Press Releases
SXU Addresses School Counselor Shortage by Offering New Master's Degree
Graduate Program to begin fall 2003 semester
CHICAGO (April 21, 2003) -- Saint Xavier University has announced its School of Education will launch a master’s program in school counseling beginning this fall. The new program, which was approved by the Illinois State Board of Education in February, addresses the critical shortage of school counselors in the state of Illinois.
“Probably few counselors do as much work with prevention as school counselors who often develop programs and contribute to curriculum in schools that address developmental issues for children and adolescents,” according to Program Director Pam Castellanos. “School counselors also do a great deal of consulting, with administrators, teachers, parents, and the school psychologist or social worker on individual student problems as well as more pervasive issues in schools such as violence, bullying, and teen pregnancy.”
School counselors are more likely to assist students with academic problems, college selection and career development than family counselors or those working with chronically ill patients.
Staying true to the mission of the School of Education, scholarship, professionalism and social responsibility are integral to the preparation and induction of candidates into the counseling profession, as is respect for cultural and linguistic diversity. This major also prepares students for advanced graduate work at other institutions. Students are required to complete a practicum, which includes an on-campus seminar that provides additional supervision. An intensive 600 hour internship is required for program completion, and supervision is provided at the internship site and by qualified on-campus supervisors.
The School of Education also continues to offer the community agency counseling track. The Masters of Arts in Counseling program prepares professional counselors to work in a variety of employment settings including community mental health agencies, crisis centers, residential facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools and private practices. Students in the counseling program learn to counsel individuals, families and groups on concerns in social, educational, psychological, career and life planning domains. Counselor education and training also emphasizes assessment, treatment, prevention, consultation and wellness.
Founded in 1846, Saint Xavier University is a private, coeducational institution serving more than 5,200 men and women with high quality academic programs. It offers 36 undergraduate majors and 32 graduate program options in four schools: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Graham School of Management, and School of Nursing. Located in a residential neighborhood in Chicago, the University offers personalized education that emphasizes challenging undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs of study. Crain’s Chicago Business (July 1, 2002) recognized Saint Xavier University for achieving the highest percentage of enrollment growth among Chicago-area universities and colleges during the previous year, increasing 6.3 percent. And, U.S. News & World Report named Saint Xavier in its 2002 “Best Colleges” issue as a best value and for its diversity as a master’s degree-granting institution in the Midwest region.