What our graduates say about the CAGS Program

Helen Packey, CAGS
Assistant Professor
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH

"I have truly enjoyed my CAGS experience. The flexibility and the opportunity to meet new people and to learn from them has been most rewarding. Sarasota has been a great experience so far. Everyone has been helpful, and the professors responsive and supportive, and I have learned a great deal. I might add that I have also worked very hard, maybe too hard in some cases, but I wouldn't change a thing! I can't wait to start the dissertation!"

Counselor Education Self-Designed Concentration

Program Coordinator: Dr. Gail Mears, e-mail: gmears@plymouth.edu
Associate Professor of Counselor Education; Chair, Counselor Education and School Psychology
B.A., Plymouth State College; M.Ed., CAGS, University of New Hampshire; Psy.D. Antioch University

This flexible concentration, intended for students who have a master's degree in counseling or a closely related discipline, allows students to continue their studies in a manner that suits their professional development needs. Entering students who do not have course work in any of the following areas will need to include the missing coursework in their CAGS program:

• Professional Orientation to Counseling
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Social behavior/diversity
• Counseling Theories
• Human Development
• Career Development
• Group Counseling
• Testing and Assessment
• Counseling Skills
• Counseling Practicum

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Admission Requirements

There are two additional admissions requirements for the CAGS Counselor Education Self-Designed concentration, beyond the standard CAGS requirements. First, prospective students need to meet with the Chair or program coordinator to undergo a curriculum review of candidates' previous master's degree to determine initial eligibility for the degree. Second, candidates for admission must have a personal, face-to-face interview with members of the admissions board. After candidates submit their application materials, they can set up an admissions interview by contacting the Counselor Education Administrative Assistant at (603) 535-2636.

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Required Courses

Counselor Education Core
CO 7210 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling - 3 credits
CO 7300 Counseling Supervision - 3 credits
EP 7050 Qualitative Methodology and Applied Research - 3 credits

Electives - 18 credits

Capstone Experience - 6 credits
CO 5800 Counseling Internship: Self-Designed
– OR –
ED 5210 Graduate Practicum
– OR –
ED 5950 Graduate Thesis

Total for CAGS in Educational Leadership, Counselor Education and School Psychology Strand – Self Designed Counselor Education - 33 credits