Beginning this fall, the graduate counseling program will have a new look. All counseling courses will now have COUN for their course prefix, rather than the formerly used PSY prefix. This will better reflect the nature of these programs as students prepare for professional counseling careers in Mental Health and School Guidance.

Would you like to know more about the field of counseling and if it is the right fit for you? This fall, Fitchburg State is offering a hybrid graduate-level course in Counseling Theories that is part of both the mental health and school guidance master's programs in Counseling. We chatted with the instructor, Dr. Daneen Deptula, who offers some more information on the course. 

You’ve overcome application anxiety and decided to apply to a graduate program at Fitchburg State University. Congratulations on taking the first step! Do you still have questions like "What are my next steps to complete my application?" and "Do my transcripts have to be official?"

Why should you apply to a school that requires the GRE/MAT/GMAT instead of a school where graduate school admissions testing is not required?   This is definitely a good question and one we hear a lot.

You’ve read our post, “Do you want to make a greater difference in society?”  We’re thrilled with your interest and we know many of you may be wondering, who will actually be speaking at the institute? So here’s a sneak peek of our presenters we’ll be hearing from at the Government Decision-Making Institute this July.

Advance your public decision-making talents and abilities — locally, statewide, nationally, globally

Do you teach history or are you just interested in learning about genocide in world history?

So you’ve decided you want to teach, perhaps this is a career change or this is a life-long dream finally coming true. No matter how you’ve come to realize this passion, you need to apply to a graduate program. In your research you’ve noticed certain institutions require a passing score on the MTEL Communication and Literacy exam for admission into their program.

Why does Fitchburg State require the MTEL prior to applying? What’s in it for you to take the testing now instead of later?

The early bird gets the worm. 

Ever hear that saying “the early bird gets the worm?" Well it’s true for course registration too! Students who register early receive the most benefits. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your degree, take a course for professional development or take a class prior to applying to a program, it’s important to get an early start. With a busy schedule including working full time, children and family, students often find that careful planning for all aspects of life is crucial.

Here are the top 5 reasons to get an early start on your summer course registration:

Are you interested in Fitchburg State's special education programs? As part of the GCE blog's "Our Faculty" series, we introduce Dr. Nancy Murray, associate professor and graduate program chair of the special education moderate disabilities program and co-chair of the behavior analyst graduate certificate program.

What is your educational background, and what certifications do you have relevant to your program?

I have a strong background in teaching children with various special needs from grades Prek-22. This includes students with moderate and severe disabilities.

I've been an autism specialist for various districts and have continued to consult for families and districts around programming and behavioral issues for children with emotional/behavioral, and autism spectrum disorders.