Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling
Mission Statement
The Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling educates compassionate and competent professional leaders who promote social justice and global community relationships.
Vision Statement
The Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling creates a socially just learning community of counselors and leaders who advance multicultural competence.
Admission
Admission to the 60–61-semester-hour Master of Arts in Counseling, Track I: Professional School Counseling and the 60-semester-hour Track II: Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as the 36-semester hour Educational Administration and Nonprofit Leadership is based on a thorough review of each applicant’s documents. Requirements include:
- Three professional and/or academic letters of references—at least one must be from a current supervisor. For Nonprofit Leadership, letters should address leadership, ethical behaviors, and professional competencies.
- An undergraduate last-60-hour grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) within five years prior to admission.
- Additional requirements for Educational Administration include submitting portfolio and an interview. An interview is also required for Counseling applicants. For additional information see Graduate School and department websites.
Applicants with deficiencies in requirements will be evaluated on an individual basis, contingent upon satisfactory completion of a screening interview.
Master Of Arts
The Master of Arts degree is conferred upon students who have completed 36 graduate semester hours in Leadership in Educational Administration or Nonprofit Leadership; and, 60–61 graduate semester hours in Counseling. Bradley University’s Counseling program courses are offered via campus-based and online pedagogies. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs has accredited the Counseling program and its pedagogies since 1993. The online delivery offers the equivalent academic curriculum offered to campus-based students. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the online delivery of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling since 2015.
Both campus-based and online students graduating from Bradley University’s Master of Arts in Counseling program will receive the same degree and transcripts. Both campus-based and online students will be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination toward certification and licensure upon completing their program of studies. Online counseling students must check the specific requirements for the practice of counseling in the state where they reside or where they intend to practice, as well as any applicable reciprocity rules. Bradley University is a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the U.S.
All applicants must complete the prescribed application forms of the College of Education and Health Sciences and Graduate School. A candidate who may need to furnish standardized scores may contact Educational Testing Service directly at www.ets.org to complete either the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test (GRE or MAT).
The applicant seeking admission to the Educational Administration, Nonprofits, or Counseling programs must obtain three letters of reference from educational field employers or college/university professors who can recommend the applicant as having strong potential for success in graduate studies and potential continued service to the education profession.
ENC 604 is strongly recommended as the first course taken by all degree candidates. The other core course that is required in all professional education programs within the College of Education and Health Sciences is ENC 606.
Students should consult with their faculty advisor for departmental program requirements prior to registering for classes.
Illinois Residents. Students in the professional school counseling and the educational administration programs must have passed the test of basic skills (ACT/SAT/TAP) prior to admission. Individuals who passed the state test of basic skills for a previous Illinois certificate are not required to retake the test. These requirements are subject to change to meet licensing standards.
On-line Programs
Online Students. Students who reside outside of Illinois must check with their local agencies for credentialing in either Professional School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling to learn about specific requirements for professional practice, as well as any applicable reciprocity rules. Variations in requirements may occur either in the student’s state of residence or the state where the student may plan to practice professional counseling relative to his or her area of specialization.
Bradley University is a SARA-approved institution (SARA=State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements).
Indiana
This institution is authorized by:
The Indiana Board of Proprietary Education
101 W. Ohio Street, Suite 670
Indianapolis, IN 46204-1984
Louisiana
Bradley University is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana. Licenses are renewed by the State Board of Regents every two years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.
Maryland
Bradley University is registered with:
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 N. Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Minnesota
Bradley University is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
State laws governing distance education programs may limit Bradley University’s ability to offer online opportunities to students. If you wish to enroll in one of our online degree programs and reside outside of Illinois, please inquire to determine if we have acquired permission to offer online courses in your state.
Master of Arts Degrees
Master of Arts in Leadership in Educational Administration
Post-Master Licensure in Educational Administration
National Board Certified Teachers Fast Track Licensure in Educational Administration
Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership
Post-Master Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Post-Master Certification in School Counseling
Administration Programs
The Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling offers two administration programs leading to the Master of Arts degree: Leadership in Educational Administration and Nonprofits. The programs develop qualities associated with leadership and informed decision-making through coursework that engages students in “making the connections” that are fundamental to success as an administrator. Coursework focuses on establishing connections between theory and practice culminating in a supervised internship.
