The Masters of Arts degree in Counseling is a 60 credit hour program that features specializations in Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Substance Abuse Counseling. Each requires supervised field experience (practicum and internship) in accordance with the corresponding licensure or certification of the chosen specialization. The program meets all educational and field experience requirements for Mental Health Licensure through the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board and certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors. School Counseling Licensure requirements are met through the New Mexico Public Education Department. Rehabilitation Counseling Licensure and National Certification requirements are offered through the New Mexico Public Education Department and The Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling.

Students must meet with a program advisor before enrolling in courses to plan their program of study leading to appropriate field placements. Students will be provided a Counseling Program Handbook when they begin the program. This Program Handbook outlines in more detail the program of study and other essential information for admission and progress through the program. Four choices of specialization are  offered: mental health, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. All three programs share common counseling core requirements.

In addition to the Graduate Division Admission requirements, the student in this program must also:

1. Obtain an online application for admission to the Counseling Program through Watermark: TK-20. This application should be completed with all attachments and submitted in TK-20 by the end of the first semester of coursework. The complete application packet must include, but is not limited to the following:
   1. The completed application form stating that the student has received Final Admission Status into the Graduate Division;
   2. A Writing sample according to the directions on the application;
   3. Disclosure of Criminal Record Form;
   4. Signed Informed Consent Form;
   5. Signed Code of Conduct Form;
   6. Fingerprinting and Background Clearance through Castle Branch
   7. Three letters of recommendation by persons who are prepared to evaluate the prospective student in terms of suitability for graduate work as well as in the field of counseling;
   8. Résumé.
2. The completed application packet must be submitted in TK-20 prior to scheduling an interview, which should be completed prior to the end of the first semester or the beginning of the second semester of coursework. The structured interview will be held with two or more members of the graduate faculty, including at least one counseling faculty advisor. The student will be notified within one week of the interview as to its outcome.
3. Students will be advised to enroll in COUN 501 , COUN 531, COUN 534 , and COUN 579  during their first year in the program.
4. Until all entrance requirements are met, students are considered “conditionally admitted.” “Conditionally admitted” students must meet all entrance requirements prior to completing a total of nine credit hours in the program. Students who have not completed all entrance requirements prior to completing nine hours will be placed on registration hold until all requirements are met.
5. Students must be admitted into the Counseling degree program prior to taking the Comprehensive/Exit Exams.

Counseling Transfer Credit Policy

A maximum of eighteen hours of transfer credit may be applied towards an M.A. in Counseling. COUN 579 - Counseling Pre-Practicum ; COUN 581 - Counseling Practicum : and COUN 582 - Internship in Counseling  generally must be taken at WNMU, however students may petition the Counseling faculty for an appropriate transfer course substitute for COUN 579 .

Students must complete 24 credits (8 courses) in the program before enrolling in COUN 581 - Counseling Practicum ; these 24 credits must include COUN 501 , COUN 523 , COUN 531, and COUN 579 . The 12 remaining credits required prior to taking COUN 581  must be approved by a program advisor in order to satisfactorily prepare students for their intended practicum and internship sites.

Satisfactory completion of COUN 581 - Counseling Practicum  will determine eligibility for COUN 582 - Internship in Counseling . COUN 587 - Seminar in Group Processes  must be taken prior to enrollment in COUN 582 - Internship in Counseling . COUN 582 - Internship in Counseling  follows the completion of COUN 581  and is generally taken in the final two semesters of the program representing a culmination of the field experience in the counseling program.

Students must adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the Counseling Program Handbook for progress through the program.

Students must pass either a written comprehensive examination or the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), as the exit requirement for the program. These exams and other requirements are normally completed during the final semester of the program of study (Fall or Spring terms).