Counseling and Student Affairs Programs at WKU

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Welcome to the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University. We offer a variety of graduate programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers in counseling and student services.

Our Programs

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA in Education)

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA in Education)

Description: This program is designed to prepare students for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky and other states, as well as for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. It focuses on providing counseling services in various mental health settings.

Format:

Flexible residential or fully online pathways.

Credit Hours:

60 credit hours.

Accreditation:

CACREP-accredited.

Key Features: Meets educational requirements for LPCC and NCC. Includes required courses like "Testing and Assessment in Counseling," "Group Counseling," and "Theories of Counseling," plus electives. Students starting Fall 2026 or later must attend two mandatory on-campus Counseling Skills Residencies.

Learn more about the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program

Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (MA in Education)

Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (MA in Education)

Description: This program focuses on equipping students with the skills and credentials to work with couples and families, aiming to strengthen relationships and support clients through challenges. It prepares students for LPCC and NCC credentials.

Format:

On-campus format.

Credit Hours:

60 credit hours.

Accreditation:

CACREP-accredited.

Key Features: Prepares for LPCC and NCC. Includes core courses such as "Testing and Assessment in Counseling," "Group Counseling," and "Theories of Counseling," along with specialized courses like "Couples Counseling" and "Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Practice and Process." Elective options available. Requires attendance at two mandatory on-campus Counseling Skills Residencies.

Learn more about the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program

Student Affairs in Higher Education (MA in Education)

Student Affairs in Higher Education (MA in Education)

Description: This program prepares students for entry and mid-level professional positions in student affairs within postsecondary settings. It offers a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications.

Format:

2-year, on-campus program.

Credit Hours:

36 credit hours.

Key Features: Theory-based and applications-oriented curriculum. Covers theoretical foundations, professional practice, and administrative effectiveness. Opportunities for students to focus on specific areas of interest.

Learn more about the Student Affairs in Higher Education program

JUMP in Counseling (Joint Undergraduate-Master's Program)

JUMP in Counseling (Joint Undergraduate-Master's Program)

Description: This program allows eligible, highly motivated WKU undergraduate students to begin earning graduate credit towards a counseling master's degree at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Eligibility:

WKU undergraduate students in good standing with a GPA of 3.00 or above, who have completed 60-100 undergraduate hours and at least one semester at WKU at the time of applying.

Program Focus:

Eligible for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling residential concentration only.

Graduate Credit: May complete a maximum of twelve graduate hours as an undergraduate student. Nine graduate hours may count towards both undergraduate and graduate transcripts as prescribed by the curriculum.

Learn more about the JUMP in Counseling program