School Counseling (M.S., Teacher Certification)

Leadership Core (6 credits)

• EDL501 Organizational Behavior & Program Development
• EDL503 School Law, Ethics, and Finance

Research Core (6 credits)

• EDL502 Data Driven Decisions
• EDL590 Educational Research and Writing

PK-12 School Counseling Courses (36 credits)

• COUN500 Counseling Skills and Helping Relationships
• COUN502 Career Development and Post-Secondary Readiness
• COUN508 Appraisal Techniques
• COUN510 Group Counseling and Leadership Skills
• COUN520 Human Growth and Development
• COUN525 Multicultural Counseling Competency
• COUN550 Orientation to Professional School Counseling
• COUN555 Contemporary Issues in Professional School Counseling
• COUN597 Practicum in School Counseling
• COUN598 Internship in School Counseling
• Counseling Elective (with program coordinator permission)

Application Process

• Complete a graduate school application.
• Submit an official undergraduate transcript (3.0 undergraduate GPA).
• Submit a Statement of Goals that explains the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a graduate career as a school counselor.
• Submit a current resume.
• Submit three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic suitability and professional demeanor.

Application Deadlines

Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis:

• March 1: for full consideration in Summer 2025
• March 1: for full consideration in Fall 2025
• October 1: for full consideration in Spring 2025

M.S. School Counseling

• Demonstrate master's level professional school counseling dispositions.
• Demonstrate master's level theoretical knowledge and competencies in school counseling domains.
• Demonstrate, apply, and evaluate master's level theoretical knowledge and competencies in clinical practice.
• Formulate, conduct, and evaluate master's level research procedures and assessment processes.
• Design, develop, and implement all aspects of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

School Counseling Teacher Certification

• Develop the identity and professional dispositions of a PK-12 school counselor, as outlined by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
• Develop the competencies needed by professional school counselors to address academic, social-emotional, and career development concerns

• To earn the M.S. with certification, candidates must complete all requirements for the 48 credit degree and pass the School Counseling PRAXIS Exam.
• Candidates interested in the Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling are reviewed on an individual basis to evaluate courses and credits required to earn PA school counseling certification. The Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling is reserved for those students who already have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. Students pursuing the Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling must also pass the School Counseling Praxis exam in order to become certified.
• Retention: Graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who do not take classes in either the Fall and/or Spring semester(s) will be considered inactive. Students are required to contact their Academic Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator with their request to be reactivated. Their request is then forwarded to the Office of Graduate Admissions, who will process the reactivation. Students have six calendar years to complete their chosen degree or certification program.
• Transfer Credits: Upon acceptance, students desiring to transfer credits may make this request upon application to their chosen program. Upon approval, degree students may transfer up to a maximum of nine semester hours or parallel courses (determined by CU) from accredited institutions. These courses will be applied towards completing the degree requirements of the program. However, no courses will be transferred in which a grade less than a B was earned. Pass/fail grades are not accepted.

• Q: Do I need a degree in counseling, psychology, or education to be admitted?
  A: No- it’s an excellent fit for students from any undergraduate major. Some of the more common applicant majors are psychology, sociology, communications, and education.
• Q: If I complete the M.S. School Counseling, is my only career option to become a school counselor?
  A: No- We’ve had alumni go into mental health counseling, college counseling, career counseling, academic advising, and college admissions.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: All coursework is offered online, except for field placement experiences (practicum and internship - which can be completed in your preferred geographic location).
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
  A. No- the GRE is not required for admission.