Master of Arts in Leadership in Educational Administration
Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).
The Leadership in Educational Administration Program is a 36-hour program accredited by CAEP/NCATE, approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, and satisfying requirements for Illinois Licensure necessary for school principals. ISBE Licensure requirements include a teaching certificate and a minimum of two years of teaching experience.
Students in the Leadership in Educational Administration Program are required to complete a total of 200 internship hours in a school setting. The 200 hours are completed during ENC 686 and involve assuming a leadership role, assigned projects/activities from each of the six Illinois Standards for School Leaders, and participation in eight on-campus seminars covering two semesters (four seminars each semester).
For unconditional admission to the program, a student must have an undergraduate overall and cumulative major grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Conditional admission requires an undergraduate overall cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
The application process complies with ISBE requirements and involves three stages as described below.
Admissions Process
- Step 1 – Apply online to the Graduate School.
- Step 2 – Candidates whose applications meet Bradley University's Graduate School standards will be asked to submit a portfolio demonstrating teaching expertise and leadership potential (the rubric for this process is posted online).
- Step 3 – Candidates whose portfolios are accepted will be scheduled to interview with faculty and any available school partners. While on campus, candidates will respond in writing to several scenarios of typical administrative issues.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim licensure approval and signature by appropriate College officers.
Graduate Core - 9 hrs.
- ENC 604 Research Methodology and Applications - 3 hrs.
- ENC 605 Legal and Social Change - 3 hrs.
- ENC 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.
Departmental Required Courses - 24 hrs.
- ENC 611 Instructional Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 662 Community Relations - 1 hr.
- ENC 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.
- ENC 670 Human Resource Management - 3 hrs.
- ENC 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
- ENC 676 The School Principalship - 3 hrs.
- ENC 677 Educational Finance - 2 hrs.
- ENC 678 United States Public School Law - 3 hrs.
- ENC 686 Field Experiences in Administration - 4 hrs.
Suggested Electives - 3 hrs.
- ENC 510 Statistical Procedures - 3 hrs.
- ENC 550 Independent Study - 3 hrs.
- ENC 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
- ENC 612 Institutional Planning and Evaluation - 3 hrs.
- ENC 681 Seminar in Educational Administration - 3 hrs.
- ENC 699 Thesis - 0-6 hrs.
Total Program Semester Hours: 36
Post-Master Licensure in Educational Administration
Post-Master Licensure in Educational Administration is designed for students who have a master degree in education or an education-related field who wish to become licensed school administrators in Illinois. Applicants who hold a master degree in any field other than Educational Administration and who are seeking to earn licensure to be a school administrator in the State of Illinois are required to complete the equivalent of thirty (30) semester hours of graduate credit in a specified course of study in Educational Administration as prescribed by the State of Illinois. Bradley University has provided this opportunity for many years to students holding a master degree in education.
The Licensure Program provides a service to the profession of educational administration and to Bradley University because it satisfies the current demand to train principals. Students benefit from the opportunity to fulfill the requirements for licensure without taking on a new master program. Licensure is an endorsement in Educational Administration and is required to be a principal in Illinois schools. The number of graduate hours needed varies depending upon the master program completed by the student and typically ranges from 18–30 graduate hours. The Illinois State Board of Education requirements for an Illinois licensure include graduate coursework that is divided into four categories: instructional leadership, management of public schools, school and public policy, and clinical experience. In addition to a master degree and specific graduate course work, candidates for the Illinois licensure are also required to have a minimum of two years of full-time teaching experience or school service personnel experience and successful completion of the required State of Illinois licensure examinations.
Curriculum
Students follow a course sequence similar to students seeking a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree with the exception of coursework requirements already satisfied. Upon transcript evaluation of the previous master degree in another area, students follow the same courses as master's level students.
- ENC 605 Legal and Social Change - 3 hrs.
- ENC 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 611 Instructional Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 662 Community Relations - 1 hr.
- ENC 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.
- ENC 670 Human Resource Management - 3 hrs.
- ENC 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
- ENC 676 The School Principalship - 2 hrs.
- ENC 677 Educational Finance - 2 hrs.
- ENC 678 United States Public School Law - 3 hrs.
