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Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Admission to the 60-semester-hour M.A. Human Development Counseling, Track I: School Counseling and the 60-semester-hour Track II: Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as the 36-semester hour Educational Administration and Human Service Administration is based on a thorough review of each applicant’s documents. Requirements include:

  1. three professional and/or academic letters of references—at least one must be from a current supervisor
  2. an undergraduate last-60-hour grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale
  3. completion of the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) within five years prior to admission
  4. evidence of a satisfactory screening interview

Applicants with deficiencies in requirements will be evaluated on an individual basis, contingent upon satisfactory completion of a screening interview.

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree is conferred upon students who have completed 36 graduate semester hours in leadership in educational administration or leadership in human service administration; 51-60 graduate semester hours in human development counseling.

Before any application can be approved, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) must be a part of the candidate’s record. The GRE testing program changed significantly in 2002, and this change affected the graduate admissions requirements for the departments in the College of Education and Health Sciences. Questions about these requirements for admission should be directed to the respective department.

The candidate is urged to make necessary testing arrangements with the EHS secretary, 309-677-3181, for the MAT. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service. Candidates can get more information on the GRE by visiting www.ets.org. This will expedite the application process.

All applicants must complete the prescribed application forms of the College of Education and Health Sciences and Graduate School.

The applicant seeking admission to the educational administration, human development counseling, or human service administration programs must obtain three letters of reference from educational field employers or college/university professors who can recommend the applicant as having strong potential for success in graduate studies and in potential continued service to the education profession.

ELH 604 is strongly recommended as the first course taken by all degree candidates. The other core course that is mandated in all professional education programs within the College of Education and Health Sciences is ELH 606. It is recommended that the two required core courses be completed during the first 12 semester hours of the student’s program in EHC.

Students should consult with their advisor for departmental program requirements prior to registering for classes.

The Education Reform Act requires that after July 1, 1988, all persons seeking early childhood, elementary, special, high school, school service personnel, or administrative certificates in Illinois must pass both a test of basic skills and a test of subject-matter knowledge. Those persons covered include new graduates from teacher preparation programs, educators moving to Illinois from other states, and Illinois educators applying for additional certification. 

Administration Programs

The Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling offers two administration programs leading to the Master of Arts degree: leadership in educational administration and leadership in human service administration. The programs develop qualities associated with leadership and informed decision making through coursework that engages students in “making the connections” that are fundamental to success as an administrator. Coursework focuses on establishing connections between theory and practice, and culminates in a supervised field experience.

Leadership in Educational Administration Master’s Degree Program

Accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).

The Leadership in Educational Administration Program is a 36-hour program accredited by NCATE, approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, and satisfying requirements for a Type 75 certificate with the general administrative endorsement necessary for entry-level school administrators. The ISBE certification requirements include a teaching certificate and two years of teaching experience.

Students in the Leadership in Educational Administration Program are required to complete a total of 250 field experience hours in a school setting. The first 50 hours are completed prior to enrolling in ELH 686 Field Experiences in Educational Administration, which is a capstone course. The first 50 hours include observation of a recognized social justice school leader, observation of special education meetings, and participation on the school improvement committee in a school. The remaining 200 hours are completed during ELH 686 and involve assuming a leadership role in two projects, assigned projects from each of the six Illinois Standards for School Leaders, and participation in four on-campus seminars.

In addition, the department offers a Type 75 certification program sequence for a person with a master’s degree who wishes to obtain a Type 75 certificate with the general administrative endorsement. The number of hours required will normally vary from 18 to 30, depending upon how the educational background of the student fulfills requirements of the college core and the other required courses. Upon receipt of an application, the department evaluates each student’s transcript and establishes required courses. Students applying for the Type 75 Certificate program are required to follow the same application procedures as degree-seeking students. With the exception of reduced coursework, Type 75 students have the same program requirements as students in the master's program, including dispositions review and the comprehensive portfolio and presentation.

