51ÁÔÆæ

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.
• A $200 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of enrollment.

Application Deadlines

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

• Spring 2026 Deadline: December 12 for full consideration.
• Summer 2026 Deadline: April 1st for full consideration.
• Fall 2026 Deadline: July 1 for full consideration.

School Counseling, MS Program with PK-12 Elementary and Secondary Certification and Post Master’s Program with PK-12 Elementary and Secondary Certification provide two pathways to achieve the following program student learning objectives.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

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

• 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: What is School Counseling? 
  A. School counseling is a professional field within education that focuses on supporting each and every students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development. School counselors can work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They are integral to the school’s mission and help students navigate challenges such as academic stress, peer relationships, family concerns, and future career planning. They provide individual counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, assessment, crisis intervention, and valuable resources for both students and their families. Additionally, school counselors collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders to enhance student development and create a positive and supportive learning environment.
• 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.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.