- ENC 686 Field Experiences in Administration - 4 hrs.
Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Licensure in Educational Administration from the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling (ENC)
Prospective candidates for licensure must formally apply to the Post-Master Licensure in Educational Administration Program.
The application process complies with ISBE requirements and involves three stages. The process for application is the same as described above for the Master’s of Arts degree in Educational Administration.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim licensure approval and signature by appropriate College officers.
National Board Certified Teachers Fast Track Licensure in Educational Administration
The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation in 2007 that provides an alternative route to administrative licensure for National Board Certified Teachers. Teachers who hold National Board licensure are eligible for an administrative licensure after completing the following four phases:
- National Board certification and an endorsement in teacher leadership.
- A master degree in a teacher leader program.
- Twenty hours of coursework in which the candidate must show evidence of meeting competencies for organizational management and development, finance, supervision and evaluation, policy and legal issues, and leadership as stated in the Illinois Professional School Leader Standards for principals.
- A passing score on the Illinois Administrative Assessment.
- The application process complies with ISBE requirements and involves three stages. The process for application is the same as described above for the Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim licensure approval and signature by appropriate College officers.
Curriculum
Qualified individuals take the following courses:
- ENC 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.
- ENC 670 Human Resource Management - 3 hrs.
- ENC 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
- ENC 676 The School Principalship - 3 hrs.
- ENC 677 Educational Finance - 2 hrs.
- ENC 678 U. S. Public School Law - 3 hrs.
- ENC 686 Field Experience - 4 hrs.
Total 20 hrs.
Policy for Dated Coursework
All graduate coursework must have been completed within five (5) years of the date on the application for the licensure program. Applicants with degrees and/or coursework older than five (5) years must submit evidence of appropriate continuing education and/or training in education or a related field. Eligibility for post-master licensure using these criteria will be decided on a case-by-case basis by Bradley University's faculty in Educational Leadership. Submission of these materials does not guarantee admittance into the post-master licensure program in Educational Administration.
Review process for post-graduate student transcripts
Post-graduate students seeking Illinois principal licensure submit their graduate transcript(s) for review by EDA faculty who will evaluate previous coursework to determine those courses (if any) that satisfy ISBE requirements for principal licensure. ISBE specifies coursework and graduate hour requirements in four areas: Instructional Leadership (12 hours), Management of Schools (9 hours), School and Public Policy (4-5 hours), Clinical Experience (no specific hours, but must be one year long).
Educational Administration faculty may require the post-graduate student to submit course syllabi and course descriptions from the college catalog in place when the first graduate degree was awarded. Department of ENC faculty will evaluate these materials to determine equivalency with the Bradley University Educational Administration program as well as applicability to ISBE requirements.
Retention Procedures for Licensure-Only Students
Licensure-only students are held to the same retention criteria and procedures as degree-seeking students. Students must complete a plan of study with an advisor, which must be approved by the advisor and ENC Department chair.
Financial Eligibility
Students accepted unconditionally into the licensure program in the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling (ENC) may be eligible for the Professional Educators Scholarship offered through and administered by the Graduate School.
Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership
The Nonprofit Leadership program requires 36 hours and develops specialized skills for leadership positions with a variety of nonprofits: community and social service agencies, colleges and universities, health care facilities, faith-based and charitable organizations and foundations. The program focuses on developing effective, ethical and visionary leaders building students’ relationship tool kit for success in the nonprofit sector with courses in strategic planning, human resources, fundraising, advocacy and grant writing. In the capstone Field Experience students collaborate with a practicing administrator mentor through the completion of 150-200 hours of internship during which they learn to apply theory to real-world practice.
For unconditional admission to the program, a student must have an undergraduate last-60-hour grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Conditional admission requires an undergraduate overall cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
In addition to the GPA requirement, the screening process requires three letters of recommendation that address leadership, ethical behaviors, and professional competencies. One letter of recommendation must be written by a current supervisor. In the essay required by the Graduate School, applicants are advised to address the applicant's leadership experiences, qualifications, and ethical considerations of leadership.
College Core Required Courses - 9 hrs.
- ENC 604 Research Methodology and Applications - 3 hrs.
- ENC 605 Legal and Social Change - 3 hrs.
