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    4. Graduate Programs

    Counseling (M.S.)

    The Master of Science in Counseling degree is designed to prepare individuals to function as counselors in mental health centers, community agencies, governmental agencies, employee assistance programs, prisons, psychiatric hospitals, drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs, college and university student affairs, religious settings, and private practice. The Master of Science degree in Counseling at UNG was developed to meet the state and national regulatory criteria to be eligible to apply for licensure and certification as professional counselors.

    Our curriculum addresses the needs of our diverse world while helping students understand the process of human development and relationships, counseling theory, and change. Utilizing problem-based learning and incorporating required internships and practica; the program provides students with both academic and practical professional experience and training.

    Request Information Apply Attend a Virtual Information Session

    Counseling (M.S.) Quick Facts

    • Program length 60 credit hours
    • New students admitted fall semesters
    • Extensive internships
    • 100 percent licensure exam pass rate since 2014
    • Classes are held on the Cumming Campus
    • Clinical work is completed at the Counseling Clinic located in Dahlonega
    • Internships are either in the field or on the Dahlonega Campus

    Program Application Deadlines

    All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. The Master of Science in Counseling program will review all completed applications after the application deadline.

    Fall Deadline

    February 1

    • Resources

    How to Apply to the Master of Science in Counseling Program

    • Degree Seeking Regular

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
      • Group interview with counseling faculty.
      • Required Supplemental Documentation
        • Personal statement, three-five pages, double-spaced, autobiographical in nature and address the following:
          • why you want to become a counselor;
          • brief personal history;
          • attributes you possess which would contribute to your effectiveness as a counselor;
          • personal characteristics which may inhibit your relationships with clients and what you are doing to resolve those issues.
        • Submit three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to address academic potential, professional experiences in the helping professions, and non-academic experiences that add breadth in understanding the human condition. Letters of recommendation are encouraged to be submitted along with the UNG recommendation forms.
        • Professional Resume.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
      • Step 4Graduate Assistants
      • Step 5Persons Aged 62 or Over

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

      Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

      Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position at UNG? 

      • Visit UNG's Job Site and select Grad Assistant to view available positions. 
      • When prompted on the Graduate Admissions application, select "Yes" to be added to our email communications about upcoming positions. 
      • Graduate assistants are required to have health insurance. For additional information, visit USG Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

      Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.
      • Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
      • May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

      Learn More

    • Degree Seeking Provisional

      Applicants who do not meet regular status requirements may qualify for provisional admission.

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
      • Group interview with counseling faculty.
      • Required Supplemental Documentation
        • Personal statement, three-five pages, double-spaced, autobiographical in nature and address the following:
          • why you want to become a counselor;
          • brief personal history;
          • attributes you possess which would contribute to your effectiveness as a counselor;
          • personal characteristics which may inhibit your relationships with clients and what you are doing to resolve those issues.
        • Submit three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to address academic potential, professional experiences in the helping professions, and non-academic experiences that add breadth in understanding the human condition. Letters of recommendation are encouraged to be submitted along with the UNG recommendation forms. 
        • Professional Resume.

      Provisional degree-seeking students

      • may register for a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit.
      • will be reviewed to determine eligibility for regular admission following completion of the first semester enrolled.
      • are not eligible for federal financial aid while enrolled in courses as a provisional student.
      • will not be allowed to continue in the program if a grade of C or lower is earned in any graduate course.
      • may apply for readmission after three semesters from the date removed from the program because of a deficient grade by submitting a new application to Graduate Admissions with a letter addressed to the program coordinator requesting readmission.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
      • Step 4Graduate Assistants
      • Step 5Persons Aged 62 or Over

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

      Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

      Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position at UNG? 

      • Visit UNG's Job Site and select Grad Assistant to view available positions. 
      • When prompted on the Graduate Admissions application, select "Yes" to be added to our email communications about upcoming positions. 
      • Graduate assistants are required to have health insurance. For additional information, visit USG Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

      Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.
      • Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
      • May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

      Learn More

    • Non-Degree

      An applicant interested in taking graduate courses in counseling, but not interested in pursuing a graduate degree, may apply as a non-degree graduate student. Non-degree status is only for practicing counselors who require continuing education or who are lacking coursework required for licensure.

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog).
      • Students must receive pre-approval from the MSC department head before enrolling in courses.
      • Required Supplemental Documentation
        • Personal statement, three-five pages, double-spaced, autobiographical in nature and address the following:
          • why you want to become a counselor;
          • brief personal history;
          • attributes you possess which would contribute to your effectiveness as a counselor;
          • personal characteristics which may inhibit your relationships with clients and what you are doing to resolve those issues.
        • Submit three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to address academic potential, professional experiences in the helping professions, and non-academic experiences that add breadth in understanding the human condition. Letters of recommendation are encouraged to be submitted along with the UNG recommendation forms.
        • Professional Resume.

