Graduate Studies
Counseling Programs
Designed for You
“Do all the good you can…” — John Wesley
This guiding belief shapes everything we do.
Our goal is to train exceptional counselors—professionals equipped to lead with empathy, insight, and purpose. We believe that understanding and honoring each client’s unique experience is essential to your success, both in this program and in your career. Your only prerequisite is a willingness to grow and change.
Through a relationship-centered curriculum, you’ll build the skills to foster healing, strengthen communities, and make a lasting impact.
Flexible online graduate education designed around your goals:
• 60-credit Master of Arts in Counseling
• 12-credit Certificate in Addiction Counseling
• 8-week sessions across 40 weeks of class per year
• Full-time and part-time cohort models available
MA in Counseling
Hybrid Online Model
Our hybrid online model includes two weekend residencies per academic year and is otherwise completely online. With classes that meet one evening per week, it is designed for working professionals that want to balance life, work, and graduate school.
-
Overview
The 60-credit program is an online cohort model, giving students the opportunity to connect more fully with their faculty and peers as they progress through their counselor training. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format of both synchronous and asynchronous online learning, with students required to attend approximately 2.5 hours per week of instructional time synchronously. Students are required to attend a new student orientation when they begin the program. They will also attend in-person residencies on campus at Wesleyan at the start of the academic year in August, and virtually in January. Both residencies are scheduled at the end of the first week of classes for the term. The Counseling curriculum offers two areas of specialization: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Addiction Counseling. Electing to pursue both specializations requires additional coursework and fieldwork hours.
Our core curriculum is 51 required credits that encompass the eight foundational knowledge and skills areas that support a professional counselor identity. Students have 9 credits (3 courses) to use toward a specialization or take electives in which they are interested. Courses are offered in 8-week sessions, with students taking 2 courses per session as a full-time student, or 1 course per session as a part-time student. There are five sessions total in an academic year (2 per spring and fall semesters, and 1 per summer semester). Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA average, or better to progress academically in the program. A course with an unsatisfactory grade may be repeated only once in the program.
-
New Student Orientation & Residency
Each academic year, graduate counseling students will attend two weekend residences which allow for connection with faculty and other students. The Fall residency is held in-person and the Spring residency is held virtually. New graduate counseling students will join a day early (Friday afternoon) for new student orientation. The dates for the next new student orientation and residency are:
• New Student Orientation: August 22, 2025
• Fall 2025 Residency: August 23-24, 2025
Please note that New Student Orientation is mandatory to begin the program. Missing it would necessitate a student delaying their program start until the following academic semester once they have completed the New Student Orientation requirement.
The Fall Residency is held on Wesleyan’s campus in Buckhannon, WV. Please note that because WVWC is in session during this residency, we are unable to provide on-campus accommodations. Prior to the residency, lodging options will be provided, and we will do our best to maintain community partnerships with local hotel chains that create a reduced rate for students as needed. Additional information about the residencies is provided to students in advance.
-
Specializations
The Master of Arts in Counseling Program at WVWC offers two areas of specialization: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Addiction Counseling. Students complete their area of specialization by taking three elective courses from those outlined below, in addition to the core 51 credit hours in the 60-credit degree. Students must also choose sites for their internship courses where they can attain hours toward their chosen specialization.
NOTE: While students can elect to take both specializations, they would need to complete additional coursework beyond the 60-credit degree program. Taking both specializations doubles the fieldwork hours for internship.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
● COUN 610: Psychopharmacology
● COUN 660: Supervision Models in Counseling
● COUN 655: Crisis, Risk, and Prevention
● COUN 615: Human SexualityAddiction Counseling Specialization
● COUN 610: Psychopharmacology
● COUN 650: Grief, Trauma, and Addiction
● COUN 655: Crisis, Risk, and Prevention -
Accreditation
In addition to meeting the current requirements for state licensure in West Virginia, the entire curriculum for the Master of Arts in Counseling is designed to meet the 2024 Standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Counseling Program at WVWC plans to submit a self-study to CACREP upon becoming eligible in the winter of 2025. However, WVWC’s MA in Counseling is not currently accredited by CACREP.