- ENC 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.
Departmental Required Courses - 21 hrs.
- ENC 580 Financial Leadership in Nonprofit Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 582 Grant Writing in Nonprofit Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 583 Supervision and Employee Engagement in Nonprofit Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 610 Survey in Nonprofit Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 612 Institutional Planning and Evaluation - 3 hrs.
- ENC 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
- ENC 686 Field Experience in Administration - 3-6 hrs.
Suggested Elective Courses - 6 hours
- ENC 540 Human Growth and Development - 3 hrs.
- ENC 550 Independent Study - 1–6 hrs.
- ENC 551 Substance Abuse Counseling - 2 hrs.
- ENC 581 Topics in Nonprofit Leadership 1-3 hrs.
- ENC 582 Grant Writing in Nonprofit Leadership - 3 hrs.
- ENC 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
- ENC 620 Introduction to Counseling: Professional Orientation - 2 hrs.
- ENC 651 Clinical Mental Health Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 662 Community Relations - 1 hr.
- ENC 681 Seminar in Educational Administration - 1–6 hrs.
- ENC 682 Seminar in Nonprofit Leadership - 1–6 hrs.
- ENC 699 Thesis - 0–6 hrs.
- MLS 633 Issues in Higher Education - 3 hrs.
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
The Master of Arts in Counseling program is designed to prepare students for positions as counselors in a variety of settings. The counselor education and supervision faculty believes that the work of the professional counselor is to promote the positive growth and development of the clients with whom the counselor interacts.
The counseling model for preparing counselors recognizes the profound interactive effect of people and human systems. We believe there is a need for social science translators—people who are in touch with the best in theory and research—who can translate this knowledge into effective programs and who can evaluate these programs. Because we believe that counselors should experience personal growth and development as persons and as professionals, all courses are designed to provide both cognitive and experiential learning.
The program utilizes a Screening Process, and Retention Policy to assist in determining the suitability of an individual for a career in counseling as well as to monitor progress through the program. A detailed description of the Screening Process and Retention Policy is available in the Counseling Handbook. Continuance in the program is reviewed when a student fails to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviors; or when other circumstances occur which would make a counseling degree candidate ineligible to be certified or licensed as a professional counselor.
Areas of specialization are offered in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling (CAEP and ISBE approved). These specialties should be consistent with and support activities in the student’s proposed internship placement. Other areas unique to a student’s interests may be designed in consultation with members of the department.
The program prepares the students for the exam for certification as a National Certified Counselor. It also prepares students who are Illinois residents for Illinois Professional Educator License as a Professional School Counselor. The counseling concentrations are CACREP accredited as Professional School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The Higher Learning Commission has authorized online delivery of these counseling tracks’ academic curricula. In addition, courses of continuing professional education are offered to practicing counselors who wish to increase competencies to meet emerging needs of the profession.
Master of Arts in Counseling/
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
The Master of Arts in Counseling with academic concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires completion of 60 semester hours of graduate work. This graduate program is designed to meet the certification requirements in Clinical Mental Health Counseling toward licensure in the state of Illinois, as well as the competency Standards for this professional track as determined by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. In 2015, the Higher Learning Commission authorized the online delivery of this accredited counseling curriculum.
Bradley University's counseling program courses are offered via campus-based and online pedagogies. The online delivery offers the equivalent academic curriculum offered to campus-based students. Bradley University is a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the U.S.
Both campus-based and online students graduating from Bradley University's Master of Arts in Counseling program will receive the same academic degree and transcripts. Both campus-based and online students will be eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination toward certification and licensure upon completion of their program of studies. Online counseling students must check the specific requirements for the practice of counseling in the state where they reside or where they intend to practice, as well as any applicable reciprocity rules.
The program consists of a graduate core of six semester hours and a program core of 45 semester hours of study required of all candidates. In addition, students take an additional 9 semester hours of specialty area course work that may, in concert with the internship and practicum work required in the core program, permit them to develop a specialty area consistent with plans for future employment. Students must also pass each of the eight core areas of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam to advance toward graduation. All students should consult with their academic advisors to determine specific courses that will meet their professional goals.
Graduate Core - 6 hrs.
- ENC 604 Research Methodology and Applications - 3 hrs.
