PHOENIX — The University of Arizona’s school counseling degree is getting an update, switching departments and raising the student capacity.
The program will offer students hand-on experience in school.
They’ll also graduate with a Master of Education in school counseling.
Details about update to UA’s school counseling degree
Lia Falco, director of the school counseling program, said the 48-credit hour degree existed until this point, but in a different department.
“They do have a lot of training and background in human development, counseling, counseling theory, counseling skills, including individual and group counseling, but they’ll also be receiving a lot more specialized course work that’s focused on working in educational settings,” she said.
The transition from the disabilities department to the education department allows for more specialized training and an expansion of student capacity, she added.
“Right now, the demand for professional school counselors in Arizona far outpaces our capacity to graduate them. So, the need is there,” she explained.
The program’s department switch and updates were approved by the Arizona Board of Education this week.
The revamped program will have its first cohort of students beginning classes this fall.
Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.
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