Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership

Mission Statement

The Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership educates compassionate and competent professional leaders who promote social justice and global community relationships.

Vision Statement

The Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership creates a socially just learning community of educators, counselors, administrators 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, the 36-semester hour Educational Administration and Nonprofit Leadership, as well as the Ed.D. Higher Education Administration (HEA) program 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 who demonstrate successful academic and professional development will be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination during their final year of study. 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 and must provide evidence of their current or officially designated in-active license or certification prior to admission. These requirements are subject to change to meet licensing standards.

Online Programs

Online Students. Students who reside outside of Illinois must check with the department website for credentialing information 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).

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 Bradley has acquired permission to offer online courses in your state.

Administration Programs

The Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership 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 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 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 ECL, 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

Principal Licensure (formally Type 75 Certificate) in Educational Administration

Post-Master Principal 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 maximum of thirty-two (32) 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 18–32 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 Education, Counseling, and Leadership (ECL)

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 of Arts degree in Educational Administration.

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 ECL, 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 ECL 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 the associate dean and director of the Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership.

Financial Eligibility

Students accepted unconditionally into the licensure program in the Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership (ELC) 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) 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 (NCATE 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 who demonstrate successful academic and professional development will be eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination during their final year of study. 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.

Total Program Hours: 60

Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Mental Health

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 Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership.

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.
ENC Electives - 3 hrs.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for master graduates of the Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership (ECL) 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:
1. Bradley Certification Application Form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
2. Two Letters of recommendation.
3. Copies of all official transcripts including master's 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 ECL, 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:
1. Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. Official copies of transcripts.
4. 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 ECL 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 identified deficit coursework and experience.

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:
1. Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. 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 ECL 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.

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 ECL associate dean and director of the Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership.

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 Education, Counseling, and Leadership (ECL) 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 ECL.) 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 ECL 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 ECL 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's Certification in 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 Education, Counseling, and Leadership 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, Counseling, and Leadership (ECL) 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:
1. Bradley Certification Application Form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
2. Two Letters of recommendation.
3. Copies of all official transcripts including master's degree.
4. 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 ECL, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master's 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's Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
1. Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. Official copies of transcripts.
4. Copies of course syllabi and/or course catalog descriptions as determined by Counseling faculty
5. Deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of ECL 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 ECL 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 ECL, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Master's 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's Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
1. Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. Bradley-equivalent GRE/MAT, GPA
4. Deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of ECL 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 ECL 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 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.

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 ECL and the PMC program are not responsible for any employment as an Interim School Counselor Intern that applicants may seek. The Department of ECL 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 ECL faculty will evaluate these materials to determine equivalency with the Bradley University Department of ECL 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 associate dean and chair of the Department of ECL.

In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of ECL.

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 associate dean and chair of the Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership.

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Post-Master's Certificate Program in Neurocounseling

The Post-Master's Certificate Program in Neurocounseling is available to both campus-based and online students.

Neurocounseling is an emerging area in the field of counseling that bridges brain and behavior into the traditional counseling framework. The program will provide students with a curriculum that is drawn from courses currently accredited by CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) at Bradley University.

Program Objectives
This program offers post master's-related education and professional development to improve the practice of mental health practitioners from diverse disciplines (e.g., social work, psychology, pastoral counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychiatric nursing, etc.). Graduates can earn the needed courses to meet the 60-credit hour educational requirement for many state licenses.

Admission

Admission requirements vary between licensed mental health professionals and counseling program graduates seeking additional hours:

Admission requirements for licensed mental health professionals (e.g., social work, psychology, pastoral counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychiatric nursing, etc.):

Completed graduate school post-master's certificate application form
two letters of recommendation
copy of license and, if necessary, evidence of completion of a master's degree program.

Admission will be determined by the Counseling program faculty.

