About the Counseling Academic Department

DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING

Fort Valley State University’s Department of Counseling has programs that train 21st century counselors who are equipped with culturally relevant knowledge, skills, and awareness to meet the growing needs of a pluralistic society. As a department housed within a historically black college and university (HBCU), we believe that it is fundamentally necessary to train counselors who are capable of conceptualizing wellness from the unique lived experiences of individuals from disenfranchised and rural communities. With social justice as a prevailing ideology, faculty aim to cultivate learning environments that facilitate student growth and professional counselor identity development through structured academic experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Such opportunities also include opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research and presentations at conferences and the university’s annual Research Day. 
 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Counseling at Fort Valley State University receives administrative oversight from the College of Education & Professional Studies (COEPS) and Graduate Studies. At the master’s degree level, the Counseling Department offers three CACREP accredited specialties: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling. Additionally, the department offers a School Counselor Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.). Students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of instructional experiences to include face-to-face, online, and blended synchronous modalities. Both blended synchronous and in person classes are held during the evenings at the Warner Robins Center. The Warner Robins Center is equipped with advanced technology for instruction and learning in addition to designated counseling lab space for group counseling activities. Other amenities for students at the Warner Robins Center include a dedicated graduate library and computer lab. 
 

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Counseling Department is committed to the preparation of astute counseling professionals who engage in the highest ethical and professional standards of counseling. We train competent counselors who enact an integrative approach to practice which consists of knowledge of evidence-based practices, comprehensive theoretical knowledge, professional counselor identity, social justice advocacy and leadership. As change agents, our graduates inform and transform schools, communities, and agencies. Students encounter pedagogical approaches and clinical skill training that leads to enhancements in skill development and eligibility for certification and licensure. 

DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES
The FVSU Counseling Department Faculty strives to train professional counselors, including school, clinical mental health, and rehabilitation counselors who:

1. are able to effectively counsel diverse groups, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious/spiritual, and age groups; are culturally responsive and competent; and advocate for those who have been historically marginalized
2. are able to effectively apply counseling theories, techniques, and frameworks (including career/vocational theories) in individual and group settings
3. are able to utilize and conduct research, assessment, and evaluation in the counseling process
4. embody a strong counselor identity, and are committed to ethical and legal practice as professional counselors

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Prospective graduates must take and pass all required core courses with a letter grade of “B” or better, obtain and maintain a 3.0 grade point average, demonstrate competency regarding counselor disposition and clinical skills and pass the exit exam specific to the counseling specialty. The programs also adhere to the graduation requirements of the Graduate Studies Office. Please refer to the Department Handbook and the Graduate Student Handbook. Students are required to complete FVSU Graduate Orientation prior or during their first semester. Orientation is an online, self-paced course. 

DEPARTMENTAL CORE CURRICULUM
The following courses comprise of the department’s CACREP aligned core courses. Each specialty includes these vital courses as a part of the graduate specialty program curriculum:

Our Programs:

COUNSELING PROGRAMS/STUDENT OUTCOMES

ADMISSIONS APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. A Completed Graduate Application (hyperlink to graduate application)
2. Application Processing Fee (non-refundable)
   • $20 – Domestic Applicants
   • $75 – International Applicants
3. A Professional Resume
4. A Statement of Purpose
   • The statement must be between 550-600 words. The Statement of Purpose should be in essay format and include personal characteristics/disposition, professional goals, academic background, view of cultural differences, research, work/volunteer experience and why you wish to pursue a graduate degree in the respective area.
5. Three Professional Recommendations (hyper link to recommendation forms)
   • Letters of recommendation must be submitted using the FVSU Recommendation form for Graduate Admission.
6. Submit Official Transcripts from each postsecondary institution (College/University) attended showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. The transcript should show all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades earned.
7. Immunization records
   • International Transcript Evaluation: Transcripts from educational institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by any current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (https://www.naces.org/members.html) with a course-by-course evaluation and grade point average (GPA) included. The transcript must be received directly from the evaluation service/agency.

Meet the Department Core Faculty