The Pennsylvania licensing board requires that applicants hold a minimum of a 48-credit masters’ degree. Applicants must obtain an additional 12 credits for a total of 60 credits prior to submitting their application. Courses must have been taken to fulfil the following areas:
- Human growth and development—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental stages.
- Social and cultural foundations—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society.
- Helping relationships—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of counseling and consultation processes.
- Group work—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of group development, dynamics, counseling theories, group counseling methods and skills and other group approaches.
- Career and lifestyle development—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of career development and related life factors.
- Appraisal—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.
- Research and program evaluation—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of types of research methods, basic statistics, and ethical and legal considerations in research.
- Professional orientation—(2 semester or 3 quarter hours) studies that provide an understanding of all aspects of professional functioning, including history, roles, organizational structures, ethics, standards and credentialing.
- Clinical instruction—(Includes 100 clock hours of supervised practicum experience and 600 clock hours of supervised internship experience). The supervised internship experience shall begin after completion of the supervised practicum experience. Until March 2, 2007, this requirement may be satisfied by completion of a total of 6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours of practicum/internship experience.
The number of classes needed will vary and depend on the student’s previous coursework. Students interested in this program are strongly encouraged to contact the PA Licensing Board to request a transcript review for clarification on additional coursework.
