Welcome to the Professional School Counseling Program

*The PSC faculty understand this is a very transitional time for everyone. For the most updated information about the COVID-19 and Appalachian State University, please follow this link: 

https://www.appstate.edu/go/coronavirus/

Should you have specific questions for faculty members please email them directly.*

The 2022-2023 academic year marks the 50th anniversary of the Professional School Counseling program at Appalachian State University! 

a graphic with a picture of the campus in the background reading "Celebrate fifty years of PSC at Appalachian State University"

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


 Welcome to Appalachian State University and the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling.

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 Human Development and Psychological Counseling Mission Statement:

The Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling (HPC) is a diverse and collaborative community whose primary mission is to train skilled professionals using a theory-to-practice model in Student Affairs, School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy.  We have rigorous programs that adhere to best practice standards with a focus on social justice and inclusion, reflexive practice, critical thinking, and engagement. We accomplish this through an emphasis on holistic and person centered approaches.

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 is at most 3 Hours from North Carolina's State Capitol, Raleigh, and only 2 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 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.

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PSC Alumni Attend National Homelessness Conference!

Austin Mask and Cassidy Greene, PSC Alumni, had the opportunity to attend the National Homelessness Conference in San Diego this past year. The Nation...

Meredith Draughn Selected as 2023 School Counselor of the Year Award!

Meredith Draughn, a PSC alumni, has been selected as the National School Counselor of the Year for 2023! While working for B. Everett Jordan Elem...

Calvin Craig Recognized As NCSCA Emerging Leader

Calvin Craig, a 2019 PSC alum, was recently recognized by the North Carolina School Counselor Association (NCSCA) as an Emerging Leader. The Emerging ...

Meredith Draughn holding award

Meredith Draughn Wins NC School Counselor of the Year Award

Meredith Draughn, a previous PSC alumni, was recently recognized and awarded as the North Carolina School Counselor of the Year! The NCSCA presents th...

Multicultural Discussion

PSC Faculty attended an online discussion to talk about multicultural and diversity issues in education. Check it out at the link below:https://www.li...

Congratulations Allyson Murphy

Our second-year PSC graduate student, Allyson Murphy was published in Spring 2021 edition of the North Carolina Counseling Association's new...