Though most of our new students begin in the fall semester, we also accept new students for the spring and summer semesters if openings are available.
We accept students for both full- and part-time enrollment. Full-time students take three graduate courses each semester, whereas part-time students take two graduate courses each semester. All of our students are expected to attend year round, which includes the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Students who attend full-time (9 semester hours each semester) may be able to a complete a degree in school or clinical mental health counseling in approximately two and a half years; students who attend on a part-time basis (6 semester hours each semester) will typically need an additional calendar year of coursework to complete one of the graduate programs. Successful completion of the dual-degree program requires a minimum of three calendar years to complete.
No. The counselor education program at Northern Kentucky University is best described as a traditional, face-to-face graduate program. We believe that this format, which involves close interactions among students, faculty, and local community partners, is the best model for preparing professional counselors. We also believe this format is a strength of our program and one that distinguishes us from other graduate programs in the market.
To better accommodate students who work during the day, counseling courses are typically offered on Monday through Thursday evenings from either 4:30pm-6:00pm or 6:15pm-9:00pm. We may occasionally offer a fully online course, but this is an exception rather than the rule.
We do things here a bit differently. Unlike many other graduate programs, our faculty take an active role in helping students secure appropriate field placements in our local community. During enrollment in COU 640 (Counseling Techniques), students will submit applications for both practicum and internship placements. Based on each student's interests, needs, and other information, a faculty member will attempt to match the student with a school or clinical agency in our community. Of course, we cannot guarantee that a school or agency will accept a particular student for a placement, but we can guarantee that our faculty will be vigilant in helping students locate potential field placements.