      Non-degree students

      • may register for no more than nine semester hours of graduate credit.
      • will not be allowed to continue in the graduate level counseling courses if a grade of C or lower in any graduate course is earned.
      • may apply for readmission after three semesters from the date removed from the program because of a deficient grade by submitting a new application to Graduate Admissions with a letter addressed to the program coordinator requesting readmission.
      • are not eligible for federal financial aid.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
      • Step 4Persons Aged 62 or Over

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

      Submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license to enable UNG to determine eligibility.
      • Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
      • May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

      Learn More

    • Transient

      A student currently enrolled at an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) as a graduate student in good standing may apply to UNG as a transient student.

      • Permission to take courses does not indicate or imply subsequent admission into the program.
      • Students must receive pre-approval from the MSC department head before enrolling in courses.
      • Requests will be considered on a space-available basis.
      • Admission is for one semester only.
      • Students who wish to return as a transient student for a subsequent semester must reapply through Graduate Admissions.
      • Students may be required to submit an official transcript from the home institution in order to verify adequate prerequisite knowledge/skills.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Transient Permission
      • Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions. Transient admission is for one semester only.  Students who wish to return as a transient student for a subsequent semester must re-apply to Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.

      Submit a letter of good standing or transient permission form documenting that the student is not on academic probation or suspension or on disciplinary suspension at his/her home institution.

      Note: The letter or form should indicate the course(s) the student is being allowed to take at UNG.

      Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

      Learn More

    • All International

      An international student is someone who has not been granted or does not have U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. In order for these students to study in the United States, they must obtain an F-1 visa. International applicants must enroll for at least nine hours per semester, excluding summer semester, and may only enroll in up to three hours of online (distance education) coursework per semester.  International applicants must be accepted as degree-seeking.

      Requirements

      • Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
      • Group interview with counseling faculty.
      • Required Supplemental Documentation
        • Personal statement, three-five pages, double-spaced, autobiographical in nature and address the following:
          • why you want to become a counselor;
          • brief personal history;
          • attributes you possess which would contribute to your effectiveness as a counselor;
          • personal characteristics which may inhibit your relationships with clients and what you are doing to resolve those issues.
        • Submit three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to address academic potential, professional experiences in the helping professions, and non-academic experiences that add breadth in understanding the human condition. Letters of recommendation are encouraged to be submitted along with the UNG recommendation forms. 
        • Professional Resume.

      Applying to UNG

      • Step 1Application and Application Fee
      • Step 2Official Transcripts
      • Step 3Proof of English Proficiency
      • Step 4Immunization Form
      • Step 5Additional International Student Requirements

      Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

      Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

      • Non-refundable application fee of $40.
      • Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
      • Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
      • Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to grads@ung.edu.

      Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

      • Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions.
      • Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
      • Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
      • Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
      • International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES)or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
      • Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.
      • If you completed your undergraduate degree at UNG and then attended another institution, request official transcripts only from schools attended after graduating from UNG.

      English proficiency is required

      Proficiency can be proven as follows:

      • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores if applicant's native language is not English.
      • Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted.
      • TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date.
      • UNG accepts MyBest™ scores for the TOEFL iBT® test, in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date.
      • Required minimum scores:
        • TOEFL internet based - 79
        • IELTS - 6.5

      -or-

      • An official evaluation by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) member indicating proof of a degree at the secondary or collegiate level either outside or inside the U.S. where English is the official language of academic instruction. If the NACES evaluation does not indicate English as the official language of academic instruction, request an official letter from the institution to be sent directly to UNG with this information, or direct this office to where it is stated on the institution's website.

      -or-

      • Proof of completion of the equivalent of English 1101 and/or 1102 with a grade of C or better in one or both courses, at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. 

      -or-

      • Other approved exams and recommended standards as stated by the USG English Proficiency Requirements.
        • Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted.

      • UNG requires immunizations of all students attending courses on any UNG campus or campus managed facility.
      • Download the UNG certificate of immunization and have it completed by a health care provider.
      • Titer test is available through your physician or local health department and may be submitted to confirm the required immunities.
      • Exemptions may apply on religious or medical grounds.

      The following are required if accepted, or if applying within five months of the start of the term.

      • Financial Affidavit

        It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate that sufficient funding is available to meet all university and living expenses for the course of study.

        • Download and complete the Financial Affidavit. You may email the completed form to grads@ung.edu.
        • Sources of financial support in the form of a bank issued letter or bank statement verifying that the applicant has a sum of at least $48,500 USD for the first academic year, exclusive of travel expenses, are required. You may email an original bank issued letter or bank statement to grads@ung.edu. 
        • Sources of financial support should equal what is reported in your Financial Affidavit.
        • All banking information must be in English. Certified bank letters are preferred. If submitting a bank statement, only official bank statements will be accepted. We are unable to accept a printout of online banking transaction history, online account summaries or online statements.
        • Check exchange rates.
      • Visa Documents

        All international applicants, please submit copies of:

        • Complete the Application for Visa Certificate (PDF) and email to grads@ung.edu
        • Passport if available

        If you are currently residing in the United States, please submit copies of:

        • Visa/I-94 (front and back)
        • I-20
        • Passport
      • Student Health Insurance

        International students are required to have health insurance. Visit the Center for Global Engagement's (CGE) website for additional information.