For unconditional admission to the program, a student must have an undergraduate overall and cumulative major grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Conditional admission requires an undergraduate overall cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.

In addition to the GPA requirement, the screening process requires three letters of recommendation that address leadership, ethical behaviors, and professional competencies. One letter of recommendation must be written by a current supervisor. Students are required to write a two-page minimum essay addressing the essay questions required by the Graduate School, and also addressing the candidate's leadership experiences, qualifications, and ethical considerations of leadership.

Graduate Core - 9 hrs.

  • ELH 604 Research Methodology & Applications - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 605 Legal and Social Change - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.

 Departmental Required Courses - 24 hrs.

  • ELH 611 Instructional Leadership - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 662 Community Relations - 1 hr.
  • ELH 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 670 Human Resource Management - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 676 The School Principalship - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 677 Educational Finance - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 678 United States Public School Law - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 686 Field Experiences in Administration - 4 hrs.

 Suggested Electives - 3 hrs.

  • ELH 510 Statistical Procedures - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 550 Independent Study - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 612 Institutional Planning and Evaluation - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 620 Human Development Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 651 Clinical Mental Health Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 661 Couples and Family Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 681 Seminar in Educational Administration - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 699 Thesis - 0-6 hrs.

Total Program Semester Hours: 36

Post-Master's Certification in Educational Administration

Post-Master's Certification in Educational Administration is designed for students who have a master’s degree in education or an education-related field who wish to become certified school administrators in Illinois. Applicants who hold a master’s degree in any field other than Educational Administration and who are seeking to earn the Type 75 certificate to be a school administrator in the State of Illinois are required to complete the equivalent of thirty (30) semester hours of graduate credit in a specified course of study in Educational Administration as prescribed by the State of Illinois. Bradley University has provided this opportunity for many years to students holding a master's degree in another area.

The Type 75 Certificate Program provides a service to the profession of educational administration and to Bradley University because it satisfies the current demand to train principals brought on by the high numbers of administrators retiring. In addition, students benefit by having the opportunity to fulfill the requirements for a Type 75 without taking on a new master's program. The Type 75 Certificate is an endorsement in Educational Administration and is required to be a principal or administrator (other than superintendent) in Illinois schools. The number of graduate hours needed varies depending upon the masters program completed by the student and typically ranges from 18-30 graduate hours. The Illinois State Board of Education requirements for an Illinois Type 75 Certificate include graduate coursework that is divided into four categories: instructional leadership, management of public schools, school and public policy, and clinical experience. In addition to a master's degree and specific graduate course work, candidates for the Illinois Type 75 Certificate are also required to have two years of full-time teaching experience or school service personnel experience and successful completion of the required State of Illinois certification examinations.

Curriculum

Students follow a course sequence similar to master's degree-seeking Educational Leadership students with the exception of coursework requirements already satisfied. Upon transcript evaluation of the previous masters degree in another area, students follow the same courses as master's level students.

  • ELH 605 Legal and Social Change - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 676 The School Principalship - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 686 Field Experiences in Administration - 4 hrs.
  • ELH 611 Instructional Leadership - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 662 Community Relations - 1 hr.
  • ELH 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 670 Human Resource Management - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 677 Educational Finance - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 678 United States Public School Law - 3 hrs.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Masters Certification (Type 75) in Educational Administration from the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling (EHC)

  1. Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Masters Certification in Educational Administration Certificate Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
    1. Bradley Application for Graduate Admission
    2. two essays
    3. three letters of recommendation
    4. copies of official transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate work
    5. application fee
      Note: The requirement to take either the MAT or GRE is waived.
  2. Upon receipt and review of admission materials by Bradley Educational Administration (EDA) Faculty, all applicants are considered by EDA faculty for consensus admittance into the Type 75 Certificate program. Upon faculty consensus for admission, applicants will be notified of their acceptance by letter. If there is no consensus for acceptance, applicants will be sent a letter outlining faculty concerns and requiring the applicant to interview with EDA faculty to address identified concerns. Following the screening interview, applicants will be notified by letter of the final disposition of their application.
  3. Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and then complete identified deficit coursework and experience.
  4. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate College officers.

