Master of Science in School Counseling

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Counseling

General School Counseling specialization (state-approved)

The demand for qualified school counselors is expected to grow as school enrollments increase, more states pass counseling mandates, and school counselors take on expanded roles. This state-approved, CACREP-accredited master’s program in School Counseling is built on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and includes course work, field training, and residencies. It is designed to prepare you to deliver and manage contemporary school counseling programs, and act as a school leader who can advocate for the personal, educational, and social needs of students. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing licensure as school counselors†.

Licensure Information: For detailed information regarding professional licensure, see licensure FAQ.

This specialization requires course work and clinical experience, including a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

• COUN5003 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior
• COUN5006 - Survey of Research Methodology
• COUN5106 - Assessment, Tests, and Measures
• COUN5215 - Professional and Scientific Ethics for Counselors/Therapists
• COUN5241 - Group Counseling and Psychotherapy*
• COUN5279 - Life Planning and Career Development
• COUN5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness

All academic courses listed below are 10-week online courses. Each includes specific residential colloquia or clinical experiences. Learners must complete prerequisites and residency and clinical experience requirements to be eligible to complete each course in the sequence.

• COUN5910 - School Counseling Pre-Practicum Course I* AND
• COUN-R5910 - School Counseling Residential Colloquium I* - non-credit
• COUN5911 - School Counseling Pre-Practicum Course II* AND
• COUN-R5911 - School Counseling Residential Colloquium II* - non-credit
• COUN6102 - School Counseling Clinical Practicum*
• COUN6131 - School Counseling Clinical Internship I*
• COUN6132 - School Counseling Clinical Internship II*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

• ED5700 - Foundations of Special Education
• COUN5240 - Counseling and Guidance with Children
• COUN5280 - Introduction to School Counseling
• COUN5282 - Developmental School Counseling and Pupil Services
• COUN5338 – Crisis Intervention and Emergency Management
• COUN5915 - School Counseling Integrative Project*

†Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.

State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the designated school representative.

Prior to enrollment, Washington state learners are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at profed@k12.wa.us to determine teacher certification or endorsement requirements, and contact their school district regarding qualifications for salary advancement.

Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD

• Educational Psychology

Master's degree

• Educational Psychology
• School Psychology
• Sport Psychology

• Register Now for a Course
• Or call: 1.866.283.8039

Compare Capella

Download comparison worksheet

Learning & Career Outcomes

• Find out what our programs
  deliver to help you excel
  in your field.