School Counseling Program Mission and Objectives
Elementary and Secondary
Counselor Education Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Counselor Education Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is to graduate knowledgeable and clinically
skilled professional counselors who are competent to work with and advocate for diverse clients in a variety of settings, with special
emphasis in rural mental health. The program helps students develop a strong counselor professional identity through ethical and
competent practice as well as expanding self-awareness. Thus, graduate students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to professional
and personal development.
The general objective of the School Counseling major is to prepare professional counselors to deliver quality counseling services
in elementary and secondary schools. Employment for school counselors is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2008-2014, which
is faster than the average for all occupations. States require elementary schools to employ counselors. Expansion of the
responsibilities of school counselors also is likely to lead to increases in their employment. For example, counselors are becoming
more involved in crisis and preventive counseling, helping students deal with issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to death
The School Counseling major will:
- Possess knowledge of the historical background of school counseling programs.
- Understand the philosophy and functioning of school counseling programs.
- Possess the ability to design and implement a program evaluation.
- Know the roles, duties, and responsibilities of a school counselor.
- Possess the knowledge to make referrals inside and outside the school system.
- Possess the knowledge to function on a child study team.
- Be knowledgeable of the diversity within the school environment and be able to recognize the needs of children from special
- Be able to function as a consultant to other school personnel.
- Be familiar with the legislation and policies relevant to school counseling.
- Understand the process of coordinating the guidance curriculum within the structure of the total school curriculum.
- Know how to function as an advocate for the students.
- Know how to present guidance-related programs to school personnel and parents.
- Understand and be able to implement the Nebraska Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program
- Possess knowledge of standardized tests commonly utilized by school personnel.
- Possess knowledge of career exploration and decision-making.
- Be able to work with families on a therapeutic and educational level.
- Possess skills to provide group guidance and group counseling in the schools.
- Understand the legal and ethical issues of the school counseling profession.