Welcome!
We are so excited you are interested in pursuing the College Counseling and Student Affairs program at Youngstown State University! We are the only CACREP Accredited College Counseling and Student Affairs Program in the state of Ohio, and one of only 19 programs accredited across the country!
Student Affairs Program Highlights:
- 100% Job Placement at 6 months post-graduation
- Counseling knowledge and practices to utilize in an educational setting to better meet diverse student needs
- An engaging curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based content and student development theory
- Personal, dedicated faculty with lengthy careers in student affairs work
- Strong, inclusive, and supportive student community and alumni network
- Opportunities for mentoring and campus and professional engagement
Want to connect and learn more about the program?
Program Contact:
Dr. Kristin Bruns, Associate Professor and College Counseling and Student Affairs Program Coordinator
330-941-3306
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission Requirements
The College Counseling and Student Affairs program is one program track within the Counseling Program at YSU. Students from a variety of undergraduate majors (i.e. psychology, social work, education, communication, sociology, religion, philosophy, business, general studies, etc.) may apply for admission into the Counseling Program. Undergraduate and/or graduate grade point average, a letter of intent, letters of recommendation, and a required interview are important factors in determining the admissibility of an applicant to the counseling degree program. Applicants will be interviewed by members of the Counseling Admissions Committee and must meet the standards prescribed in the counseling program’s admission policies.
Click here for admission requirements
CURRICULUM
The College Counseling and Student Affairs curriculum offers an array of courses designed to provide students with a foundation of higher education theory and practice, including course topics such as: orientation and functions of student affairs, college student development, college mental health, legal and ethical issues in higher education, leadership and administration in higher education, and assessment in student affairs. Beyond this, students will graduate with a solid set of basic counseling skills, as well as over 700 hours of practical experience in the field, attained through practicum and internship. The College Counseling and Student Affairs program allows students to choose a licensure or non-licensure track.
The College Counseling Track (licensure track) is 63 credit hours. This program prepares you for licensure as a licensed professional counselor, with specific focus in college student development and mental health.
The Student Affairs Track (non-licensure track), is 60 credit hours. This track prepares you to work across a multitude of functional areas in higher education.
Click here for the curriculum requirements
FULL OR PART TIME ENROLLMENT
Candidates for the College Counseling and Student Affairs program come from a variety of background; all admitted students share the common value to support the development of all college students. Some of our graduate students enter the program directly out of their own college experience while others have worked for a number of years in various fields. The College Counseling and Student Affairs program can be completed as a full- or part-time student.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS
The College Counseling and Student Affairs program is a two-year master's degree program for individuals preparing for a career in higher education. The MSEd requires the completion of 60 credits — 42 course credits and 18 Practicum/Internship credits. Students are expected to take courses offered in the fall spring, and summer semesters.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
The part-time program is designed for those who may already be employed on a college or university setting, and who wish to earn a master’s degree in Counseling while maintaining full-time employment. Admitted students must complete their curriculum within 6 years of beginning the program.
For students currently working in higher education, their current position may be expanded to serve as an internship site, or they may secure an approved internship in another department. The internship must be specifically designated and clearly differentiated from the other work of the position to provide new learning experiences. Candidates must secure approval from their current employer for the intended internship, with final approval being made by the College Counseling and Student Affairs Program Coordinator.
INTERNSHIPS
The following list includes offices and departments where YSU College Counseling and Student Affairs interns have been placed in the recent past:
- Academic Advising (in a variety of colleges across campus)
- Admissions
- Athletics
- Campus Recreation
- Dean of Students Office/Student Conduct
- First Year Student Services
- Honors College
- Kilcawley Center
- Office of Career Exploration and Development
- Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion
- Penguin Service Center
- Residence Life & Housing
- Student Activities
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
The YSU College Counseling and Student Affairs program has strong relationships across campus, with offices seeking our graduate students for their graduate assistantship positions. We can help connect you to offices that have graduate assistantship openings. Graduate Assistantships provide you with valuable experience and opportunities to reduce your financial burden as you apply your classroom instruction skills in the workplace.
For more information about graduate assistantships at YSU, click here!