School Counseling, MS
Make a Difference in Your School
- CACREP-accredited program
- Social justice-oriented curriculum
- 96% job placement rate for graduates
Our school counseling master's will prepare you to become an integral member of your school by taking the lead in data-driven initiatives that impact all students. The program’s curriculum is based on guidelines set forth by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and graduates are trained to become licensed professional school counselors in Pennsylvania.
What Makes Us Unique?
A quality education for an excellent value. At $757 per credit, the tuition cost for our school counseling program is among the most competitive in Pennsylvania and for regionally accredited universities.You’ll earn a degree that will prepare you for the school counseling career you want at a price you can afford.
Commitment to educational equity. As part of its greater vision of educational equity, the school counseling program trains students to develop an appreciation for diversity and to contextualize their counseling competencies. Students develop skills in leadership, advocacy and collaboration to become culturally competent counselors who can effectively serve all students.
Scranton is one of just a few universities in the nation to have its own counselor training center. It allows our students to practice counseling and interviewing skills and to record and re-watch their sessions to continually improve their work.
Learn More Today
- Duration 2.5 to 3 years
- Cost per Credit $757
- Credit Hours 60
Program Benefits
- You'll gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become a certified Pre-K-12 school counselor and have the opportunity to pursue additional credentials, such as the National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Certified School Counselor (NCSC), and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
- You'll engage in fieldwork through faculty-supervised practicum and internship experiences.
Change Lives Through School Counseling
Professional school counselors make a profound impact in their schools and communities. They are leaders, advocates, collaborators and systemic change experts who implement initiatives and provide support that helps all students succeed. When you graduate from The University of Scranton with a master's in school counseling, you'll have the knowledge and skills you need to become a certified school counselor in Pennsylvania.
Boasting a 96% job placement rate for graduates, our program is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and adheres to guidelines set forth by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Our program is the second oldest CACREP-accredited program in PA and one of only 13 accredited programs in the entire state.
Career Outlook: Help Students with Academic Success and Emotional Development,
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment of school counselors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.1
Professional school counselors can work in public and private institutions and assist students with:
- academic success and applying achievement strategies
- facilitating social/emotional development and applying interpersonal skills
- increasing awareness, exploration and planning for postsecondary options
Students in our master's program are also eligible for credentials such as the National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
CAREER OUTLOOKCurriculum: Coursework That Prepares You for Professional Practice
The program has a 60-credit curriculum divided into three content areas: School Counseling Core, Counseling Practice Sequence, and Foundations of Professional Counseling. The program also includes three credits of practicum experience and three credits of internship experience to equip students to work successfully in school settings.
Six credits of electives are offered to provide students with opportunities for additional study in individual areas of interest and for development of skills in working with specific client populations.
Program Outcomes
| Collaborate with the school community to deliver comprehensive school counseling programs |
| Work with teachers, families and administrators to help students achieve success2 |
| Provide short-term counseling to students and referrals for long-term support |
Develop and implement all aspects of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model program |
Admissions
Applicants must complete specially developed recommendation forms for the program and provide a detailed personal statement in order to finalize and submit the application. These documents are requested and collected as part of the on-line application process.
Personal interviews with program faculty members prior to acceptance are required. School Counseling applicants participate in a group interview. All interviews are scheduled by program faculty shortly after the application deadline.
Detailed requirements are listed on the Admissions page.
ADMISSION INFOTuition Details
The School Counseling master’s program consists of 60 credit hours and costs $757 per credit hour. The total estimated cost, minus fees, is $45,420.
Tuition InfoFinancial Aid
Financial aid options are available to help you pay for your education. A personal financial aid counselor will assist you in identifying and taking full advantage of all opportunities.
FINANCIAL AID DETAILSOur Faculty Will Help You Succeed
Our school counseling faculty will provide guidance and support through each step of your journey to becoming a professional school counselor. Program faculty foster community among program students and are here to help you succeed.
All faculty members are licensed counselors who have also contributed research and expertise to the counseling field.
FACULTY AT SCRANTON