- ENC 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.
Program Core - 45 hrs.
- ENC 530 Loss and Grief Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 540 Human Growth and Development - 3 hrs.
- ENC 551 Substance Abuse Counseling - 2 hrs.
- ENC 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
- ENC 620 Introduction to Counseling: Professional Orientation - 2 hrs.
- ENC 621 Career and Life Planning Across the Lifespan - 3 hrs.
- ENC 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law - 1 hr.
- ENC 623 Pre-Practicum in Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 624 Theories and Techniques of Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 625 Principles of Group Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 630 Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders - 3 hrs.
- ENC 631 Crisis Intervention Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 632 Psychopharmacology in Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 640 Clinical Supervision - 2 hrs.
- ENC 641 Assessment in Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 654 Consultation in Helping Professions - 2 hrs.
- ENC 661 Couples and Family Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 690 Practicum - 2 hrs.
- ENC 691 Internship I - 1 hr.
- ENC 692 Internship II - 3 hrs.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialty Area Course Work - 9 hrs.
Required - 4 hrs.
- ENC 651 Clinical Mental Health Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 663 Counseling and Dynamics of Aging - 1 hr.
Electives - 5 hrs.
Post-Master Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Clinical Mental Health Certificate program objectives are to:
- Advance needed skills in the mental health profession.
- Provide needed course requirements for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CCMHC) certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors.
- Allow graduate counselors from a 48-51 semester hour master degree program to further their educational studies.
Admissions
All candidates for this certificate will preferably hold a master degree in counseling from a CACREP approved program. Any other type of credentialing must be assessed by the ENC Department.
Requirements - 12 hrs.
- ENC 530 Loss and Grief Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law - 1 hr.
- ENC 630 Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders - 3 hrs.
- ENC 631 Crisis Intervention Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 632 Psychopharmacology in Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 640 Clinical Supervision in Counseling - 2 hrs.
Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for master graduates of the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling (ENC) Human Development Counseling (HDC) Program and Master of Arts in Counseling Program
- Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Master Certification (PMC) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
- Bradley Certification Application Form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
- Two Letters of recommendation.
- Copies of all official transcripts including masters degree.
- Upon receipt of all admission materials, the Counseling faculty will deliberate over admission of applicants. After faculty decisions, applicants will be notified through a letter. If there is no consensus for acceptance, applicants will be sent a letter outlining faculty concerns and requiring the applicant to interview with Counseling faculty to address identified concerns. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
- Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and any identified deficit coursework and experience.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.
Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for master graduates from other CACREP accredited programs
- Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Master Certification (PMC) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
- Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Official copies of transcripts.
- Copies of course syllabi and/or course catalog descriptions as determined by Counseling faculty.
- Students in this category may be asked to submit a video recording of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
- Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of ENC Masters of Arts in Counseling program. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
- Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.
Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for master graduates from non-CACREP accredited programs or post-master graduates in related fields, e.g., social work or psychology
- Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Master Certification (PMC) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
- Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Bradley-equivalent GRE/MAT, GPA.
- Students in this category may be asked to submit a video recording of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
- Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of ENC Master of Arts in Counseling program. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
- Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and any identified deficit coursework and experience. This plan of study must include ENC 620 Introduction to Counseling: Professional Orientation and ENC 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.
Transcript Evaluation to Pursue Counseling Certification
Certification Only in Counseling
Individuals wishing to pursue clinical mental health counseling certification will pay a transcript analysis and assessment fee of $50. If the student enrolls as a graduate student in either Bradley University’s Master of Arts in Counseling program or as a certification only student, this fee will be applied towards tuition. For further information please contact the chair of the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling.
Master of Arts in Counseling/
Professional School Counseling
The Master of Arts in Counseling program with academic concentration in Professional School Counseling meets the requirements for the Illinois Professional Educator License as a School Counselor/Educator License. In response to school counseling certification rule changes (23 IL Admin Code § 25.225) approved by the Illinois State Board of Education on June 1, 2004, the Bradley University Professional School Counseling program in the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling (ENC) has established the following courses of study for degree-seeking and post-master certification-only students in the Professional School Counseling concentration. (In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC.) These courses meet the competency standards for this professional track as determined by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs since 1993. In 2015, the Higher Learning Commission authorized the online delivery of this accredited counseling curriculum.