Policy for Dated Coursework

All graduate coursework must have been completed within five (5) years of the date on the application for the certificate program. Applicants with degrees and/or coursework older than five (5) years must submit evidence of appropriate continuing education and/or training in education or a related field. Eligibility for post-masters certification using these criteria will be decided on a case-by-case basis by Bradley Educational Leadership faculty. Submission of these materials does not guarantee admittance into the post-masters Educational Administration Type 75 Certification program.

Transfer Credits

Post-graduate students seeking the Type 75 Certification only may transfer up to twelve (12) semester hours towards school administrator certification. Post-graduate students seeking the Type 75 Certification must complete a minimum of 18 specific graduate credit hours in the post-masters Type 75 Certification program offered at Bradley University by the EHC Department. Determination of the total number of hours needed to secure the Type 75 Certification will be determined by EDA Faculty based upon the official transcripts submitted by the post-graduate student.

In determining the final disposition of the transferable graduate credits, EDA Faculty reserve the right to require the post-graduate student to submit course syllabi and course descriptions from the college catalog in place when the first graduate degree was awarded. Department of EHC faculty will evaluate these materials to determine equivalency with the Bradley University Department of EHC Educational Administration Program, in addition to applicable ISBE requirements.

Retention Procedures for Certification-Only Students

Certification-only students are held to the same retention criteria and procedures as degree-seeking students. Students must complete a plan of study with an advisor, which must be approved by the advisor and EHC Department chair.

In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC.

Financial Eligibility

Students accepted unconditionally into the Type 75 Certificate program in the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling (EHC) may be eligible for the Professional Educators Scholarship offered through and administered by the Graduate School.

National Board Certified Teachers Fast Track Type 75 Certification

The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation in 2007 that provides an alternative route to administrative certification for National Board Certified Teachers. Teachers who hold National Board certification are eligible for an administrative Type 75 certificate after completing the following four phases:

  • National Board certification and an endorsement in teacher leadership
  • A master's degree in a teacher leader program
  • Twenty hours of coursework in which the candidate must show evidence of meeting competencies for organizational management and development, finance, supervision and evaluation, policy and legal issues, and leadership as stated in the Illinois Professional School Leader Standards for principals
  • A passing score on the Illinois Administrative Assessment.

Curriculum

Qualified individuals take the following courses:

  • ELH 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 670 Human Resource Management - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 676 The School Principalship - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 677 Educational Finance - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 678 U. S. Public School Law - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 686 Field Experience - 4 hrs.
    20 hrs.

Leadership in Human Service Administration Master’s Degree Program

The leadership in human service administration program requires 36 hours and is intended for persons seeking administrative positions in human service agencies. The fundamental goal of the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling (EHC) is to provide its students with quality professional programs and an environment that will aid them in preparing for leadership roles in human service professions. The courses in this program provide a human development foundation and integrate a human relations orientation with conceptual and technical skills required for effective administration in a variety of human service organizations.

For unconditional admission to the program, a student must have an undergraduate last-60-hour grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Conditional admission requires an undergraduate overall cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.

In addition to the GPA requirement, the screening process requires three letters of recommendation that address leadership, ethical behaviors, and professional competencies. One letter of recommendation must be written by a current supervisor.

College Core Required Courses - 9 hrs.

  • ELH 604 Research Methodology & Applications - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 605 Legal and Social Change - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.

Departmental Required Courses - 18 hrs.

  • ELH 580 Financial Leadership in Human Service Administration - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 583 Supervision and Employee Engagement in Human Service Administration - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 610 Survey in Human Service Administration - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 612 Institutional Planning & Evaluation - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 673 Leadership Perspectives - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 686 Field Experience in Administration - 3-6 hrs.

