{"id":9714,"date":"2023-06-16T08:52:01","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T13:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin-new\/?post_type=campus_story&p=9714"},"modified":"2023-06-16T08:52:01","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T13:52:01","slug":"m-s-e-in-counseling-is-uw-superiors-fastest-growing-graduate-program","status":"publish","type":"campus_story","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/story\/m-s-e-in-counseling-is-uw-superiors-fastest-growing-graduate-program\/","title":{"rendered":"M.S.E. in Counseling is UW-Superior\u2019s fastest-growing graduate program"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Modern society is far more open about discussing mental health than at any time in the past.<\/p>\n

Many mental health professionals believe that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated anxiety and depression for a significant population of people.\u00a0 The fact that mental health concerns are a shared experience has encouraged more of us to open up and seek help.<\/p>\n

Additionally, numerous public-facing professionals at the top of their game – including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, comedian Bobby Lee, and even royals such as Prince Harry – have been quite candid about their mental health struggles.<\/p>\n

As such, the demand for well-trained counselors and therapists is at an all-time high.<\/p>\n

The University of Wisconsin-Superior has taken notice. Its\u00a0MSE (Master of Science \u2013 Education) in Counseling program<\/a>\u00a0is the university\u2019s fastest-growing graduate program.<\/p>\n

The popularity of this program has contributed mightily to UW-Superior\u2019s record number of graduate students, with enrollment up 58-percent since it started in 2019.<\/p>\n

Reasons Behind Growth<\/h3>\n

Jane Howard, M.S.E., L.P., Ph.D., is both an instructor in the program and a licensed psychologist in the state of Minnesota. She is also a UW-Superior alumni.<\/p>\n

Over the course of her career, Howard has worked as a therapist assisting children and youth, Indigenous tribes and the homeless population. She also operated a small private practice for a time. She shared her thoughts about the rapid growth of UW-Superior\u2019s MSE program.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople have always needed mental health therapy,\u201d said Howard. \u201cBut the stigmas are slowly going by the wayside. More and more people in mainstream American society are seeing how helpful it can be. And there currently are not enough therapists to fill the jobs that are available.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heather Moore is a student in the program, and concurrently works full-time as a middle and high school counselor for the Necedah, Wisconsin, school district. Her duties vary, but include one-on-one meetings with students, assisting with college applications, attending parent meetings and arranging college tours.<\/p>\n

Moore has an undergraduate degree in special education, and was granted an emergency license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to work as a school counselor while she completed her coursework.<\/p>\n

Moore concurred with Howard\u2019s assessment about the growth of the program.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere has definitely been more focus on mental health,\u201d Moore shared. \u201cSchool districts are working to provide more support for students regarding mental health, and the need is also being seen by the general public.\u201d<\/p>\n

Online Courses a Popular Choice<\/h3>\n

Another reason behind the popularity of the program is the fact that students can now choose to complete their coursework either in-person or online. In fact, for Moore, the ability to select online courses is what prompted her to enroll.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worked as a special education teacher for 25 years,\u201d she shared. \u201cBeing a school counselor was something I had thought about many years ago, but it didn\u2019t work into my life, between having two kids and teaching full-time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter I was approached about my interest in this position [as a school counselor], I did some research and found out the coursework was now available online,\u201d Moore said. \u201cIt was easy enough to fit it into my schedule that it became feasible for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApplying for the program was very easy,\u201d she added. \u201cThe advisors are very helpful. They help set up appointments and help us plan our coursework. And, the professors have made themselves available for answering questions through email and over the phone.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I feel like with the online program, the communication we have with other students \u2013 such as discussion posts and group work \u2013 have increased my understanding of some things and have really helped develop good relationships,\u201d she added. \u201cWe can bounce ideas off each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Versatility of Degree<\/h3>\n

Students in UWS\u2019 MSE program can choose from three \u201ctracks,\u201d including:<\/p>\n