Student Experience
Our students bring a wide variety of interests and academic backgrounds into the program. They find many ways to get involved in professional development and community service during their time here.
Practicum and Internship
Part of our students experiential learning happens during practicum and internship. Practicum is offered through Winther Counseling Services, an on-campus clinic for students and community members. Internship culminates your learning journey, gaining practical experience at a site that matches your interests. To learn more, please watch here.
What led you to this career?
“I originally studied sociology for my bachelor's, and it got me thinking about all the different factors that influence one's life. Oftentimes these factors are systematic and/or environmental and simply cannot be changed, not even with magic. So, what can people do when at the base of those mountainous barriers and obstacles? How are people supposed to navigate this uphill battle that is life? I know there's not much I can do to remove such obstacles, nor do I want the responsibility of removing monstrous mountains, but the least I can do is become a tool, protector, and companion for those in the face of life. Though I am still exploring the many facets of counseling, as of now I am particularly interested in grief counseling as well as working with the elderly. I strongly believe that no matter how long one has lived or how close the end of one's life is, it doesn't make them any less of a priority. Because ultimately, it is never too late to want, to work, and to achieve living life on your own terms.”
What is your favorite thing about the program?
“My favorite thing about the program is the level of support from peers and faculty! Everyone is so kind, welcoming, and the program truly has a 'we're all in this together' feel. I have met some lifelong friends in this program, and I'm really grateful for that.”
What course has been your favorite so far?
“My favorite course that I’ve taken in the program so far has been COUNSED 738: Schools and the Role of the School Counselor. Not only was this course highly engaging and fun, but I also feel that this course exceptionally impacted my knowledge of school counseling and provided significant clarity regarding what I want my counseling career to look like. We had the opportunity to visit schools and observe school counselors in action, which has helped me to think about what I want my future school counseling programs to look like!"
What led you to this career? What are you passionate about?
“What led me to this career was growing up in a household where mental health was never a factor until I got older. Seeing my family struggle with mental health and trauma made me want to pursue a career in being a therapist. I'm passionate about minorities being able to have a safe space where they can express themselves and seek help without judgement."
What are you passionate about?
“My passion is really all things trauma-informed. As 'hot' of a topic that is today, I still find so many misuses of the word as well as missed opportunities to support people with this lens. I truly believe that we can change so much in this world if we all understand more about trauma and humans in general."
What do you like about the program?
“I absolutely love the counselor education program! It's such an amazing combination of vulnerability, growth, close relationships, and education. The support I've received from my professors, classmates, and colleagues has been genuinely incredible and has had a huge impact on my personal and professional development. Being open to vulnerability has allowed me to explore new experiences and perspectives, which has helped me grow in so many meaningful ways. And let's not forget about the relationships I've built - they're the cherry on top!"
Study Abroad Options
Come learn with us in a beautiful setting ... Scotland! Our program is proud to offer study abroad experiences within our department where you can take classes abroad in a life-changing environment. Students engage in hands-on learning through excursions, immersing themselves in the culture, and traveling with peers and faculty. This experience is pivotal to student development and offers a unique connection with the content you will learn in class. This experience is offered every even year summer (i.e., 2024, 2026) and ranges from one- to two-months, depending on the year and course offerings for that summer. Students can elect to study abroad regardless of their year in the program or their clinical track (school or mental health). Students have described this experience as “truly life-changing” and “perspective changing.” They walked away with a stronger understanding of diversity and inclusion through a hands-on, experiential way of learning. They also mentioned walking away with a deeper sense of connection to the program, their peers, and the faculty.
UW-Whitewater Counselor Education's Scotland study-abroad group enjoys time together on Calton Hill overlooking the city of Edinburgh.
Dr. Gina Martin hiking in the Scottish Highlands
Atop Arthur's Seat, an ancient extinct volcano overlooking the Holyrood Palace grounds in Edinburgh
The groups dips into Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands southwest of Inverness. The water was 42 degrees!
The Scottish Highlands, the most mountainous part of the United Kingdom, is renowned for its rugged beauty.
Students visit Edinburgh Castle with a little friend!
Students take part in an advocacy presentation during classtime.
Cliffs and mountains dominate the sparsely populated Scottish Highlands region.
Attending class in the formal library at the Abbey in Edinburgh.
Legend has it if you put your face in the River Sligachan, you'll have eternal beauty and wisdom!
Student Organizations
GSCA is a professional student organization for UW-Whitewater Counselor Education Students. All counselor education students, regardless of credit accumulation or GPA, may become a member of GSCA, participating in GSCA events and receiving GSCA support and correspondence.
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ASGC is a professional student organization for UW-Whitewater Graduate students of color. AGSC is open to all individuals interested in discussing both personal and societal stories of injustices and perseverance. AGSC provides a safe space to connect with each other and support students of color becoming professionals in their careers.
Alumni
Our alumni hold a range of positions in the counseling field and beyond. Join UWW to become a part of a network of individuals who are committed to impacting change in schools and communities.