Suggested Elective Courses - 9 hours

  • ELH 540 Human Growth and Development - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 550 Independent Study - 1–6 hrs.
  • ELH 551 Substance Abuse Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 581 Topics in Human Service Administration 1-3 hrs.
  • ELH 582 Grant Writing in Human Service Administration - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 620 Human Development Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 651 Clinical Mental Health Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 662 Community Relations - 1 hr.
  • ELH 681 Seminar in Educational Administration - 1–6 hrs.
  • ELH 682 Seminar in Human Service Administration - 1–6 hrs.
  • ELH 699 Thesis - 0–6 hrs.
  • MLS 633 Issues in Higher Education - 3 hrs.

Human Development Counseling

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

The human development counseling program is designed to prepare students for positions as counselors in a variety of settings. The counselor education faculty believes that the work of the professional counselor is to promote the positive growth and development of the clients with whom the counselor interacts.

The human development counseling model for preparing counselors recognizes the profound interactive effect of people and human systems. We believe there is a need for social science translators—people who are in touch with the best in theory and research—who can translate this knowledge into effective programs and who can evaluate these programs. Because we believe that counselors should experience personal growth and development as persons and as professionals, all courses are designed to provide both cognitive and experiential learning.

The program utilizes a Screening and Retention Policy to assist in determining the suitability of an individual for a career in counseling as well as to monitor progress through the program. A detailed description of the Screening and Retention Policy and procedures is available in the Human Development Counseling Handbook. Continuance in the program is reviewed if at any time a student fails to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviors; or other circumstances occur which would make an HDC degree candidate uncertifiable as a professional counselor.

Areas of specialization are offered in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling (NCATE accredited and ISBE approved). These specialties should be consistent with and support activities in the student’s proposed internship placement. Other areas unique to a student’s interests may be designed in consultation with members of the department.

The program prepares the student to sit for the exam for certification as a National Certified Counselor or for Illinois Type 73 certification in school guidance and personnel services. Both areas are CACREP accredited. In addition, courses of continuing professional education are offered to practicing counselors who wish to increase competencies to meet emerging needs of the profession.

Human Development Counseling/
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

The master's degree program in human development counseling/clinical mental health counseling requires 60 semester hours of graduate work at the master’s level for completion. This graduate program is designed to meet the certification requirements in clinical mental health counseling and requirements in the state of Illinois for counseling licensure as well as meeting CACREP standards.

The program consists of a graduate core of six semester hours and a program core of 43 semester hours of study required of all candidates. In addition, students take an additional 11 semester hours of specialty area course work that may, in concert with the internship and practicum work required in the core program, permit them to develop a specialty area consistent with plans for future employment. Students must also pass each of the eight core areas of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam to advance toward graduation. All students should consult with their advisor to determine specific courses that will meet their professional goals.

Graduate Core - 6 hrs.

  • ELH 604 Research Methodology & Applications -  3 hrs.
  • ELH 606 Interpersonal Behavior & Org. Leadership - 3 hrs.

Program Core - 43 hrs.

  • ELH 530 Loss & Grief Counseling - 1 hr.
  • ELH 540 Human Growth & Development - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 551 Substance Abuse Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 620 Human Development Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 621 Career Dev. Across Lifespan - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law - 1 hr.
  • ELH 623 Pre-Practicum in Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 624 Theories & Techniques of Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 625 Principles of Group Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 630 Psychodiagnostics, Psychopathology & Psychopharmacology - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 631 Crisis Intervention Counseling - 1 hr.
  • ELH 641 Appraisal of the Individual - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 654 Consultation in Helping Professions - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 661 Couples & Family Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 690 Practicum - 1 hr.
  • ELH 691 Internship I - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 692 Internship II - 3 hrs.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialty Area Course Work - 11 hrs.

