Risk and Prevention

Program Description

Risk and Prevention (R&P) is a unique program designed to prepare graduates for positions in early intervention and early care centers, school-based student support services, youth development organizations, non-profits that collaborate with public schools, and educational research and policy organizations.  Students explore a wide range of topics, including the influences of early attachment, violence and trauma, college access and success, gender and sexuality, moral development, relationships, resilience, and motivation as these issues relate to educational and psychological processes and prevention practices.

Master’s (Ed.M.) in Risk and Prevention

The R&P master’s program offers students practical experiences in prevention, counseling, applied research, and program development through a flexible course of study, partnerships with local schools and community-based agencies, and a research experience. Below you will find a few highlights of the program:

• All R&P students take a core course in Risk and Resilience, which provides an introduction to social interventions designed to improve developmental outcomes in children, adolescents, and young adults
• Students choose from two concentrations: Prevention Specialist and Preventative and Developmental Counseling
• Students participate in either a field-based practicum in an educational setting or a research experience with a R&P faculty member
• Students learn interdisciplinary approaches to solving the developmental problems of children and youth

Those students who wish to continue their graduate studies beyond the Ed.M. and pursue Massachusetts initial licensure as a School Guidance Counselor or School Social Worker/ School Adjustment Counselor may choose to apply for a second year of training leading to a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling.

Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling

The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) provides an additional year of study and practice following the one-year Ed.M. in Risk and Prevention. Students who complete the CAS following an Ed.M. in Risk and Prevention will be eligible for Massachusetts initial licensure in either School Social Work/School Adjustment Counseling or School Guidance Counseling.

The nature of this continuous program enables students to probe deeper into the theory and research of counseling in school contexts, while also expanding their professional field experience.

Risk and Prevention alumni who are interested in returning to HGSE to complete the CAS are invited to contact the program coordinator, Alicia Redemske, to determine their eligibility.