The Portfolio portion of COUN 6000 (no credit) is a holistic means of monitoring the progress and development of counselors-in-training throughout the duration of their graduate degree program. In developing the Master’s portfolio, the counselor-in-training will document progress in both professional and personal growth and development from the entry level to the completion of the Master’s degree. The completed portfolio will be considered a prerequisite to the Exit Examination.

Each portfolio will include the following (typed, double-spaced):

1. A Table of Contents
2. A vita no longer than six pages consisting of these headings

1. Personal/Professional Information (name, address, professional role/title, etc.)
2. Education
3. Professional Experience (including appropriate volunteer work)
4. Professional Associations
5. Publications, Professional Presentations
6. Statement of Career Goals, Counseling Philosophy, and Theoretical Orientation

1. A narrative between 1000-2000 words describing how, since admission to the Master’s program, the student has demonstrated personal and professional development.
2. Documentation which may include

1. Materials prepared for each of their courses (papers, projects, internship logs, etc.). Instances of development or growth over the span of the course should be included, as well as outstanding works.
2. Materials that show how the student has used insights/techniques derived from masters course work and studies (written work, videotapes, etc.). Students will choose tapes from their Practicum / Internship experiences for this purpose, making sure ACA ethical standards regarding informed consent and confidentiality are enforced. Portfolios should also include students’ self-reflection regarding their own progress (e.g., class journals, reflection papers, etc.).
3. Other professional materials/documents

The portfolio should document strengths, critical incidents facilitating growth, and areas of achievement. A "sample" portfolio can be found in the main office.

Portfolios must be submitted to program faculty by October 8 for those graduating in Fall semester and  March 15 for students graduating in Spring semester and Summer term. A faculty committee will review and evaluate the student’s work. (Evaluation Matrix.) Notification of approval or denial will be made approximately three weeks after receipt of the portfolio.