Required - 6 hrs.

  • ELH 640 Clinical Supervision in Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 651 Clinical Mental Health Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 663 Counseling and Dynamics of Aging - 1 hr.

Electives - 5 hrs.

Total Program Hours: 60

Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Mental Health

The Clinical Mental Health Certificate program objectives are to:

  1. advance needed skills in the mental health profession
  2. provide needed course requirements for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CCMHC) certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors
  3. allow graduate counselors from a 48-51 semester hour master's program to further their educational studies.

Admissions

All candidates for this certificate will preferably hold a master's degree in counseling from a CACREP approved program. Any other type of credentialing must be assessed by the EHC Department.

Requirements - 12 hrs.

  • ELH 530 Loss and Grief Counseling - 1 hr.
  • ELH 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law - 1 hr.
  • ELH 630 Psychodiagnostics, Psychopathology, & Psychopharmacology - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 631 Crisis Intervention Counseling - 1 hr.
  • ELH 640 Clinical Supervision in Counseling - 2 hrs.

ELH Electives - 4 hrs.

Post-Masters Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Masters Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for master’s graduates of the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling (EHC) Human Development Counseling (HDC) Program

  1. Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Masters Certification (PMC) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
    1. Bradley Certification Application Form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School
    2. Two Letters of recommendation
    3. Copies of all official transcripts including master's degree
  2. Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are presented to HDC faculty for consensus admittance into the PMC program. Upon faculty consensus for admission, applicants will be notified of their acceptance by letter. If there is no consensus for acceptance, applicants will be sent a letter outlining faculty concerns and requiring the applicant to interview with HDC faculty to address identified concerns. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
  3. Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience.
  4. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Masters Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for master's graduates from other CACREP accredited programs

  1. Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Masters Certification (PMC) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
    1. Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School
    2. Two letters of recommendation
    3. Official copies of transcripts
    4. Copies of course syllabi and/or course catalogue descriptions as determined by HDC faculty
  2. Students in this category may be asked to submit a videotape of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
  3. Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of EHC Masters in HDC programs. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
  4. Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience.
  5. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Masters Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for master’s graduates from non-CACREP accredited programs or post-master’s graduates in related fields, e.g., social work or psychology

  1. Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Masters Certification (PMC) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
    1. Formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
    2. Two letters of recommendation
    3. Bradley-equivalent GRE/MAT, GPA
  2. Students in this category may be asked to submit a videotape of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
  3. Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of EHC Masters in HDC programs. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
  4. Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience. This plan of study must include ELH 620 Human Development Counseling and ELH 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law.
  5. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Transcript Evaluation to Pursue Counseling Certification

Certification Only in Counseling

Individuals wishing to pursue clinical mental health counseling certification will pay a transcript analysis and assessment fee of $50. If the student enrolls as a graduate student in either Bradley University’s counseling graduate degree program or as a certification only student, this fee will be applied towards tuition. For further information please contact the chair of the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling.

Human Development Counseling/
Professional School Counseling

The master's degree program in human development counseling/school counseling meets the Illinois Standards for the School Service Personnel Certificate (23.11, 2nd edition 2002). In response to school counseling certification rule changes (Section 25.225 of the 23 Illinois Administrative code) approved by the Illinois State Board of Education on June 1, 2004, the Bradley University School Counseling Program in the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling (EHC) has established the following courses of study for degree-seeking and post-master’s certification-only students in the School Counseling Program. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC.

Degree-seeking students who have Illinois teacher certification

Degree-seeking students enrolled in the master’s degree in school counseling program who hold or are qualified to hold a teacher certificate in Illinois must meet EHC Department master’s degree requirements while completing 60 hours of graduate study as follows:

Graduate Core Credits - 6 hrs.

  • ELH 604 Research Methodology & Applications - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 606 Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership - 3 hrs.

Program Core - 43 hrs.

