ASSESSMENT PLAN: M.S. in Counseling
Methods of Assessment
Specialization-Specific Coursework
In order to complete a course, students must meet explicit standards indicated on the course syllabus,
which are based on CACREP Standards. These standards are listed as course objectives and assessed
using discussions, quizzes and exams, papers/essays, projects, presentations, and direct observation of
counseling skills.
Advancement to Candidacy
Every student in each specialization must submit a form entitled Advancement to Candidacy after
completion of 30 units in the master’s degree program. The program advisor meets individually with
students to review their program of study and ensure that they are on track to graduate. The Advancement
to Candidacy is completed with the advisor, reviewed by the program coordinator, then reviewed by the
branch chair, and then reviewed by the Office of Graduate Studies. Once the form is approved by the
Office of Graduate Studies, the student advances towards completion of the degree. This form allows
program faculty to track student progress and ensure that the curriculum outlined by the program is being
met by every student.
Specialization Case Study
Each specialization is assigned a case study beginning in EDC 475: Practicum. They write two additional
case study papers during both semesters of EDC 480: Field Study. There is a template and rubric based on
each specialization’s requirements. In order to pass the final case study in the final semester of EDC 480,
students must receive a score of Meet or Exceeds Standard on all items assessed by the rubric.
Counselor Trainee Evaluation
The Counselor Training Evaluation was used to collect data in order to directly assess students’
knowledge and skills in two required core courses offered in Fall 2013 and Spring 2014: Practicum in
Counseling (EDC 475) and Field Study in Counseling (EDC 480). Students’ university supervisors
conducted the evaluations in EDC 475, and their onsite supervisors performed the evaluations in EDC
480. The university supervisor also reviews the onsite supervisors’ evaluations. The Counselor Training
Evaluation includes a specific rubric that provides supervisors with a guide for evaluating students’
performance.
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)
The Comprehensive Counselor Examination (CPCE) was used to provide external benchmarking data.
This exam is administered in students’ final semester during EDC 290: Master’s Culminating Experience.
The exam is scored by the Center for Credentialing & Education. The CPCE is a national exam with
extensive reliability and validity testing.
Student Exit Survey
The Student Exit Survey was used to collect data in order to indirectly assess students’ based on their own
perceptions of knowledge and skills. This survey is administered through Class Climate and students’
responses are completely anonymous. Students receive the link to the survey while enrolled in EDC 290.
