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Core Counseling Cohort

Residency Counseling Cohort

Take your counseling profession to the next level. Earn your master's degree in counseling through our unique cohort-style program. New cohorts begin each fall.

What is the Residency Counseling Cohort?

The Residency Counseling Cohort is for those interested in pursuing a master's degree in counseling (Master of Science in Education (MSE)) in the areas of clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or student affairs and college counseling. The program offers a cohort-style delivery of key courses for our counseling programs.

Programs of Study

Student Affairs and College Counseling
School Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Scholarships Available Through HRSA Grant
Through our $1.1 million HRSA behavioral health workforce grant, funding is available for clinical mental health graduate students until July 2025. Students must be in their final clinical mental health counseling internship by June 2025 to qualify. Contact Dr. Alison Boughn at [email protected] for more details.

BHECN Partnership
Supplemental student training, field experience, and funding opportunities are available through our partnership with the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN). Learn more.

Program Features

  • Complete any of the three content areas upon completion: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or student affairs and college counseling

  • Learn in a supportive community of peers from diverse personal and professional backgrounds

  • Build relationships with career professionals for lifelong collaboration and consultation

  • Learn innovative counseling research, theory, and treatment approaches applicable to your counseling career       

  • Develop and refine counseling skills to serve the ​diverse needs of ​a wide variety of clients, communities, and agencies

 


Join our Cohort. Continue your personal and professional growth while learning with others.

Students who are most successful in this format value personal and professional learning and growth; respect the counseling profession; and thrive on the opportunity to learn with others - linking the best of the affective and cognitive worlds.

Location

Classes are taught at College Center in Wayne, Neb.

Class Format

In addition to your regular 16-week courses across the entire semester, eight of your approximately 20 classes are taught in an intensive eight-week format. Each of these classes begin with an in-person residency weekend. The corresponding residency will occur on the weekend following the first week of the eight-week term.

Program Benefits

  • Readings, writings, and discussions are based on cutting-edge theory and practice and support the learning of individuals seeking an MSE in counseling. 
  • Participants support one another through face-to-face and online discussions throughout the program.
  • Courses focus on the integration of research literature and practical counseling competencies and skills application.
  • Courses are facilitated by faculty who are licensed mental health practitioners or by highly qualified practitioners in the field. 
  • Counseling competencies and experiential skills building are integrated throughout the entire program.
 

What happens if I miss all or part of a residency weekend?

Residencies will take place in-person on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wayne State College main campus in Benthack Hall in Wayne, NE. There are no virtual options to attend residency. If you become ill or are unable to attend the weekend residency, you will need to drop the corresponding class for that semester. Students must arrive on time and attend the entire residency in order to successfully remain in the class for that semester. Students who do not attend 100% of the residency weekend may be required to take the course at a later date.

When does the cohort experience begin?

Cohort groups begin each fall semester. However, students who are accepted for a spring or summer start date are eligible to take online introductory courses during those semesters.

How long do I have to complete the MSE?

Officially you have 10 years from the date you begin the program to complete. If you need an extension of more than one semester to complete the program of study, you will have to make special arrangements with the Counseling Department chair and the Graduate Office - this circumstance should be rare.

Most students complete their respective 60 credit hour program in 2.5 to 3 years if attending at a full-time pace. Part-time attendance is also an option if a slower completion pace is preferred.

What happens if I have to drop out of the program?

You would need to notify your advisor.

What is the cost of the program?

The residency counseling cohort is a 60-hour graduate program. Costs per credit hour vary, depending on residency. View current tuition and fees.

Payment options:

View instructions on making payments, including payment method options and policies. Contact the Student Financial Services Office at 402-375-7229 for additional inquiries.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Because you will be enrolled at least half-time, you may qualify for a federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (DL). The DL program provides loans of up to $20,500 per year for graduate students. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest while the student is enrolled. Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year. This form can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For further information, contact the WSC Student Financial Services Office at 402-375-7229 or by email at [email protected].

If you are receiving financial aid and it is not processed prior to the payment due date, you must be prepared to pay the balance due from other means by the due date. All fees must be paid in full before you can register for the next semester. Students qualifying for Veterans Administration benefits should contact the Records and Registration Office at 402-375-7239.

Recognized for Excellence

Wayne State College is continually recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.

Best Master's in Counseling Degree in Nebraska

No. 1 in Nebraska;
No. 5 in the Midwest

Top Affordable Master's Degree in Counseling in Nebraska, 2020-21

Best Counseling Degrees

Best Value Master's Degree in Counseling - College Factual

No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 3 in the Plains States Region

Best Value Master's Degree for Counseling, 2022

College Factual

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Questions? Contact:

School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Benthack Hall, Room 111
Phone: 402-375-7389

 

Take the Next Step

Take the Next Step

Apply today and reserve your spot. Encourage your colleagues to join and learn together.