M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling

The HDC program recognizes the dynamic relationship between individuals, environments, and human systems. Directing theory and research toward the intersection of people and environments, the HDC program trains counselors and prevention specialists sensitive to the complexities of human development who can translate sound theoretical knowledge into effective counseling programs. The close working relationship between faculty and students makes classroom time more productive and the internship experience more valuable. The program maintains a low student-faculty ratio, allowing classes to be small in size and informal in atmosphere.

HDC students learn that counseling and consulting begins and ends with the needs of human beings. Meeting those needs with the methods informed by the findings of current research and by the unique nature of each person makes graduates of the HDC program uniquely qualified to work with diverse populations in diverse human settings.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling

The Human Development Counseling Program (HDC) in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling prepares students at the master's degree level to meet the many human needs of the normally developing population, who sometimes become blocked developmentally and require professional help. Through a rigorous and humanistic training model, students develop a strong theoretical grounding in human development and counseling. This theoretical base is then shaped and honed through a one-year internship experience that provides opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills primarily in the areas of:

• Social Service Agencies
• Mental Health Centers
• Schools (K-12)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Other Human Services Delivery Programs

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The accreditation runs through October 31, 2013. (NOTE: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is currently accredited under the 2001 standards as a Community Counseling program. The CACREP 2009 standards combine the Community Counseling and Mental Health Counseling standards into standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs. The program intends to seek accreditation for this program as a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program when it comes up for reaccreditation, per CACREP guidelines.)

Prevention Science

The Human Development Counseling program in Prevention Science prepares students to implement preventive interventions effectively and ethically. Students are trained to be effective evaluators of programs as well as practitioners who can design strategies and interventions for implementation in diverse settings. Employment opportunities are available in schools, government, and nonprofit settings that address mental and behavioral health concerns such as violence, teen pregnancy, and alcohol and drug use. Graduates with this specialization would be well suited to work as directors of non-profit agencies or mental health centers, as well as schools, government and research institutes that implement, evaluate, and/or advocate for mental health programs and policies.

The HDC program is designed for both full- and part-time students. Courses are offered during regular weekday hours, early evenings, and weekends. Some weekend courses, which meet on Friday evenings and all day Saturday, are required.

For further information, please choose any of the following:

• Admissions
• Program Tracks
• Courses Offered
• HDC Handbook 
• Links for Counselors
• Chi Sigma Iota

Please email hdc@vanderbilt.edu or call 615-322-8484 for more information.