  • ELH 530 Loss & Grief Counseling - 1 hr.
  • ELH 540 Human Growth & Development - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 551 Substance Abuse Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 586 Counseling Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 620 Human Development Counseling - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 621 Career Development Across Lifespan - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law - 1 hr.
  • ELH 623 Pre-Practicum in Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 624 Theories & Techniques of Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 625 Principles of Group Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 630 Psychodiagnostics, Psychopathology, & Psychopharmacology - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 631 Crisis Intervention Counseling - 1 hr.
  • ELH 641 Appraisal of the Individual - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 654 Consultation in Helping Professions - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 661 Couples and Family Counseling - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 690 Practicum in School Counseling - 1 hr.
  • ELH 691 Internship in School Counseling I - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 692 Internship in School Counseling II - 3 hrs.

School Counseling Specialty Area Course Work - 11 hrs.

  • ELH 653 Professional School Counseling K–8 - 3 hrs.
  • ELH 655 Professional School Counseling in Secondary Schools - 3 hrs.
  • Electives - 5 hrs.

Required Electives for Non-teachers

  • ELH 585 Understanding Schools: A Primer for Non-Teachers - 2 hrs.
  • ELH 669 Special Education Law - 2 hrs.

Total Semester hours: 60

Degree-seeking students who do not have Illinois teacher certification

Degree-seeking students enrolled in the master's degree in school counseling program who are not certified teachers in Illinois also must meet EHC Department master’s degree requirements while completing 60 hours of graduate study. The program of study is the same as listed for students holding teacher certification, with the exception that, in lieu of electives, students must take or have taken course work addressing additional ISBE (section 25.225.d.2.A-D) requirements in four areas. These areas and the EHC courses addressing them are:

  • the structure, organization and operation of the educational system with an emphasis on P-12 schools; ELH 585 Understanding Schools: A Primer for Non-Teachers (2 credit hours) and ELH 653/655 Professional School Counseling (3 credit hours)
  • the growth and development of children and youth and their implications for counseling in schools; ELH 540 Human Growth & Development and ELH 653/655 Professional School Counseling
  • the diversity of Illinois students and the laws and programs that have been designed to meet their unique needs; ELH 669 Special Education Law (2 credit hours)
  • effective management of the classroom and the learning process; ELH 585 Understanding Schools: A Primer for Non-Teachers (2 credit hours), ELH 653/655 Professional School Counseling, and ELH 690, 691, 692 Practicum and Internship

In cases where the above four areas are addressed through graduate coursework taken elsewhere, the student may transfer up to six credit hours to meet ISBE requirements.

Post-Masters Certification-Only

Post-master’s certification in school counseling refers to students who have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field who wish to become certified school counselors in Illinois. Applicants who hold a master’s degree in any related field other than school counseling (e.g., other counseling specialty, social work, or psychology) are required to complete the equivalent of all requirements of an approved school counseling preparation program. Pursuant to Section 25.225.h, the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling will review the applicant’s educational background to determine any deficits as identified by standards set forth at 23 IL Adm. Code 23.110 or other applicable requirements of section 25.225.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Masters Certification in School Counseling for master’s graduates of the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling (EHC) Human Development Counseling (HDC) Program

  1. Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Masters Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
    1. Bradley Certification Application Form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School
    2. Two Letters of recommendation
    3. Copies of all official transcripts including master's degree
    4. Deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of EHC School Counseling course requirements and 23 IL Adm. Code 23.110 and 25.225
  2. Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are presented to HDC faculty for consensus admittance into the PMC program. Upon faculty consensus for admission, applicants will be notified of their acceptance by letter. If there is no consensus for acceptance, applicants will be sent a letter outlining faculty concerns and requiring the applicant to interview with HDC faculty to address identified concerns. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
  3. Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience.
  4. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Masters Certification in School Counseling for master's graduates (non-school) from other CACREP accredited programs

