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.). Counseling programs leading to professional licensure and/or certification may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. 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. 

Student & Faculty Spotlight

Creating Space for Students to Be Seen, Heard, and Supported

Anthony D. Jackson, APC, M.S. 

Clincal Mental Health Counseling | Class of 2023

The Fort Valley State University Counseling Department proudly recognizes Anthony D. Jackson, APC, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a 2023 graduate of the University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, for his continued commitment to student mental health and wellness. As an Associate Professional Counselor with Apex, an entity of  View Point Health, Jackson provides school-based mental health services while developing innovative initiatives that make mental health conversations more approachable for middle school students. Through “Let’s Talk Mental Health with Mr. Jackson” and “Free Your Feels,” Jackson creates opportunities for students to discuss emotions, stress, and mental health while working to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking. He also developed a school-wide Suicide Prevention Month campaign featuring weekly activities focused on awareness, education, and connection. His work is guided by a simple philosophy: “Connection Comes Before Intervention.” Jackson’s commitment to student wellness was recently recognized by his school’s leadership team, which nominated him for an Outstanding Leadership “Flame” recognition for going beyond the call of duty in support of students and the school community. From FVSU graduate to school-based mental health professional and advocate, Jackson continues to demonstrate the impact of combining clinical training, creativity, leadership, and service. One conversation. One connection. One student at a time.

FVSU Alumni: Making an Impact. Changing Lives. Continuing the Legacy.

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:

• DO1: Graduates will demonstrate culturally responsive counseling skills with clients across diverse racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, religious/spiritual, ability, and age groups by meeting or exceeding performance benchmarks on multicultural competence rubrics, field supervisor evaluations, and advocacy‑focused assignments that assess their ability to support and advocate for historically marginalized populations.
• DO2: Graduates will apply counseling theories, techniques, and evidence‑based career/vocational frameworks in individual, group, and community settings by achieving proficiency on skills‑based evaluations, case conceptualization rubrics, and signature assignments, demonstrating accurate theoretical integration and effective intervention planning.
• DO3: Graduates will utilize research, assessment tools, and evaluation methods to inform clinical decision‑making and monitor client progress by successfully completing research and assessment assignments, demonstrating competency on evaluation projects, and meeting program benchmarks on standardized assessments related to research literacy and measurement.
• DO4: Graduates will demonstrate a strong professional counselor identity and consistently engage in ethical and legal practice by meeting program standards on professional disposition assessments (e.g., CCS‑R), earning satisfactory ratings on ethics case analyses and field evaluations, and demonstrating readiness for professional practice through licensure‑related indicators and stakeholder feedback.

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, complete a 100-hour Practicum and two 300-hour Internships, 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.  

FIELD EXPERIENCE MANUAL

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:

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 
   • Completed letters of recommendation from professional references must be submitted using the link provided through the online application.
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.

Department Handbook

Meet the Department Core Faculty

Department Annual Report