Programs in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs

The Department of Counseling and Student Affairs offers a MAE in Counseling. Included in this degree option are two concentrations students may choose for their programs of study to their primary areas of interest: 

• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Both are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Learn about the value of  CACREP-accreditation.

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The Master of Arts in Education degree in Student Affairs is designed to prepare students to obtain entry and mid-level student affairs professional positions. Through a theory-based yet applications-oriented program, students gain necessary skills and competencies to succeed in a variety of student affairs units and postsecondary settings. The Counseling and Student Affairs faculty comprised of academics and practitioners cultivate active partnerships with student affairs professionals to provide a living learning laboratory for student professional development. Program content covers three broad areas: theoretical foundations, professional practice, and administrative effectiveness. Individual students are also provided with opportunities to focus on specific content areas which may be of particular interest.

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The Department of Counseling and Student Affairs offers Joint Undergraduate-Master’s Programs (JUMP) in

• Counseling
• Student Affairs

Undergraduate students in good standing (must have a GPA of 3.00 or above) can apply to either program and may count 12 graduate hours towards both their undergraduate and graduate degree. Students are eligible to apply if they have at least 60 undergraduate hours completed but no more than 100 undergraduate hours completed.

This interdisciplinary certificate program prepares students to provide counseling, education services, and/or support services to individuals experiencing addiction issues. Individuals who complete the program will be knowledgeable about the various components of addictions and gain skills related to their professional field such as prevention strategies, assessment procedures, intervention skills, treatment planning, and recovery support. This program is appropriate for both licensed eligible mental health professionals (i.e., Professional Counselors, Social Workers), as well as bachelor level employees (i.e., mental health support professionals, human resources administrators and staff).

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This certificate program is for graduate students who are interested in the college and career readiness of P-12 students; with a specific focus on interacting and intervening with this target population, as well as developing professional relationships with school-related stakeholders. The College and Career Readiness (CCR) certificate is created to support the career and college readiness needs of local, regional, and national P-12 students. It is offered online through WKU’s Bowling Green campus; courses are taught by CNS faculty with the integration of experts from local businesses and schools. Students will have opportunities to participate in action research and service learning consultation activities. This certificate program plays a leading role in Kentucky’s economic and social development by preparing CCR graduates to prepare P-12 students to join a high quality educated workforce in an area of local, regional, and national need. Additionally, it meets the needs of area schools by providing specific training to the personnel being hired or asked to work with students in the areas of college and career readiness. It also serves to help build and maintain networks between districts and industry in Bowling Green.

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The Certificate in Career Services (CCS) is designed to provide helping professionals with advanced knowledge and skills needed to better serve students and clients within the context of a volatile and ever changing employment landscape. Graduates of this certificate program will be better prepared to assist students to be more engaged in the educational experience through appropriate academic major and career choice, which may lead to higher retention of current students and successful transition to the workforce. Moreover, the CCS program complements the master’s degree programs in a wide variety of helping professions.

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College campuses have become increasingly internationalized in recent decades. International student populations have grown, study abroad has become a standard of the higher education landscape, and as a result, the student population has developed new needs. The Certificate in International Student Services offers graduate-level students preparation to manage educational exchange, lead campus internationalization, and provide international student services. Students pursuing the Certificate in International Student Services may complete the certificate program by itself or along with the MAE in Student Affairs. Successful graduates will have earned their certificate through theory-based instruction, application of material through internship, and an international experience.

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Students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program who take courses that meet Kentucky state requirements can be eligible for both the KY Professional Clinical Counselor License and the Kentucky School Counseling Certification (Provisional-Rank I). Additional courses beyond the 60-hour CMHC program are required to acquire the Standard School Counseling Certification. Students should work with their advisor upon being accepted into the CMHC program to make sure they are following the appropriate Planned Program and courses to meet the requirements for both.

The following Play Therapy courses are offered pending enrollment. These Face to Face courses may be applied to various training and content requirements for the Play Therapy credential.