Additionally, applicants are encouraged to consult their state licensure board’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. WVWC also has compiled a document based on the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) guidelines that may be helpful for out-of-state applicants.
West Virginia Wesleyan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accrediting agency authorized by the US Department of Education: The Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604, (800) 621-7440.
-
Admissions Process
Admissions guidelines: Application for admission to the program is invited from anyone who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, regardless of undergraduate major. Prospective students should apply online: MA in Counseling application.
For a detailed guide on the admissions process, please scroll down to the Admissions section of this page.
Certificate in Addiction Counseling
100% Online Model
The Certificate in Addiction Counseling (CAC) is designed to be 100% online and is for for those who have already completed a master’s degree and want to work in the field to treat substance-related disorders.
-
Overview
Highlights of the Certificate in Addiction Counseling (CAC) include:
• Post-master’s certificate, 12 hours
• Multiple enrollment options: fall and spring
• 100% online program
• Average class size: 12
• Full-time and part-time cohort models available
Curriculum meets the educational requirements for the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals 180 addiction specific hours, toward the AADC credential
Addiction counselors have roles in a variety of settings, including residential treatment centers, community-based mental health organizations, the justice system, hospitals, child advocacy centers, and office-based medication-assisted treatment programs.
-
Coursework
West Virginia Wesleyan College structures the Certificate in Addiction Counseling into four courses:
• COUN 545: Theories of Addiction & Recovery
• COUN 610: Psychopharmacology
• COUN 650: Grief, Trauma, and Addiction
• COUN 655: Crisis, Risk, and Prevention
This coursework can be completed over 1-2 semesters, or in 4-8 months. Please note that COUN 545: Theory of Addictions is the preferred first course, before taking the other three remaining courses in the certificate.
-
Accreditation
The curriculum for the Certificate in Addiction Counseling is designed to meet the educational requirements set by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals for their Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) designation. Applicants from other states are encouraged to consult their state licensure board’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
West Virginia Wesleyan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accrediting agency authorized by the US Department of Education: The Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604, (800) 621-7440.
-
Admissions Process
Admissions guidelines: Application for admission to the program is invited from anyone who holds a Master’s degree in a behavioral healthcare field from an accredited college or university. Prospective students should apply online: Certificate in Addiction Counseling application.
For a detailed guide on the admissions process, please scroll down to the Admissions section of this page.
Program Faculty
-
Dr. Jen Randall Reyes
Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, Ph.D., ALPS, LPC, AADC
Program DirectorEducation
B.A. West Virginia University, International Studies, and German
M.A. The George Washington University, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution Specialization
M.A. West Virginia University, Community Counseling (CACREP-accredited)
Ph.D. Regent University, Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP-accredited)Overview
Dr. Jen Randall Reyes has been working in the field of mental health for 20 years. In the decade she worked as a licensed counselor in the state of West Virginia, her focus has been on advanced training and practice as a trauma counselor. Her career has spanned the foster care system, juvenile justice, community mental health agencies, supervision, private practice, and consultation, including local, state, and federal advocacy efforts. Working in experiential education and adventure therapy settings early in her career eventually led to a new goal of supporting other counselors in training on the journey to find their therapeutic niche.Jen loves teaching, supervision, research, and counseling equally. Yet, social justice and advocacy work remind her consistently why counseling matters. Counseling is not simply reducing symptoms; it is instead a focus on sustaining lasting and valuable changes that promote wellness at the individual, community, and systemic level. She is a storyteller by birth, having grown up in Buckhannon. Jen seeks to share narrative in ways that inspire her staff, students, supervisees, and clients to be agents of change rather than standing on the sidelines of their own lives.