Bradley University's Counseling program courses are offered via campus-based and online pedagogies. The online delivery offers the equivalent academic curriculum offered to campus-based students. Bradley University is a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the U.S.
Both campus-based and online students graduating from Bradley University's Master of Arts in Counseling program will receive the same academic degree and transcripts. Both campus-based and online students will be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination toward certification and licensure upon completion of their program of studies. This credential is transferable across the U.S. Online graduates must check the specific requirements for the practice of counseling in the state where they reside or where they intend to practice, as well as any applicable reciprocity rules.
Degree-seeking students who have Illinois teacher certification/license
Degree-seeking students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling with concentration in Professional School Counseling, who hold or are qualified to hold a teacher certificate/license in Illinois, must meet ENC Department master degree requirements while completing 60 hours of graduate study as follows:
Graduate Core Credits - 6 hrs.
- ENC 604 Research Methodology and Applications - 3 hrs.
- ENC 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.
Program Core - 45 hrs.
- ENC 530 Loss and Grief Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 540 Human Growth and Development - 3 hrs.
- ENC 551 Substance Abuse Counseling - 2 hrs.
- ENC 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
- ENC 620 Introduction to Counseling: Professional Orientation - 2 hrs.
- ENC 621 Career and Life Planning Across Lifespan - 3 hrs.
- ENC 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law - 1 hr.
- ENC 623 Pre-Practicum in Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 624 Theories and Techniques of Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 625 Principles of Group Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 630 Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders - 3 hrs.
- ENC 631 Crisis Intervention Counseling - 1 hr.
- ENC 632 Psychopharmacology - 1 hr.
- ENC 640 Supervision - 2 hrs.
- ENC 641 Assessment in Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 654 Consultation in Helping Professions - 2 hrs.
- ENC 661 Couples and Family Counseling - 3 hrs.
- ENC 690 Fall Practicum - 2 hrs. and ENC 691 Internship I in School Counseling - 1 hr. = total 3 hrs.
- ENC 692 Internship II in School Counseling - 3 hrs.
Professional School Counseling Specialty Area Course Work - 9 hrs. teachers; 10 hrs. non-teachers.
- ENC 653 Professional School Counseling K–8 - 3 hrs.
- ENC 655 Professional School Counseling in Secondary Schools - 3 hrs.
- Electives - 3 hrs.
Required Electives for Non-teachers - 4 hrs.
- ENC 585 Understanding Schools: A Primer for Non-Teachers - 2 hrs.
- ENC 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.
Total Semester hours: 60 (teachers); 61 (non-teachers)
Degree-seeking students who do not have Illinois teacher certification
Degree-seeking students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Professional School Counseling who are not certified teachers in Illinois also must meet ENC Department master degree requirements while completing 61 hours of graduate study. The program of study is the same as listed for students holding certification/licensure, with the exception that, in lieu of electives, students must take or have taken course work addressing additional requirements by the Illinois Board of Education [ISBE, K-12] (IL. Amin. Code § 25.225.d.2.A.-D.) requirements in four areas. These areas and the ENC courses addressing them are:
- the structure, organization and operation of the educational system with an emphasis on P-12 schools; ENC 585 Understanding Schools: A Primer for Non-Teachers (2 credit hours) and ENC 653/655 Professional School Counseling (3 credit hours)
- the growth and development of children and youth and their implications for counseling in schools; ENC 540 Human Growth and Development (3 credit hours) and ENC 653/655 Professional School Counseling (3 credit hours)
- the diversity of Illinois students and the laws and programs that have been designed to meet their unique needs; ENC 669 Special Education Law (2 credit hours)
- effective management of the classroom and the learning process; ENC 585 Understanding Schools: A Primer for Non-Teachers (2 credit hours), ENC 653/655 Professional School Counseling, and ENC 690, 691, 692 Practicum and Internship
In cases where the above four areas are addressed through graduate coursework taken elsewhere, the student may transfer up to six credit hours to meet ISBE requirements.