    • Appeal of Graduate Admission

      A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

      • Students whose appeals are granted will be admitted as provisional students.
      • Students are not eligible for financial aid while taking courses under a provisional admission status.
      • Students may not appeal for regular admission.

      Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to grads@ung.edu.

    Learn More About the Master of Science in Counseling Program

    • Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track

      The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares students to enter a variety of occupations in the counseling and mental health field. 

      Students in this track will find jobs in a variety of settings including:

      • mental health centers
      • employee assistance programs
      • psychiatric hospitals
      • private practice
      • sexual assault agencies
      • criminal justice settings
      • and more...
    • Addictions Counseling Track

      The Addictions Counseling Track prepares counselors to work with individuals and families affected by substance abuse and other addictive behaviors in education, prevention and intervention settings. The study of this track focuses on assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention as well as models of prevention and intervention for addiction. Graduates of the Addiction Counseling cognate may choose to work in private practice or in a variety of community agencies offering counseling services for substance abuse.  

      Students in this track will find jobs in a variety of settings including:

      • drug or alcohol treatment centers
      • community service boards
      • community agencies with county court partnerships
      • hospitals
    • College Counseling and Student Affairs Track

      The College Counseling and Student Affairs area of study prepares counseling professionals who want to provide meaningful support to college students as they seek to maximize their personal and educational development. Graduates will be prepared to work both with students experiencing normal developmental issues and students in crisis, at an individual, group, and programmatic level.

      Students in this track will work towards careers in student affairs including:

      • college and university counseling centers
      • academic advising
      • disability services
      • multicultural affairs
      • career services
      • leadership and service learning
      • orientation
      • admissions
      • residence life
      • student activities
      • and others 
    • Accreditation

      The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation (COPA). The department is actively pursuing accreditation for the Addictions Counseling and College Counseling & Student Development tracks.

      Furthermore, the university is an accredited member of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools and the Association of Georgia Colleges.

    • Counseling Credentials

      Graduates of the UNG counseling program are eligible for one or more state and national credentials.

      All fully enrolled students can take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) during their last semester of the program. The NCE is the first step toward becoming a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia (and many other states). The NCC credential is a prerequisite for several specialty certifications offered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), including school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, addictions counseling, and clinical supervision.

    • Clinical Experiences

      Three levels of supervised clinical work in the counseling program at UNG are required of students matriculating towards the M.S. degree: labs, practicum activities, and internship experiences. The following is a brief description of what these components entail.

      Labs

      In conjunction with most core counseling courses, co-requisite lab experiences are offered. These lab activities allow students to directly apply knowledge from a specific course in a supervised clinical experience. For example, students in the Counseling Theories course use several theory-based counseling interventions with a volunteer client; Career Development students administer and interpret a battery of career assessment instruments, and Group Counseling students function as a group facilitator. In other courses, students work with client populations (e.g., children, adolescents, older persons, families, couples) appropriate to course content.

      Practicum & Internship

      During the Practicum/Internship year, students log hours with actual clients at a counseling agency in the field. Students are involved in all aspects of a counselor's role at a specific site. Internships enable students to integrate professional knowledge and skills through their work with clients, students, and new colleagues. Through these experiences, students become familiar with intake procedures, appropriate case note format, and crisis intervention, and focus on developing conceptualization skills and self-awareness relevant to their clinical work.

      There is diversity and range in Practicum/Internship sites within the North Georgia geographic area. Clinical mental health counseling sites include agencies that offer family and children's services. Other sites include community mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient settings for substance abuse and psychiatric clients, hospice, support services for victims of domestic violence and abuse and those with HIV/AIDS, facilities for at-risk youth or delinquents, hospital programs for cancer patients and their families, pastoral care, and private practice settings. Students are encouraged to select one or more sites that fit their professional interests and career goals.

      Master's students are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours for practicum; most log 150 hours or more. Internship is a two-semester, 600-hour experience.

    • Internships

      Internships provide opportunities for practical clinical/field experience with actual clients in community agency settings. Get more detailed information on our internship page. 

    • Department of Counseling
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    Questions?

    For questions about the program, contact:
    Dr. P. Clay Rowell, Professor & Department Head
    clay.rowell@ung.edu
    470-239-3028
    City Hall 413,Cumming
    For questions about the application process, contact:
    Graduate Admissions
    grads@ung.edu 
    706-864-1543

    Where Could This Program Lead You?

    Professional Licensure and Certification

    The Master of Science degree in Counseling at UNG was developed to meet the state and national regulatory criteria to be eligible to apply for licensure and certification as professional counselors.

    For additional information, please review the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure.

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