-
Dr. Ariel Williams
Dr. Ariel Williams, Ph.D., LCPC
Core Counselor Education FacultyEducation
B.A. University of Michigan, Psychology and Criminal Justice
M.A. Johnson State College, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP-accredited)
Ph.D. University of Montana, Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP-accredited)Overview
Dr. Ariel Williams is an Assistant Professor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Montana in 2019. Passionate about teaching novice counselors, Ariel strives to create inclusive, challenging, and inspiring classroom experiences. She believes that strong relationships are at the core of learning, both in the classroom and in the counseling room. Ariel works to provide students with direct, empathic support during the challenging process of gaining the awareness and skills necessary to be effective professional helpers.Ariel has been providing clinical counseling since 2012 and more recently has pivoted to practicing remotely through a telehealth platform with a holistic model of healing. While she identifies as a generalist and enjoys the diversity of working with all different kinds of people and presenting concerns, Ariel has a particular interest and training in working with people who have experienced trauma. Ariel uses her clinical experiences to inform teaching practices and is committed to staying up-to-date and informed by the most current research literature. Ariel’s research interests relate to the experience and process of counseling supervision, creativity in teaching and counseling, and counselor wellness. In her personal life, Ariel enjoys outdoor adventures and caring for her family and menagerie of pets.
-
Dr. Christine Schimmel
Dr. Christine Schimmel, Ed.D., LPC
Practicum & Internship CoordinatorEducation
B.A. Glenville State College, Education
M.A. West Virginia University, School Counseling (CACREP-accredited)
Ed.S. Marshall University, Curriculum & Instruction
Ed.D. Marshall University, Curriculum & Instruction (Emphasis in School Counseling)Overview
Christine Schimmel is currently the Associate Provost at West Virginia Wesleyan College where she is also a faculty member and full professor in the master’s program in counseling. Chris has more than 25 years of experience as a counselor educator, consultant, and author. Chris’ teaching and writing focus on the areas of creative counseling, group counseling, counseling children and adolescents as well as topics related to school counseling and youth mental health in rural areas. Chris has successfully garnered federal grant monies for projects from SAMHSA and the US Department of Education to support public school employees around youth mental health and to support and train a more diverse cadre of school-based mental health professionals in rural WV. Popular texts authored by Dr. Schimmel include Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills (9th ed.) and Counseling Children and Adolescents (6th ed.), two popular counseling texts used in many counseling training programs. -
Dr. Matthew Tolliver
Dr. Matthew Tolliver ‘05, Ph.D., NCC, LPC, ALPS
Assistant ProfessorEducation
B.A. West Virginia Wesleyan College, Education
M.A. West Virginia University, School Counseling (CACREP-accredited)
Ph.D. University of the Cumberlands, Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP-accredited)Overview
Dr. Matthew Tolliver has a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Leadership. He is also a certified Professional School Counselor (Pk- adult) and elementary school teacher (K-5), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS) and the owner and operator of Tolliver Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC and Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf, located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Matt worked in the public schools of West Virginia as a school counselor for 13 years, and is a former president of the West Virginia School Counselor Association. -
Jon Dower
Jon Dower, MS, LPC, NCC, CRC, ICAADC, CCS, SAP
Certificate in Addiction Counseling (CAC) CoordinatorEducation
R.B.A. West Virginia University, Political Science and Government
M.S. West Virginia University, Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health CounselingOverview
Jon Dower was born and raised in Morgantown, WV, and completed a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. Mr. Dower is a Licensed Professional Counselor in WV and holds several addiction-related certifications, including advanced alcohol and drug counselor, clinical supervisor, substance abuse professional, and intervention professional. Jon is the Executive Director for WVSL Solutions, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that provides recovery housing across West Virginia, peer recovery support services, supportive employment, and clinical services as a licensed behavioral health organization. Mr. Dower has taught in academic settings at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including with the College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University. His current academic appointment is Program Coordinator for the Certificate in Addiction Counseling at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He serves on several SUD-related boards of directors, including the WV First Foundation, and is the president of the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVAAPP). He is a proud board member of Cheat Lake Rotary. Previously, Mr. Dower spent multiple years as the Chair of the Recovery Subcommittee Governor’s Task Force on Substance Misuse and Prevention and the Vice President for the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR). Jon is a person in long-term recovery.
Admissions
You’re prepared to move forward—and we’re here to support your journey.
