Professional School Counseling Program

Welcome to Appalachian State University and the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education

The Professional School Counseling Program is fully accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) and NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). Upon successful completion of program requirements you will graduate with a Master's of Arts degree in Professional School Counseling and be eligible for North Carolina School Counseling Licensure (K-12).

For a link to a virtual brochure which contains testimonials from students and professors, please click here!

Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education Mission Statement:

The Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education (CTH) is a diverse and collaborative community whose mission is to develop skilled professionals using a theory-to-practice and person-centered model to assume roles in counseling, family therapy, student affairs, and higher education. We have innovative programs that adhere to best practice standards with a focus on social justice and inclusion, reflexive practice, and critical thinking. CFTHE faculty and students engage in active scholarship, advocacy, and holistic approaches to learning.

Professional School Counseling Mission Statement:

Utilizing experiential, contemplative/reflective, and traditional approaches, the Professional School Counseling program provides transformative classroom and field placement experiences which prepare graduates for distinguished service in the school counseling field. The goal of these programs is to address the needs of diverse student populations, thereby supporting the academic achievement, career development, and personal/social growth of all students. Equally, it is our goal to prepare school counselors who care deeply about children and who possess the skills necessary to impact students’ lives in positive ways within their schools, communities, and families.

Professional School Counseling Objectives:

• Enroll diverse students who demonstrate potential for becoming effective counselors.
• Prepare students to demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.
• Prepare students who demonstrate knowledge and skills to become competent counselors in their respective specialty areas.
• Foster in students a strong identification with and engagement in the counseling profession.

Fast Facts About Professional School Counseling at Appalachian: 

• Appalachian State University is at most three hours from North Carolina's State Capitol, Raleigh, and only two hours from Charlotte and Greensboro, which are two of the largest cities in the state. Asheville, home to the Biltmore Estate, is also a quick drive at only 88 miles from Boone!   Come and go from App State as you please in just a simple days drive.  

• The PSC program is 60 semester hours; 9 of the program hours are comprised of practicum and internship experiences in the field. You will have the opportunity to take 12-hrs of electives that are of interest to you. The department has strong emphases in expressive arts, addictions, and
  family therapy.

• The 2024-2025 academic year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Professional School Counseling program at Appalachian State University! 

Faculty & Alumni Spotlight: 

Introducing Dr. Mittman to the PSC Faculty 

Let's give a warm PSC welcome to Dr Dejanell Mittman! Dr Mittman will be joining us as assistant professor in the PSC program.

She earned her Ph.D. in counselor education from North Carolina State University and her Masters of Science and Education Specialist degree in school counseling from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Shehas worked as a school counselor for nine years and provided district level support to school counselors and schools as a social emotional learning specialist.

Her research interests include school counselor turnover and retention, effective field placement experiences for school counselors in training, and school counselor wellness.  Click here for Dr Mittman's CV. We are so

excited for Dr Mittman to be joining us!

Alumni Meredith Draughn

Congratulations to Appalachian State University PSC Alumni, Meredith Draughn, for being awarded ASCA's 2023 School Counselor of the Year!