School Counseling Preliminary License Only Program

Program Details

Total credit hours: 40 (before waivers; please note that most core courses can not be waived)

Courses that cannot be waived:

• SCED 500 Introduction to School Counseling
• SCED 509 Ethical and Legal Considerations for School Counselors
• SCED 512 Disability Perspectives in School Counseling
• SCED 531 Group Counseling for School Counselors
• SCED 523 Counseling Practicum
• SCED 516 Final Internship

Program start date: Summer or fall
Program length: 2-3 years
View the current program of study in the course catalog and View admissions requirements and deadlines
Faculty: Dr. Laura Barbour, Dr. Heather Hadraba, Dr. Danielle Torres, Dr. Tami Tribitt

The School Counseling License Only Program in school counseling provides an opportunity for students who hold a master’s degree in a closely related field (e.g., education, psychology, social work) to earn the School Counseling License. Please note: The license only program still takes two academic years to complete and previous internships in other programs will not be applied to your Lewis & Clark Program plan.

We emphasize a contextual and systemic approach to school counseling that gives you the skills to build upon students’ previous education and work experience. We provide you with the core aspects of our innovative school counseling program, including furthering knowledge of the American School Counseling Association National Model, individual and group counseling skills, leadership, advocacy, and collaboration strategies, understanding and utilization of data and action research, and internship support.

Students enrolled in the License Only Program earn the School Counseling License. Students in the License Only Program will leave prepared to:

• Further develop the most current skills and approaches to working with K-12 students.
• Provide individual and group counseling in the school context
• Design and implement a comprehensive school counseling program as described by the American School Counseling Association National Model.
• Solve real-work problems with the support of fellow interns and stellar faculty.
• Utilize work experience to develop leadership and advocacy skills to deliver services to K-12 students.
• Demonstrate the life-long learning involved in working with diverse students and communities.
• Better understand, analyze, and communicate data-driven decision-making that addresses issues of equity and targets the opportunity gap in schools.

What to Expect

Students enrolled in the License Only Program take similar courses to degree-seeking students. However, at Lewis & Clark, we recognize that every student comes with a unique history of education and experience. Admitted students work closely with a faculty advisor to design an individual program of study leading to licensure. All students enrolled in the License Only Program meet with an adviser early in the program to determine what, if any, classes can be waived. This process is intended to honor your previous coursework and work experience, while also ensuring that you are receiving the training and experience necessary to complete our program. The waiver process is usually completed during the first term of enrollment so that students are clearly aware of their program requirements. Waivers are not accepted for internships courses. Also, Federal Financial Aid is not available for license only students.

During the fall and spring semesters, courses are offered in the evening and on occasional weekends. During the summer, courses are offered on a compact schedule. Courses have a specific school-counseling focus that emphasizes working with children and adolescents in a school setting, and are taught by a team of faculty with real-world work experience.

In addition to the required coursework, we expect students to spend substantial time working in schools from the very first term. During the program, students work at two different school sites, earning authorization for all grade levels, K-12.  A full-time student can complete the program in two years; a part-time student can take three or more years.  Please Note: Students are not able to complete their counseling internships in the same building where they are employed as a teacher.

Applying to the Program

The  Licensure Only Program is for students with a completed master’s degree in a closely related field. Often, students are interested in changing their careers to work in a K-12 school setting, or adding a license to their current job. We expect successful applicants to have knowledge of child development, recent experience working in an educational/school setting, and a commitment to working with diverse communities. We appreciate the life experience and eclectic backgrounds that candidates bring to the program.

Special Student Status

To register for courses in any School Counseling program, an individual must either be fully admitted or have Special Student status. Special Student status allows an individual to take a limited number of semester hours in specifically designated courses prior to formal admission. Currently these courses include:

• SCED 550 Clinical Skills for School Counselors
• SCED 507 Development of the Learner: Children and Adolescents
• SCED 521 Family Dynamics, Consultation, and Community Resources

Admission to these classes is on a space-available basis after fully admitted students have registered.

Apply Now

To learn about admission into this program, visit the Application Requirements page. You can also email gseadmit@lclark.edu or call 503-768-6200.

Current Students

• Documents
• Apply for Your License
• Required tests