Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

Admission

Please refer to “The Graduate Admissions Process” section for general graduate admission information.

Admission to the certification track of the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling degree program requires the following:

1. Complete and submit the Graduate Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. The application can be downloaded at here. 
2. Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent to Wilmington University Office of Graduate Admissions.
3. Submit official (and complete) score reports demonstrating mastery of general knowledge, including the ability to read, write, and compute. *This requirement can be met by providing an official score report showing scores (including all sub-scores) on the ETS Praxis Series Core Academic Skills for Educators (ETS #5712, 5722, and 5732). Minimum acceptable scores are:

Test	Score
ETS 5712 Reading	156
ETS 5722 Writing	162
ETS 5732 Mathematics	150

4. International students must provide results from the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) that meet current minimum score requirements.
5. Schedule a program planning conference with the Program Chair.

After completing all of the above requirements, register for MED 6102 (E-Folio) along with other appropriate courses in the degree program.

Content and Performance Assessment Requirements

This is a state-approved degree program which contributes to eligibility for licensure/certification as an educator in Delaware public schools. As such, all candidates must meet the content and performance assessment requirements described in DE Administrative Code, Title 14, Regulation 290.

The regulation states, in part:

Content Assessment 

“Where a content readiness exam is applicable and available in area, subject, or category of specialization sought, the Candidate shall achieve a passing score on an examination as established by the Professional Standards Board, in consultation with the Department and with concurrence of the State Board.”

Performance Assessment 

“Where a performance assessment is applicable and available in an area appropriate to the Program in which a Candidate is enrolled, the Candidate shall achieve a passing score as a requirement to Exit the Program. The performance assessment may not be scored by any employees of the Educator Preparation Program or Unit, and shall be scored by Certified Reviewers.”

The instrument selected by Wilmington University as a required exit assessment for the M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling is ETS exam #5421, The Professional School Counselor. The minimum acceptable score is 156.

It is essential for candidates to consult with program advisors and/or program chairs to obtain the most current information about these graduation requirements.

Program Purpose

The Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling program prepares school counselor candidates to address the academic, social/emotional and career developmental needs of all students in the K-12 school setting. This graduate program is aligned with the philosophy and vision of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. These standards emphasize training in the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program promoting leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change to enhance student achievement and success.

The College of Education at Wilmington University reserves the right to change requirements to comply with any licensure/certification or program-approval regulations issued by the Professional Standards Board and/or the Delaware State Department of Education and/or the Delaware Legislature.

Outcomes Assessment

The assessment of outcomes involves multiple measures throughout the program. Grades on assignments and for courses are the first level of assessment. Course goals, learning outcomes, assignments and assessments are designed to address program competencies as well as graduation competencies. Other measures may include observation of candidate performance in authentic or simulated settings, surveys, standardized tests, and performance assessments.

Program Competencies

The program competencies are the School Counselor Competencies (American School Counselor Association, 2008) and can be accessed in their entirety through the ASCA website.

Program Design

The certification track of the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling (MEC) was designed to prepare school counselor candidates to meet the eligibility requirements for school counselor certification in the State of Delaware. The curriculum for the program is designed on a three-tiered system focusing on various competencies and skills.  Level One courses provide content knowledge which establish the foundation for counseling skill development in Level Two courses. Levels One and Two provide the necessary competencies and skills to move to the capstone course and clinical experience at Level Three. 

Candidates seeking Delaware state certification in school counseling are required to do the following:

700 Hours - Candidates who wish to pursue state certification as a school counselor are required to complete 700 hours of supervised fieldwork in order to satisfy Delaware certification requirements.

Candidates will complete 100 hours of practicum work during clinical cohort meetings and seminars.. The remaining 600 hours are divided between two semesters in the following manner:

Fall Internship (300 hours):

Elementary (MEC 8004) or Secondary (MEC 8005)

Mental Health Seminar (MEC 8015)

Spring Internship (300 hours):

Elementary (MEC 8006) or Secondary (MEC 8007)

School Counselor Leadership Seminar (MEC 8017)

The school counselor certification process and application is the responsibility of the candidate counselor and is between the applicant and the Delaware Department of Education.

Program Requirements

Completion of the degree includes successful completion of the courses within Levels 1 and 2, capstone course, Praxis II (test code 5421) and two internships. Twenty one (21) semester credits in counseling theories, human behavior, college and career readiness, school counseling ethics, measurement and accountability, consultation and working with special needs populations are required. Twelve (12) semester credits in individual counseling, family counseling and group counseling strategies and techniques are required. A capstone course worth six (6) credits is required before candidates move into the clinical portion of the program Twelve (12) semester credits of internships and seminars are required to fulfill the clinical portion of the program.  

The clinical portion includes a formal application submitted for approval in Task Stream to the Assistant Chair.  The application includes, among other items, a state criminal background check, FBI clearance, child abuse clearance, signed confidentiality agreement, and a signed clinical agreement. All degree-seeking candidates in the MEC program are required to demonstrate graduation and program competencies as counselors by engaging in a prescribed variety of related counseling activities.

Candidates must work collaboratively with the Assistant Chair to arrange to practice in either an elementary or secondary school (or both) according to the grade level at which they will be seeking state certification. Candidates work under the supervision of a school-based, certified school counselor with at least three years of experience who is designated as the Cooperating Counselor. In addition, each candidate is assigned a Wilmington University Clinical Faculty Mentor who is responsible, in conjunction with the cooperating counselor, for monitoring the activities, interactions, and skill development of candidates. The clinical faculty mentor is responsible for final grade designation. 

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete the eleven academic courses below in appropriate sequence to meet prerequisite requirements and supervised certification internships and seminars:

Level 1 Coursework

Level 2 Coursework

Level 3 Coursework and Clinical Experiences

Fall Internship

Spring Internship