We are committed to delivering high-quality academic programs designed to support driven students balancing the demands of a fast-paced world. Our flexible learning options help make that possible.
-
Admissions Process
We’ve broken down the application process step-by-step for you. Here is an overview of the process, along with more detailed information on each item below.
Overview
• Online application: MA in Counseling Application or Certificate in Addiction Counseling Application
• Resume/CV
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Application essay
• Application feePlease note that upon receipt of all application materials, an interview will be required. Additionally, non-native English-speaking students are required to submit an official report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Detailed Application Information
• Online application: complete the online application (MA or CAC) and note that there are fields for you to upload your essay, resume/CV, and transcripts via the link.
• Resume/CV: this needs to be a current curriculum vitae (or resume) and show relevant work experience.
• Transcripts: official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work are needed. If the prior institution needs to email these, please have them sent to gradadmissions@wvwc.edu. Please note that while a minimum of 3.00 GPA is preferred, it is not required.
• Letters of recommendation: two (2) completed professional recommendation forms or letters. Please send this link to your references: https://bit.ly/prof-rec-form
• Application essay: submit an essay written in APA 7th edition that addresses the appropriate prompt. For MA applicants: describe your current interest and understanding of counseling as a field. For CAC applicants: describe your interest in pursuing a Certificate in Addiction Counseling at WVWC.
• Application fee: after submitting your online application, you will be directed to pay a $50 application fee through a secure site. -
Application Deadlines & Program Start Dates
Application Deadlines
Program: Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Term: Fall 2025
Priority Deadline: June 1, 2025
Regular Deadline: June 15, 2025Programs: MA in Counseling and Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Term: Spring 2026
Priority Deadline: October 15, 2025
Regular Deadline: November 1, 2025Program Start Dates
Fall 2025: The term begins on August 18 and specific dates for on-campus sessions are below:
• New students: August 22 (New Student Orientation)
• Returning students: August 23 (Fall Residency)Spring 2026: The term begins on January 12 and specific dates for virtual sessions are below:
• New students: January 16 (New Student Orientation)
• Returning students: January 17 (Spring Residency) -
Tuition & Fees
We believe that you are making a serious investment in your education and you deserve transparency when it comes to cost. Here is a list of all the fees that you can expect to see in WVWC’s counseling programs:
Ongoing Fees
Cost per credit hour: $590
Counseling program fee/term: $150
Books/term: Varies, estimated $250-300One-Time Fees
Application fee: $50
Enrollment deposit*: $200
Counseling software fee: $250
Graduation fee: $150*The enrollment deposit will be applied to the first semester’s tuition and fees. The enrollment deposit for international students is $500.
Estimate* of Total Fees
MA in Counseling (60 credits at $590/credit): $40,000
Certificate in Addiction Counseling (12 credits at $590/credit): $7,500*This is just an estimate for planning purposes and not intended to be a guarantee of total cost or expenses.
-
Financial Aid
To be eligible for financial aid in the form of loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) application and be fully admitted as a matriculated student in the MA or CAC programs. You are required to secure a Personal Identification Number (PIN). WVWC’s School Code is 003830-00. For aid eligibility, students will also need to complete Entrance Counseling for Graduate Students and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for an unsubsidized student loan; directions are available here. For financial aid purposes, students are considered full-time when enrolled in six or more graduate credit hours per semester or session.
Interest-free loan deferrals are also available for graduate students. Additionally, many employers provide full or partial tuition reimbursement to their employees who participate in job-relevant graduate study.
-
Next Steps
There are several ways to learn more about our programs and we invite you to explore any or all of these as a way to move forward:
• Request more information
• Attend online information session (please note: we will update when the next one is available)
• Request your official transcripts
• Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the program director
• Set up a call with a current student
• Apply online!We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you find your Home Among The Hills!
Mission Statement
Our mission is to train exceptional counselors. We believe that understanding and respecting the unique human experience of every client you encounter is fundamental to your success in this program and as a counselor. Your only prerequisite is the willingness to grow and change. Here, you will gain the skills to build relationships that facilitate the process of healing to foster healthy communities for ourselves, for our families, and for the people we serve.