boards, such as Pennsylvania, do not require doctoral degrees to function in the capacity of a supervisor, and master's level counseling curriculum does not prepare counselors to become supervisors (Nate & Haddock, 2014). There are limited education and training opportunities that specifically address the core competencies of clinical supervision. In fact, many clinical supervisors are deemed a good "fit" for the position of supervisor because they were good counselors first and/or have tenure in a profession that suffers from high turnover rates. Waynesburg University is committed to advancing the counseling profession and recognizes the need for properly trained, competent, and effective clinical supervisors.

Individuals seeking a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Supervision must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and aspire to be a clinical supervisor in the behavioral health workforce. Individuals who have a master's degree in counseling, a doctorate in counselor education and supervision, or a degree in a related field, are also eligible to enroll in the certificate program.

The Certificate in Clinical Supervision will be available 100% asynchronous online consisting of four courses, or 12 credits, intended to address the necessary and emerging counseling specialty of clinical supervision. Each course will be eight weeks in duration. The certificate program can be completed in as little as two semesters. The curriculum will meet the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards of excellence as well as the American Counseling Association's (ACA, 2009) standards for counseling supervisors attending to eleven core areas of personal traits, knowledge, and competencies that are characteristic of effective supervisors. Furthermore, to foster the efficacy of clinical supervision, course content areas will include technology in
supervision (e.g., telebehavioral health and distance supervision), theoretical foundations, models of clinical supervision, multiculturally competent supervision, as well as ethical, legal, and risk management competencies.

Curriculum - Required Courses:

Course Title Credits

CNS 526

Models of Clinical Supervision

3

CNS 528

Dimensions of the Supervisory Relationship

3

CNS 529

Multicultural and Ethnical Considerations in Supervision

3
CNS 535

Advanced Methods of Clinical Supervision

3