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About the Korea University (KU) Counseling Program
"Educating future extraordinary practitioners and researchers in the counseling fields“
Welcome to the Counseling Program in the Department of Education at the Korea University (KU Counseling Program)
The KU Counseling Program aims to prepare not only exemplary counseling practitioners but also counseling scholars who generate and disseminate knowledge about human development and individual differences to enrich the quality of life for all people. The KU Counseling Program is a national top program that produces a variety of national and international journal articles through collaboration with international scholars and utilizing an international research network.
An estimated 25.8% of Korean students (about 54,611 children) suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Specifically, 20.3% students were diagnosed with a learning disability, followed by 26.2% internet addicted students and 12.1% students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Besides a diagnosable mental disorder, more than 90% of middle and high school students report they have witnessed bullying in their schools. Sadly, suicide is the first leading cause of death among college students in South Korea. Good mental health counseling services lead to a positive self-image and in turn, satisfying relationships with friends and others. Having good counselors helps children and youths make good decisions and deal with life's challenges at home, work, and school. It is not uncommon for teenagers to develop problems with their mental health. Unfortunately, most Koreans with mental health problems do not receive any treatment. Nearly two-thirds of Koreans with mental health problems do not seek treatment. To address these unmet needs, the KU Counseling Program is committed to the mission of the University, College, and Department and will strive to be an internationally competitive, student-centered education and research program serving Korea and the world.
Students and faculty at the KU Counseling Program produced 150 international articles in the past nine years (20 articles per year), with several more under revision and review or in preparation. In addition, the KU Counseling Program has been continually seeking external funding for research assistantships and has received several grants from Samsung, Hyundai, and the Korean Research Foundation. Students and faculty frequently makes presentations at international conferences (e.g., USA, Australia, Hong Kong, China) to disseminate research results to our community of scholar practitioners.
In collaboration with colleagues around the world, the KU Counseling Program is currently involved in three research projects: (1) career counseling and development, (2) school adjustment, (3) counselor development and supervision.
If you are an individual who recognizes the importance of human beings deeply and has a high desire to engage in the counseling field, knock at the door of the KU Counseling Program at Korea University. In the Department of Education at Korea University, you can discover the way to become a counseling professional and have the opportunity to devote yourself to the counseling field in Korea and in the whole world. We look forward to meeting you!
Thank you.