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Program Director: Dr. David Tobin
Phone: (814) 871-7537
E-mail: tobin001@gannon.edu

Unique Aspects of the Graduate Program in Community Counseling:

• The majority of students are full-time working professionals and bring variety of experiences to the classroom.
• Students can begin to develop additional specializations through the internship experience.
• Students will develop skills particularly in the areas of assessment, counselor intervention, child and adolescent counseling, and family therapy.

Mission

The mission of Gannon University’s Community Counseling Program is to educate and train professional counselors who are committed to the wellness of individuals, families, groups, and the greater community. The philosophy of the program focuses on the development of the competencies required of professional counselors. The program is committed to:

1. Enhancing students’ knowledge of counseling theory and concepts;
2. Developing strategies to facilitate human growth and development over the lifespan;
3. Providing skills and training requisite of generalist entry-level counseling practitioners;
4. Developing multicultural competencies;
5. Promoting the development of sound legal and ethical decision-making skills; and
6. Preparing individuals for national certification and professional licensure.

Although students are typically drawn from the regional area, applicants with diverse backgrounds and from outside the region are encouraged to apply. Students are guided to embody and contribute to the spirit of diversity to which the program and profession are committed.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate Admissions Office
• To be admitted to the Graduate Program in Community Counseling, students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.8. Although students come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, all are required to have had at least one course in statistics as a prerequisite. Several courses in psychology are also recommended.
• Due to the sensitive nature of the supervised counseling experience, prospective students must be eligible to receive Act 33 and 34 clearances. In addition, students must demonstrate ethical, personal, and professional qualities to fulfill the role of the professional counselor.
• Application Procedure
  
  1. Complete and return the graduate application to the Admissions Office.
  2. Submit final, official transcripts from all colleges attended to the Admissions Office.
  3. Submit three professional letters of recommendation to the Admissions Office.
  4. Submit a 250 word essay with the application explaining why the applicant chose the Community Counseling program and what they intend to do with the degree.
  5. Complete an interview with the Director of the Community Counseling program.
  6. There are no application deadlines, but priority is given to those who apply before May 1st for the Fall semester and November 1st for the Spring semester.