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 K-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

Dual Degrees

MEd/EdS in Professional Counseling (School Counseling)
Prepare for a career supporting students in elementary, middle, and secondary schools with the dual MEd/EdS in Professional Counseling (School Counseling).

Minors

Human Services Minor

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 MEd 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 PhD 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 PhD 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.

Scholarships

In addition to the following departmental scholarships, learn more about additional opportunities for financial assistance on our financial aid page .

Jonathan Robert Scruggs Scholarship

Student 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

Adolescents use social media to post about self-injury

Amanda Giordano, an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, found that Instagram hashtags related to self-harm almost doubled over the span of a year.
$1.9 million grant to grow Georgia's behavioral health workforce

Professor Bernadette Heckman and the UGA School of Social Work will train students to deliver mental and integrated behavioral health services in high-need areas of the state.
Associate professor discusses new book about behavioral addictions on WUGA

Amanda Giordano, an associate professor in the department of counseling and human development services, recently discussed her new book and the negative impact of screen overuse on WUGA.