  1. Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Masters Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
    1. formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School
    2. two letters of recommendation
    3. official copies of transcripts
    4. copies of course syllabi and/or course catalog descriptions as determined by HDC faculty
    5. deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of EHC School Counseling course requirements and 23 IL Adm. Code 23.110 and 25.225
  2. Students in this category may be asked to submit a videotape of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
  3. Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of EHC Masters in HDC programs. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
  4. Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience.
  5. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Application and Screening Interview Procedures for Post-Masters Certification in School Counseling for master’s graduates (non-school) from non-CACREP accredited programs or post-master’s graduates in related fields, e.g., social work or psychology

  1. Prospective candidates for certification must formally apply to the Post-Masters Certification (PMC) in School Counseling Program. Application materials for each candidate shall consist of:
    1. formal application to the Certification Program, including Bradley Certification Application form and all standard graduate application forms from the Graduate School.
    2. two letters of recommendation
    3. Bradley-equivalent GRE/MAT, GPA
    4. deficit coursework and experience list as identified in a transcript review using Department of EHC School Counseling course requirements and 23 IL Adm. Code 23.110 and 25.225
  2. Students in this category may be asked to submit a videotape of counseling skills as part of their admission packet.
  3. Upon receipt of admission materials all applicants are required to complete a screening interview. The screening interview shall be the same as the interview currently required for applicants to the Department of EHC Masters in HDC programs. Following the screening interview applicants will be notified by letter of final disposition of their application.
  4. Upon successful application and screening, applicants must complete a plan of study based upon a transcript review and identified deficit coursework and experience. This plan of study must include ELH 620 Human Development Counseling and ELH 622 Counseling: Ethics and the Law.
  5. In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC, nor does such submission guarantee interim certification approval and signature by appropriate college officers.

Policy for dated coursework

All graduate coursework must have been completed within five years of application to the certification program. Applicants with degrees and/or coursework older than five years must submit evidence of successful continuous employment experience in the counseling field, continuing education and/or training, and relevant counseling or counseling-related licensure and certifications. Eligibility for post-masters certification using these criteria will be decided on an individual-case basis.  Submission of these materials does not guarantee admittance into the post-masters school counseling certification program.

Interim Certification as School Counselor Intern and Employment

Upon successful application and screening, certification-only applicants may submit an ISBE Application for Interim Certification as School Counselor Intern for approval by the School Counseling Program Coordinator and signature by the college entitlement officer. The Department of EHC and the PMC program are not responsible for any employment as an Interim School Counselor Intern that applicants may seek. The EHC Department neither implies nor guarantees that enrollment in the PMC program will occur in such a way as to coincide with applicants’ plans to seek or obtain employment via Interim Certification as a School Counselor Intern.

Transfer Credits

Certification-only students may transfer up to six semester hours towards school counselor certification. Certification only students must take a minimum of 12 credit hours in the post-masters certification program. In addition, post-masters applicants from non-CACREP programs or related fields must submit official transcripts and may be required to submit course syllabi and course descriptions from the college catalogue in place when the degree was awarded. Department of EHC faculty will evaluate these materials to determine equivalency with the Bradley University Department of EHC School Counseling Program, in addition to applicable ISBE requirements. 

Retention Procedures for Certification-Only Students

Certification-only students are held to the same retention criteria and procedures as degree-seeking students. Students must complete a plan of study with an advisor which must be approved by the advisor and EHC Department chair.

In all cases, submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into any program offered by the Department of EHC.

Transcript Evaluation to Pursue Counseling Certification

Certification Only in Counseling

Individuals wishing to pursue state counseling certification in Illinois will pay a transcript analysis and assessment fee of $50. If the student enrolls as a graduate student in either Bradley University’s Counseling graduate degree program or as a certification only student, this fee will be applied towards tuition. For further information please contact the chair of the Department of Leadership in Education, Human Services, and Counseling.

This is the official catalog for the 2011-2012 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.