Here, faculty demonstrates the collective understanding of students as individuals, not just pupils. We prepare students to be empathetic individuals who are also highly trained to be advocates, and emphasize the belief that counselors are change agents for the public good. Students cite this faculty commitment as the number one reason they chose this program over others, and the reason they feel confident as well prepared school counselors, and social change agents, upon graduation.
In addition, the master’s degree incorporates both an in-school practicum the first year, and a full internship during the second year. These opportunities increase the student’s confidence to work independently upon graduation, and provide time to spend with different age groups to help make decisions on career path.
Other benefits of the program are:
- CACREP accredited, with a challenging curriculum.
- Higher percentage than other programs of hours required for the practicum and internship; valuable to build skills and confidence, and choose area of focus.
- Program flexibility, can take elective courses in other programs within the Curry School which helps create a broader skill-set
- Ample team work built into the curriculum builds a supportive and close knit class
- Student diversity within Charlottesville and surrounding school systems is advantage for internships, and provides both city and rural experiences.
- Excellent location of Charlottesville area and close to Washington DC, and part of the energetic UVA environment.
