MS in School Counseling

Official Program Name:

Master of Science in General School Counseling

School Offering Program:

Capella University

Degree Level:

Master's

Program Prerequisites:

Students applying to the Master of Science in General School Counseling program should be interested in working as a counselor with elementary, middle, and high school children. Applicants to Capella University who are under 24 years of age must have completed at least two years of college or have active military status; some programs may have additional admissions requirements.

Program Description:

Capella University's Master of Science in General School Counseling is a CACREP-accredited (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs) program, and is aimed at preparing students for the challenging role of developing and managing school counseling programs. Students will be introduced to principles and concepts in special education, the role of the professional school counselor, prevention and intervention models, and the standards laid out by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Coursework includes human development over the lifespan, methods of testing and assessing counseling clients, and ethics for the professional counselor. Students will have the opportunity to examine group therapy, group processes, and group dynamics; develop cultural awareness and sensitivity; and study concepts and issues in childhood counseling, including childhood abuse and trauma, the impact of family relations on children, crisis intervention methods, and emergency management strategies. The program includes two residential colloquium courses building therapeutic relationships, conducting therapeutic assessments, and applying therapeutic techniques to P-12 children; consulting with teachers and parents; and practices for counseling diverse cultural groups. Additionally, students participate in a 100-hour clinical practicum in a school counseling field environment, and two internships totaling 700 hours of clinical field experience assisting students and parents with academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs.

Learning Format:

Online

Total Credits Required:

72 credits.

Financial Aid Available:

Students enrolled in Capella University have several opportunities to reduce their tuition costs, including employer reimbursement programs, veterans benefit programs, tuition discounts through corporate alliances, U.S. Armed Forces education benefits, and credit transfers. Federal and non-federal loans and grants are available to qualifying students.

Required Courses for a Master of Science in General School Counseling:

Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact Capella University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.

Core Courses

• COUN 5003: Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior (4 credits)
• COUN 5006: Survey of Research Methodology (4 credits)
• COUN 5106: Assessment, Tests, and Measures (4 credits)
• COUN 5215: Professional and Scientific Ethics for Counselors/Therapists (4 credits)
• COUN 5241: Group Counseling and Psychotherapy (4 credits)
• COUN 5279: Life Planning and Career Development (4 credits)
• COUN 5334: Ethnic and Cultural Awareness (4 credits)
• COUN 5910: School Counseling Pre-Practicum Course I (4 credits)
• COUN R5910: School Counseling Residential Colloquium I (non-credit)
• COUN 5911: School Counseling Pre-Practicum Course II (4 credits)
• COUN R5911: School Counseling Residential Colloquium II (non-credit)
• COUN 6102: School Counseling Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• COUN 6131: School Counseling Clinical Internship I (4 credits)
• COUN 6132: School Counseling Clinical Internship II (4 credits)

Specialization Courses

• ED 5700: Foundations of Special Education (4 credits)
• COUN 5240: Counseling and Guidance with Children (4 credits)
• COUN 5280: Introduction to School Counseling (4 credits)
• COUN 5282: Developmental School Counseling and Pupil Services (4 credits)
• COUN 5338: Crisis Intervention and Emergency Management (4 credits)
• COUN 5915: School Counseling Integrative Project (4 credits)

Post Graduation Opportunities

Potential Career Paths:

The Master of Science in General School Counseling program at Capella is designed to equip students with the skills needed to work as school counselors for elementary, middle, and high school children. State regulations for licensure vary; students should check with their intended state of practice for licensing requirements.