Department of Counseling and Human Development Services
Our graduate programs are among the best in the country thanks to our unique combination of academic, clinical and practical experiences, and the expertise of our faculty. We have a rich history of serving, for more than 50 years, as a primary state, regional, and national training site for students who pursue careers in counseling and student affairs. Our graduates go on to work in diverse settings, such as P-12 schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, clinics, community agencies, and state/federal government agencies.
The Department of Counseling and Human Development Services has active and dynamic research teams that investigate issues including social justice, underserved populations, and access and inclusion.
Our faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their research and professional leadership. We are committed to collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
Concentrations
- College Student Affairs Administration
Students learn skills in human development, interpersonal facilitation, group leadership, assessment, and administrative principles. Our graduates become leaders in higher education institutions, putting these skills to use with college students.
- Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology is a specialty emphasizing normal and optimal human functioning across the lifespan and a strength-based approach to facilitating change, multiculturalism, and social justice.
- Mental Health Counseling
Learn about our degree programs which will put you on the path to a rewarding career in counseling in community and mental health environments.
- School Counseling and Counselor Education and Supervision
Learn about our degree programs which will put you on the path to a rewarding career in counseling in school and related environments.
Degree Programs
Minors
MEd/EdS Professional Programs
- MEd/EdS in Professional Counseling (School Counseling)
Prepare for a career supporting students in elementary, middle, and secondary schools with the dual M.Ed./Ed.S. in Professional Counseling (School Counseling).
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in College Student Affairs Administration
The college student affairs administration master's program gives graduates the tools to navigate a diverse, ever-changing world serving students in higher education.
- MEd in Professional Counseling (Mental Health Counseling)
Train as a professional counselor in a community setting with the M.Ed. in Professional Counseling. Develop effective skills and expertise in serving diverse clients.
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Professional School Counseling (Gwinnett Campus)
Earn advanced certification as a school counselor through our Educational Specialist program focusing on "new vision" school counseling principles.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Counseling Psychology
Explore human psychology across the lifespan and learn to facilitate change, multiculturalism, and social justice through the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
- PhD in Education (College Student Affairs Administration-Athens Campus only)
The PhD in Education (College Student Affairs Administration-Athens Campus only) gives you the knowledge and skills to create and enhance the educational environments of colleges and universities.
- PhD in Education (Counselor Education and Supervision-Gwinnett Campus only)
Join a nationally-ranked, CACREP-accredited program with the Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services at the UGA Gwinnett Campus.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
- EdD in Student Affairs Leadership (Griffin Campus)
This primarily online program provides doctoral-level education for student affairs professionals in Georgia and nationally who are employed full-time and need a part-time doctoral program.
Non-Degree Programs
Certification-Only Programs
- Certification in School Counseling
The purpose of this proposal is to provide a pathway for school counselors who have earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a closely-related field and are hired as school counselors on provisional licenses from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Completion of the program would allow for recommendation for state certification as a school counselor in Georgia.
Featured Faculty Videos
Additional Faculty Videos
Support Our Programs
Donate to a Specific Unit/ProgramStudent Organizations
Community Counseling Student Association (CCSA)
This organization is for students receiving a master of education in community counseling. Focused on raising awareness of mental illness on college campus and in the Athens community, our members use knowledge acquired through classes and internship experiences to better advocate for mental health.
Members also create relationships between the first- and second-year cohorts through mentorship and service to the community.
Counseling Psychology Student Association (CPSA)
Counseling Psychology Student Association (CPSA) aims to provide all graduate students in the counseling psychology program a place for supportive and growth-oriented opportunities for activities and discussion on issues pertinent to their academic and professional development.
Faculty advisor: Bernadette Heckman
Professional School Counseling Association
The mission of this organization is to prepare counselors who work in elementary, middle, and secondary schools and are educational leaders as well as self-reflective practitioners; serve as advocates for all students; understand and apply principles of group work in building school and community partnerships; and accept responsibility for improving educational practices through an active program of research and evaluation.
Faculty advisor: Jolie Daigle
Student Personnel Association of UGA (UGASPA)
This organization provides professional development, social, and philanthropic opportunities for graduate student affairs professionals.
Latest News
- Nine companies linked to College named to UGA’s 2025 Bulldog 100
This annual recognition honors the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.
- People engaging in self-harm find support on Reddit. But is that community helping them?
A new study by associate professor Amanda Giordano suggests people posting in Reddit’s r/selfharm community are likely seeking support for negative emotions.
- Counseling psychology faculty recognized by American Psychological Association Division 17
Edward Delgado-Romero and Collette Chapman-Hilliard, faculty in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, received awards and fellowships from the Society of Counseling Psychology.