• School Counseling Planned Program Information (.pdf)
  *requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  
• The Counseling Program at FGCU conducts an orientation for new and prospective students during the second week of each semester. Please contact Dr. Russell Sabella by phone (239-590-7782) or via email (rsabella@fgcu.edu) for information regarding the next scheduled orientation meeting. Also, you may click here to access a PowerPoint presentation used in the meeting.
  
• Counselor Education Program Recommendation form (.pdf)
  
• Regional Outlook (Streaming Audio, needs Media Player to run)
• Internship Manual (PDF; right click to download)
• Internship Application (right click to download)
• Counseling Handbook (.PDF)
• Checklist of Entry Requirements for the Counseling Program (pdf)
• Counseling Links

Degree: Master of Arts or Master of Education
Major: Counseling
Concentrations/Semester Credit Hours Required for the Degree:

• Mental Health Counseling (M.A. 60 Hours)
• School Counseling (M.A. 54 Hours) (M.Ed. 48 Hours)

Students pursuing the master's program in counseling take common coursework in human development, legal and ethical issues of the profession, career development, appraisal methods, counseling theories, groupwork, practicum and research and program evaluation. Additional specialized courses focusing on either school counseling or mental health counseling are offered in areas such as internship, human sexuality, addictions, special populations, consulation, organization and administration, and professional development. A unique feature of the FGCU counselor education program is that all students are engaged in some field-based activities every semester they are enrolled in the program. This emphasis on applications in real-world settings provides students with the necessary opportunity to develop applied skills while also increasing their knowledge. Students without prior training as schoolteachers who wish to become certified school counseling professionals must complete additional courses in the classroom management and curriculum and instruction.

All programs currently offered in counseling are designed as part-time programs with students completing two courses and/or field experiences in the typical semester. An accelerated program is possible with consultation from a counseling faculty advisor. Students may be non degree-seeking for the first semester of attendance while they complete the admissions process. However, under normal circumstances, students must be fully admitted prior to the beginning of the second semester.