Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the appropriateness of the current counselor education and training programs in Korea in producing competent counselors. Courses taken by 70 counselors (35 who completed the doctoral program and 35 who completed the master's degree within last 5 years) were subject to the descriptive analysis, and were compared with the graduate-level counseling training programs in the United States. A few notable differences were identified. The average course requirements for the Korean graduate programs were 34.11 credits for the master's and 34.47 for the doctorate whereas there were 48 requirements for the entry level and 48 for the doctorate for the American graduate programs. The Korean graduate programs typically offered two courses for counseling practicum, butno internship was required at all, whereas the American graduate programs provided three to six courses for counseling practicum, and a one-year internship was required. In addition, the Korean graduate programs and the requirements for certified counselors had little connection with each other whereas the curriculums for the American graduate programs were designed to meet the certificate requirements for APA, CACREP, or other agencies. Suggestions were provided for future education and training for counselors in Korea.