Cannon-Clary College of Education
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    Professional School Counseling

    Help students navigate emotional and academic challenges.

About the Program

This 60-hour CACREP accredited master's degree is designed as a practical program preparing entrance-level professionals to become competent professional school counselors. Practice is given in utilizing current counseling principles in real-world settings through practicum and internship experiences. Candidates are equipped with strategies including cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions that address wellness, personal growth, and crises. This base will provide candidates with competencies (as defined by CACREP and ACA) designed to positively impact a variety of people across K-12.

Courses meet current course requirements for K-12 licensure/practice for counseling in public or private schools, including higher education, as approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.

NOTE: Application of this degree varies according to the graduate’s goals. Examples: Licensure as a School Counselor in some states (excluding Arkansas) requires teacher licensure in addition to this degree.

Mental Health & Wellness Licensing Disclosure Statement

Harding University’s Cannon-Clary College of Education provides programs of study that, along with other qualifying criteria, allow candidates to apply for respective licenses as issued by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. It will be the responsibility of the candidate to determine what requirements may be in place in the state they choose to apply for a license. The programs of study may not, however, necessarily meet other states’ requirements for licensing in those states. It will be the responsibility of the candidate to ascertain what program and state requirements will be necessary in the state they choose to apply for a license. Each jurisdiction has its own criteria and procedures for licensure and requirements vary.

Admissions Requirements

Application Requirements

  • Complete the online application.
  • Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to mhw@harding.edu.
    *Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.
  • Request three letters of recommendation.
  • Upload a copy of your Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record.
  • Upload a resume.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
  • Request official test results from the Praxis and have them sent to Harding University.
  • Upload a copy of your current educator license
  • Complete a personal interview with the Mental Health and Wellness faculty.
  • Limitations understanding signature.

Please direct questions to:

Harding University
Department of Mental Health & Wellness
HU 12254
Searcy, AR 72149-5615

Phone: 501-279-4500
Fax: 501-279-5964
Email: mhw@harding.edu

When to Apply

Please contact the Mental Health & Wellness Department at mhw@harding.edu if you have questions about applying.

Academic Catalog

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Curriculum Plan & Course Schedule

Internships and Practicums

Supervisors and students should contact the Mental Health and Wellness office at 501-279-4500 for a direct link to training materials, handbooks and forms. Please contact Dr. Marc Fager for if you have additional questions.

Why Choose Harding's Professional Counseling Programs?

  • The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the following programs in the Professional Counseling Program in the College of Education at Harding University: Professional School Counseling (M.S.) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
  • Opportunity for EdS in Counseling
  • Practical tools/techniques for developing professional counseling skills
  • Faculty members with Christian values and real-world experiences
  • Current and up-to-date strategies and content
  • Training in a career choice that makes a difference through promoting mental and emotional well-being
  • Located in Northwest AR, Searcy, AR or Memphis, TN, with half of the program also available on the North Little Rock site gives you options for graduate school

Why is CACREP accreditation important?

  • CACREP-accreditation signals that a program’s content and quality have been evaluated and meet strict, consistent standards set by the profession. Choosing a CACREP-accredited program also means the curriculum contains the academic knowledge necessary for professional licensure in many states.
  • CACREP-accredited programs assure students—and the public they will one day serve—that a program’s curriculum includes appropriate counseling coursework and skill development. It also ensures that the program is stable, both professionally and financially.
  • Benefits of graduating from a CACREP-accredited counseling program include:
    • Access to more employment opportunities.
    • An advantage when applying to doctoral degree programs.
    • A streamlined state counseling licensing application process.
    • The skills and credibility to maximize your impact on the counseling profession.
    • The opportunity to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) exam prior to graduation.

Want more info about our program?

Contact Us

Mental Health & Wellness is part of the College of Education

501-279-4500

mhw@harding.edu

Fax: 501-279-5964

Mailing address:
Harding University
Department of Mental Health & Wellness
HU 12254
Searcy, AR 72149-5615