The dual Master of Science programs in Criminology and School Counseling offer a unique blend of preparation for employment in juvenile criminal justice and school-based counseling. The curriculum is blended to offer candidates one-of-a-kind credentials that will result in competitive employment working with school-aged youth. According to the occupational outlook, professions combining youth corrections, counseling, abuse treatment, education, and others are expected to grow 22%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This dual program will certify graduates in K-12 School Counseling which will open employment opportunities in public and private schools.
Students can earn two Master of Science degrees in two calendar years by attending coursework in the evening two nights a week during the fall and spring terms. All courses during the Fall and Spring terms begin at 6 p.m. allowing candidates to continue employment while attending full-time. Courses are scheduled at various times during the summer and certain online courses occasionally will be available. Applicants should apply in the spring for entry into the program in the summer or fall. Students entering the program in the Spring may require and an additional semester. In seven (7) semesters candidates will have two degrees.
The dual master program will prepare you for advancement in the following positions:
*M.S. in Criminology Coursework (30 Credits)
GCLS-600 (FA 1) - Research Methods (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCLS-610 (FA 1) - Policy Analysis (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCLS-620 (FA 1) - Advanced Criminological Theories - 3 credits
GCLS-630 (SP 1) - Legal Issues (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCLS-640 (SP 1) - Statistics - 3 credits
GCLS-660 (SP 1) - Professional Seminar (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCLS-504 (SU 1) - Elective-Ethical Decisions and Dilemmas in Criminal Justice - 3 credits
GCLS- (SU 1) - Elective-Criminology - 3 credits
GCCE-601 (FA 1) - Elective-Orientation to Counseling, Services, and Technology (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCCE-631 or GCCE-641 - (FA 1) Elective-Theory and Practices of Group Counseling or -Counseling Techniques for Violent, Addictive, and Abusive Behaviors (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCLS 700 Comprehensive Exam
*M. S. in Counselor Education Coursework (27 Credits)
GCCE-601 (FA 1) - Orientation to Counseling, Service, and Technology - CY1
GCCE-631 or GCCE-641 (FA 1) Theory and Practices of Group Counseling or Counseling Techniques for Violent, Addictive, and Abusive Behaviors - CY1
GCCE-651 (SU 2) - Pre-Practicum in School Counseling (7 weeks) - 1 credit
GCSE-607 (SU 2) - Family and Professional Collaboration (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCCE-611 (SU 2) - Career and Lifestyle Counseling (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCCE-631 or GCCE-641 (FA 2) Theory and Practices of Group Counseling or Counseling Techniques for Violent, Addictive, and Abusive Behaviors (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCED-615 (FA 2) - Curriculum Systems Design (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCCE-661 (FA 2) - Practicum in School Counseling - 1 credit
GCCE-621 (SP 2) - Counseling of Children and Young Adults (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCED-650 (SP 2) - Human Learning (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCCE-671 (SP 2) - Internship in School Counseling - 1 credit
GCED-620 (SU 3) - Assessment and Diagnostics (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCSE-697 (SU 3) - Teaching Culturally Diverse Students (7 weeks) - 3 credits
GCCE 800 Comprehensive Exam (SU 3)
*In order to complete this program, students must enter the program in summer or fall terms. Above coursework is no automatically reciprocal if completed out of the approved sequence.
Since the dual program leads to public school certification issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all candidates must maintain a 3.0, current FBI clearances, Act 151, Act 34 and Act 126 and tuberculosis test. These documents are kept on file in the Education Department and are needed prior to beginning field practicums.
Regular Admission
Possess an earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Official transcripts must be submitted from each institution attended to the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education.
Provisional Acceptance
If a student does not meet the above requirements for regular admission to the graduate programs in education, consideration will be given for acceptance on a provisional basis. The student will be required to maintain a 3.75 GPA over the course of completing three graduate classes. If the student is able to maintain a 3.75 grade point average he/she will be reviewed for regular admission. A student within this status will not be allowed to take more than 9 credits of graduate coursework. If the student is not able to maintain a 3.75 GPA after completing 9 credits of graduate coursework, regular admission will be denied. The provisional acceptance will still allow a student to qualify for financial aid if needed.
Graduate Non-Degree Status
If a student does not want acceptance to a graduate program but would like to register for graduate classes the student may apply as a graduate non-degree seeking student. This allows the student to register for up to 9 graduate credits without applying or being accepted to a program. In order to register under this status a student must complete the graduate non-degree application and submit official transcripts to the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education. Once this information is received the student will be contacted regarding registration for classes. A student within this status is not eligible for financial aid.
Note: The Graduate Non-Degree Status also serves the student who decides to apply to a program right before the semester begins without ample time to complete the application. The student can begin taking classes as a Graduate Non-Degree student while completing the application for admission.