CACREP Accreditation
Counseling, Mental Health Counseling Concentration, MEd and Counseling, School Counseling (PreK-8, 5-12) Concentration, MEd are CACREP approved programs.
Mission Statement
The principle mission of the Department of Counselor Education at Bridgewater State University is to prepare high quality master’s level counselors for various settings in Massachusetts and the nation. More specifically, we prepare; quality School Counselors to serve students, families, and communities in PreK-12 educational settings; Clinical Mental Health Counselors to serve individuals, families, and/or groups in community, non-profit, or private agencies; and Student Affairs Counselors to serve as academic advisors, career advisors, residential hall advisors, or likewise in institutes of higher education.
Program Objectives
Our objectives are to:
- Guide students in understanding their roles and responsibilities within the ethical and legal guidelines germane to counseling and student affairs professions.
- Foster the development of expertise in counseling skills.
- Instill a commitment to uphold best practices within counseling and student affairs professions.
- Cultivate diversity and social justice competence within counseling and student affairs professions.
Methods of Instruction
The counseling courses are taught using various dynamic and innovative methods. Our counseling lab utilizes state of the art technology allowing for technology enhanced live supervision with clinical skill development. While our courses are predominantly taught in the evening, some variances such as hybrid and intensive courses are available.
Annual Assessment Report
View our Annual Assessment Report
2022/2023 Program Outcome Report
Graduates of the MEd Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs are exceptionally well-prepared for employment in Mental Health and School counseling positions across the United States. In 2023, graduates who responded to our survey achieved the following outcomes:
- 110 students currently enrolled
- 31 graduates in 2022/2023
- 96% completion rate
- 100% pass rate on credentialing exams (based on student enrolled in MH/MHD)
- 86% worked in Mental Health Counseling after graduation*
- 33% worked in School Counseling positions after graduation*
- Average class size 12-15
Due to our CACREP Accreditation status, current students have the option to take the National Counseling Exam (NCE) and/or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) prior to graduation. Successful completion of the NCE allows counselors to apply to become a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and the NCMHCE is required for licensure in the state of Massachusetts. The National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. has provided the following data for fall 2023:
NCE Mental Health success rate: no Mental Health students opted to take the NCE exam in 2023
NCE School success rate: no School Counseling students opted to take the NCE exam in 2023
NCMHCE success rate: 1 Mental Health Students enrolled in the NCMHCE exam and had 100% success rate
*Job placement data obtained from Exit Interviews Surveys completed by students just prior to graduation.