Post-Master Certification in Professional School Counseling
Post-master’s certification in professional school counseling refers to students who have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field who wish to obtain a professional educator license as a school counselor in Illinois. Applicants who hold a master’s degree in any related field other than school counseling (e.g., other counseling specialty, social work, or psychology) are required to complete the equivalent of all requirements of an approved school counseling preparation program. Pursuant to 23 IL Admin Code § 25.225.h., the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling will review the applicant’s educational background to determine any deficits as identified by standards set forth at 23 IL Adm. Code § 23.110 or other applicable requirements of 23 IL Admin Code § 25.225.
Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Certification in Professional School Counseling for master’s graduates of the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling (ENC) Master of Arts in Counseling Program
- Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Master Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
- Bradley Certification Application Form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
- Two Letters of recommendation.
- Copies of all official transcripts including masters degree.
- Deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of ENC Professional School Counseling course requirements and 23 IL Admin Code § 23.110 and § 25.225.
- Upon receipt all admission materials, the Counseling faculty will deliberate over admission of applicants. After faculty make decisions, applicants will be notified through a letter. If there is no consensus for acceptance, applicants will be sent a letter outlining faculty concerns and requiring the applicant to interview with Counseling faculty to address identified concerns. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
- Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience.
- In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.
Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Certification in Professional School Counseling for master graduates (non-school) from other CACREP accredited programs
- Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Master Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
- Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Official copies of transcripts.
- Copies of course syllabi and/or course catalog descriptions as determined by Counseling faculty
- Deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of ENC Professional School Counseling course requirements and 23 IL Adm. Code 23.110 and 25.225
- Students in this category may be asked to submit a video recording of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
- Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of ENC Counseling programs. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
- Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience.
- In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.
Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Certification in School Counseling for master graduates (non-school) from non-CACREP accredited programs or post-master graduates in related fields, e.g., social work or psychology
- Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Master Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
- Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Bradley-equivalent GRE/MAT, GPA
- Deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of ENC School Counseling course requirements and 23 IL Admin Code § 23.110 and § 25.225.
- Students in this category may be asked to submit a video recording of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
- Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of ENC Masters of Arts in Counseling program. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
- Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience. This plan of study must include ENC 620 Introduction to Counseling: Professional Orientation and ENC 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.
Policy for dated coursework
All graduate coursework must have been completed within five years of application to the certification program. Applicants with degrees and/or coursework older than five years must submit evidence of successful continuous employment experience in the counseling field, continuing education and/or training, and relevant counseling or counseling-related licensure and certifications. Eligibility for post-master's certification using these criteria will be decided on an individual-case basis. Submission of these materials does not guarantee admittance into the post-master professional school counseling certification program.
Interim Certification as School Counselor Intern and Employment
Upon successful application and screening, certification-only applicants may submit an ISBE Application for Interim Certification as School Counselor Intern for approval by the School Counseling Program Coordinator and signature by the college entitlement officer. The Department of ENC and the PMC program are not responsible for any employment as an Interim School Counselor Intern that applicants may seek. The ENC Department neither implies nor guarantees that enrollment in the PMC program will occur in such a way as to coincide with applicants’ plans to seek or obtain employment via Interim Certification as a School Counselor Intern.
Transfer Credits
Certification-only students may transfer up to six semester hours towards school counselor certification. Certification only students must take a minimum of 12 credit hours in the post-master's certification program. In addition, post-masters applicants from non-CACREP programs or related fields must submit official transcripts and may be required to submit course syllabi and course descriptions from the college catalogue in place when the degree was awarded. Department of ENC faculty will evaluate these materials to determine equivalency with the Bradley University Department of ENC School Counseling Program, in addition to applicable ISBE requirements, including reciprocity rules among states.
Retention Procedures for Certification-Only Students
Certification-only students are held to the same retention criteria and procedures as degree-seeking students. Students must complete a plan of study with an advisor that must be approved by the advisor and ENC Department chair.
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ENC.
Transcript Evaluation to Pursue Counseling Certification
Certification Only in Counseling
Individuals wishing to pursue a professional educator license as a school counselor in Illinois will pay a transcript analysis and assessment fee of $50. If the student enrolls as a graduate student in either Bradley University’s Counseling graduate degree program or as a certification only student, this fee will be applied towards tuition. For further information please contact the chair of the Department of Leadership in Education, Nonprofits, and Counseling.
This is the official catalog for the 2015-2016 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.