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Counselor Education Program

Counselor Education

A program for aspiring school and clinical mental health counselors, educational leaders, and future faculty in Counselor Education and Supervision

an african american woman counsels a student

Excellence in Counselor Education

Our faculty and students embody Excellence in Counselor Education. The Virginia Tech Counselor Education Program prepares professional counselors, counselor educators, and leaders in the counseling field with a professional identity that incorporates the intentional use of strength-based approaches, reflective practice, innovative and evidence-based strategies, and ongoing research to support and enhance our schools and communities.

FOCUSED, INTENSIVE PROGRAM

The program serves students from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the country, and the world, at campuses in Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia.

Our faculty provide continuing education and consultation to school systems, community agencies, and other organizations to support the development of helping professionals already in the workforce. Our faculty and students recognize that we live in a dynamic pluralistic society, and we are dedicated to enriching the lives of children, adolescents, and adults in our schools and communities.

Our Counselor Education program offers two master's degree tracks (both offering a Master's in Education, M.A.Ed.), one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and one in School Counseling. Both master's programs are offered on our Roanoke campus. The doctoral program in Counseling Education and Supervision  is offered on our Blacksburg campus, and prepares skilled counselors who conduct impactful research, practice, supervise, and teach.

Reimagining the future begins with practices that put educational excellence, innovation, and equity at the fore. At the Virginia Tech School of Education, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to contribute to individual and community well-being, conduct groundbreaking research, and engage with learning communities around the globe. 

As a catalyst for individual transformation, the School of Education is pushing the boundaries of knowledge and practice to reimagine a more equitable and just world.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Virginia Tech discloses whether its educational programs leading to careers that require licensure meet educational requirements for professional licensure in each state, view the determinations for each state here.


Program Deadlines & Dates

M.A.Ed.  Applicants

Starting Semester:

Summer 2

Deadline:

January 10

Ph.D. Applicants

Starting Semester:

Fall

Deadline:

April 1

2024 Admission Open House Session Video

Watch this video to hear about our programs and the admissions process, to meet our faculty, and to hear from students interested in our programs.

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Counselor Education News

Counselor Education Events: Past, Present, and Future

Coming soon!

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY

Dr. Fullen smiles for the camera. He poses in the warm environment of the Inn at Virginia Tech
Matthew Fullen, Associate Professor and Program Leader, Counselor Education

Gerard Lawson, Professor & Interim Director, VT SOE

Gerard Lawson, Interim Director & Professor
Gerard Lawson, Professor & Interim Director, VT SOE
Dr. Hannah Bayne stands in front of a decorative white and teal patterned wall. Her brown hair is curly, she offers the viewer a happy smile, and she is wearing a white tank top.
Hannah Bayne, Associate Professor

Harley Locklear, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education

Joanna Collins
Harley Locklear, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education
Dr. Welfare offers a small smile to the camera in her formal portrait
Laura Welfare, Professor

Joanna Collins, Assistant Professor of Practice, Counselor Education

Joanna Collins
Joanna Collins, Assistant Professor of Practice, Counselor Education

Sarah Henry, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education

Joanna Collins
Sarah Henry, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Fitzgerald smiles for the camera. Her long brown hair is gently pulled back, framing her face.
Jenna R. Fitzgerald, PhD, LPC, NCC; Adjunct Faculty of Counselor Education

ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIP

Our Counselor Education Programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). They are also approved by the Virginia Department of Education for the preparation of school counselors.