Requirements for Counseling Master graduates seeking additional hours for licensure:

Completed graduate school post-master's certificate application form
two letters of recommendation,
Successful completion of the counseling program screening interview
Individuals holding a master degree from a non-CACREP accredited program, or who do not meet other admission requirements, may be required to submit official scores from the GRE General Test or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Curriculum

Required Courses:
ENC 607 Neurocounseling: Bridging Brain and Behavior	3
ENC 608 Brain Based Counseling Interventions	2
ENC 632 Psychopharmacology in Counseling	1
ENC 630 Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders	3
ENC 530 Loss and Grief Counseling	1
ENC 631 Crisis Intervention Counseling	1
ENC 640 Clinical Supervision in Counseling	2
Total:	13

In most cases, students can reasonably expect to complete the program in one calendar year. Students carrying a part-time course load have up to a maximum of five years to complete the program.

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration (HEA)

The Post-Master’s Ed.D. in Higher Education is available on an online basis only.
Bradley University’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in Higher Education Administration is created upon the values of Lydia Moss Bradley, founder of Bradley University. The core values of entrepreneurship, social justice, and philanthropy are woven throughout the program’s curriculum in alignment with Mrs. Bradley’s life work. The program is designed for working professionals who have a broad and diverse background in education or a related field and seek a career or career advancement in higher education.

Program Objectives

The objective of the Ed.D. program is to provide graduate students with interactive, research-based leadership development experiences within authentic educational contexts that are connected to student learning, quality instruction, and organizational effectiveness in higher education.

Admission Requirements

Minimum degree required: master’s degree
Resume or CV
Three letters of recommendation (from supervisors to assess leadership skills)
Personal statement essay detailing why you are seeking admission to the Ed.D. program
Official transcripts from your prior institutions
Submission of a portfolio that presents evidence of your achievements during your administrative experience in the specific areas required (rubric provided online)

Ed.D. Program Requirements

To satisfy graduation requirements for the Ed.D., students must successfully complete 16 courses at 3 credits each for a total of 48 credits. Students can complete the program in seven semesters by following a prescribed Program of Study. The Program of Study varies based on which term students begin the program (e.g., spring, summer or fall).

The Scholarly Research Project and the internship are capstones for the Ed.D. program. The action research courses that support the Scholarly Research Project begin in the first semester, while the internship takes place near the end of the program, in the sixth and seventh semesters. Students are responsible for finding their own internship site and site supervisor.

Program Core Courses - 12 hrs.

ENC 708 Boards and Educational Governance—3
ENC 709 Ethical and Political Foundations of Educational Policy—3
ENC 710 Learning in an Era of Technology—3
ENC 711 National Trends in Assessment, Data Analysis, and Accountability—3

Required Courses – 36 hrs.

Scholarly Research Courses

ENC 703 Action Research 1: Introduction to Doctoral Studies—3
ENC 704 Action Research 2: Introduction to Doctoral Studies—3
ENC 705 Action Research 3: Data Collection in Action Research—3
ENC 706 Action Research 4: Seminar in Action Research—3
ENC 707 Action Research 5: Seminar in Action Research—3

Higher Education Administration Courses

ENC 717 Leadership in Higher Education and Community College—3
ENC 718 Administration of Online Programs in Higher Education and Community Colleges—3
ENC 719 Student and Academic Affairs—3
ENC 720 The Contemporary Learner—3
ENC 721 Financial Affairs in Higher Education—3

Internship Courses

ENC 722 Internship 1—3
ENC 723 Internship 2—3

This is the official catalog for the 2019-2020 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.

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Department of Education, Counseling, and Leadership

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

Admission

Master Of Arts

Online Programs

Doctor of Education Degree

Master of Arts Degrees

Certificate Programs

Administration Programs

Master of Arts in Leadership in Educational Administration

Principal Licensure (formally Type 75 Certificate) in Educational Administration

Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership

Master of Arts in Counseling

Master of Arts in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration

Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Mental Health

Master of Arts in Counseling/Professional School Counseling

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Post-Master's Certification in School Counseling

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Post-Master's Certificate Program in Neurocounseling

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration (HEA)

Program Objectives

Admission Requirements

Ed.D. Program Requirements

Program Core Courses - 12 hrs.

Required Courses – 36 hrs.

Scholarly Research Courses

Higher Education Administration Courses

Internship Courses

Master of Arts in Counseling/
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration

Master of Arts in Counseling/
Professional School Counseling