About the Program
Our nationally accredited counseling program enables graduates to deliver professional counseling services in clinical mental health or school settings.
The sequential nature of the program integrates academic knowledge and counseling theory with closely supervised counseling practice. Students enrolled in the sequence progress through the program in a cohort model. The cohort model allows students to develop a strong bond with one another and establish a supportive community while in the program and a professional network of future colleagues. As students advance through the program, they must find a workable integration of theory, philosophy, and counseling skills that are consistent with the student’s self-views and beliefs about the nature of people. Throughout the course sequence, students are expected to uphold the American Counseling Association’s , the American School Counseling Association’s , the program’s professional dispositions, and maintain a 3.00 GPA.
Courses are offered in-person at the ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ-Cascades campus in Bend, Oregon. The program is distinguished by exceptional in-classroom instruction, where learning objectives are accomplished through multiple methods of instruction including lecture of content, seminar-based discussions, role plays, experiential activities, written assignments, the use of online material and media, and accrual of clinical hours through field-based experience.
Mission Statement
The ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ Counseling Program faculty, staff, and students endeavor to support the principles of dignity, respect, integrity, value, and equality in all we do. We prepare professional counselors who promote the social, psychological, and physical well-being of individuals, families, communities, and organizations in order to continually improve global welfare. We believe that professional counselors stand for social, economic, and political justice and therefore must be prepared to be proactive educators, change agents, and advocates in the face of injustice. Development across the lifespan, cultural diversity, and a global perspective are integral to the preparation of professional counselors.
Program Objectives
- Students demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills aligned with core and specialty areas of the CACREP Standards.
- Students demonstrate professional dispositions required for vocational success in the counseling profession.
- Students within the counseling program reflect the demographic diversity of the communities in which they will be working.
Concentrations
Students elect to concentrate in one of two options:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (90 credits)
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is designed for individuals who want to work in community agencies, treatment programs, community colleges, and other counseling centers. During practicum, graduate students in the clinical mental health counseling program work in the ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ-Cascades Counseling Clinic which offers free mental health services to the Central Oregon community. For internship placement, students receive personalized support from faculty and the Internship Coordinator to identify and secure a site that align with their professional goals, personal values, and overall fit.
School Counseling Program (90 credits for students entering 2023 and later)
This School Counseling track is designed for individuals wanting to work in K–12 educational settings. It prepares students to support the academic, social-emotional, and career development of diverse student populations through a comprehensive, equity-focused approach. Students engage in two hands-on field experiences: a 100-hour practicum in the Professional Development Schools model and a 600-hour internship in a Central Oregon K–12 school. In addition to school counseling licensure, students in the School Counseling track are also eligible to pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure upon degree completion.
Accreditation
The counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, (), the gold standard in graduate counseling programs. This accreditation emphasizes the importance of a strong professional counselor identity; verifies that the program’s quality has been evaluated; assures prospective students that appropriate content, knowledge, and skill areas are addressed; and prepares students to take exams needed to meet initial eligibility requirements for licensure as an Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor. The program is recognized by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (), Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (), and the National Board of Certified Counselors () as meeting the coursework requirements for state licensing and national certification.
ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ Counseling Academic Unit (CAU) faculty engages in continuous curricular and program assessments. Areas evaluated align with, and exceed, those specified by CACREP and the ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ Graduate School. We aim to provide exceptional learning environments and educational experiences for counseling students. Faculty collect and review comprehensive data each academic year (AY) as detailed in the CAU comprehensive assessment plan. This annual program report summary includes assessment results. The report for the 2023-2024 academic year can be found here. Additional program statistics for the 2023-2024 academic year can be found here.
Two-Year and Three-Year Options
The ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ-Cascades Master of Counseling program offers an option that spans three years as well as an option that can be completed in two years. The program begins in June of each year. Students choosing the three-year option take on average two classes per term, while students choosing the two-year option average four classes per term. All classes are held in the evenings, starting at 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday with an occasional class being offered in a weekend format or on Fridays. Courses and field experiences associated with practicum and internship typically occur during the day.
Practicum and Internship
The coursework for this program integrates academic knowledge and theory with counseling practice and internships. In addition to coursework, students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. The master's level internship hours in the final year are intensive and typically range from 20-30 clock hours per week.
Completion of this degree meets academic eligibility requirements for School Counselor Licensure from TSPC and Licensed Professional Counselor from the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.
Matriculation Requirements
All admitted students to the ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ-Cascades Master of Counseling program must (a) verify they accept the offer of admission, (b) sign a Memorandum of Agreement to secure their matriculation to the program. Any student with a GPA of less than 3.0 is admitted on a conditional basis per ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓ Graduate School guidelines. These students must maintain a 3.0 GPA during their first 18 credits of study. (c) Newly admitted students must pay a $364 matriculation fee, (d) and attend a new student orientation.
Licensing Opportunities
Licensed Professional Counselor
All MCoun graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (). MCoun graduate students may also pursue certification throuhg the and take either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) in their final year in the program. Exam results, combined with post-degree supervised experience and other requirements are used to meet LPC licensure requirements in Oregon.
School Counselor License
The school counseling program has Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission () approval to offer both initial and continuing state licensure as a school counselor. Students work closely with their faculty advisor and the Assistant Director of Licensure to assess readiness for licensure and ensure all requirements are met for successful application.
Out-of-State Licensure
Faculty and staff make every effort to advise students pursuing licensure outside of Oregon; however, licensure requirements vary significantly by state. It is strongly recommended that prospective students evaluate whether this program meets the requirements of their intended state prior to matriculation. Students are responsible for contacting out-of-state licensing boards directly to confirm eligibility and ensure compliance with local regulations.