Master's programme Behavioral Counseling
Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Entrance Requirements: General admission requirements; minimum one year professional experience in related field (see below)
Language of Instruction: German
Duration: 5 semesters while working (start: Winter Semester)
THWS Location: Würzburg
Diploma Supplement: yes
Semester fees: € 1,750
Behavioral Counseling, an extra-occupational programme for advanced training, teaches and expands knowledge and skills to pursue and develop demanding counselling activities in mental health and educational facilities; beside taking a behavioural approach, it is also using behavioural methods. All skills taught are closely connected to the students’ daily practice: At first they are trained within the protected teaching environment, then transferred to actual practice under controlled conditions and finally, during the practical semester, implemented into the daily routine. Evaluation and supervision are of particular importance. Behavioural orientation is a forward-looking approach in mental health and educational practice; it takes into account intervention-related and socio-political developments, e.g. demands for basing findings on evidence and for professional quality management; moreover, it can be implemented into all mental health and educational counselling situations.
Programme Structure
The programme takes five semesters and is a combination of self-study, contact periods (every two to three weeks mainly on Fridays and Saturdays) and practical periods. During the first semester, students gain deeper knowledge regarding normative aspects, methodical research and media science. During the second and third semester, students acquire skills in behaviour-oriented counselling of individuals and groups (preparing behavioural analyses; planning, carrying out and evaluating behaviour-oriented interventions). The fourth semester (practical semester) is used to perform supervised behavioural counselling in institutions/facilities. Students will now put their previously acquired skills and expertise into practice. The Master’s thesis will be written during the fifth semester.
Career Perspectives
After completing the programme, graduates will be enabled to take over responsible positions in all areas of mental health and educational counselling. This includes, among others, work with children/youth (e.g. child guidance), counselling within schools, clinical social work (e.g. psychiatric clinics), work with disabled persons or in geriatric institutions, with migrants (e.g. integration support), or counselling for special occasions (e.g. marriage counselling).
Additional Information
On the following websites you can find out more about general and progamme specific admission requirements:
- Persons with German university entrance certificates: Department of Student Affairs (HSST)
- Persons with other university entrance certificates: International Office.
Contact person
Prof. Dr. Franz J. Schermer
Phone +49 931 3511-6305
E-Mail smvb.cw[at]thws.de
Office hours by appointment
Website of the Master's programme Behavioral Counseling (German only)
Link to programme page Behavioral Counseling
Programme offered by
Campus for Professional Development
Faculty of Applied Social Sciences