Master of Education in School Counseling and Preliminary License

Program Details

Credits: 45 semester hours
Program start date: Summer or Fall
Program length: 21-24 months (full-time or part-time study available)
View the current program of study in the course catalog
View admissions requirements and deadlines
Faculty: Dr. Heather Hadraba, Dr. Tamara Tribitt, Dr. Laura Barbour

Our School Counseling programs emphasize a democratic, systemic approach that gives you the skills to reach out to students whose needs are not being met, and to involve all members of the community—parents, educators, school- based staff, administrators, and peers-in ensuring student success.

Students in this program will leave prepared to:

• Skillfully develop and deliver interventions for students and other individuals in K-12 schools.
• Address the mental health needs of students in a school context
• Develop strong individual and group counseling skills as applied in a K-12 school context
• Develop skills in delivering guidance lessons in a classroom setting
• Learn to effectively collaborate with school staff and community members.

I have a billion mini-conversations with my students every day. Sometimes we talk in Spanish, sometimes it’s English, but it’s always about empowerment.

Roberto Aguilar, MEd ’02

• Design and implement a comprehensive school-counseling program as described by the American School Counseling Association National Model.
• Use leadership and advocacy skills to deliver services to K-12 students.
• Identify areas for systemic change 
• Commit to the life-long learning involved in working with diverse students and communities.
• Understand, analyze, and communicate data-driven decision-making that addresses issues of equity, white supremacy, and systemic racism
• Develop programs and outreach efforts that address the opportunity gap that exist in schools.

What to Expect

The Master of Education in School Counseling and License Program focuses on collaboration and dialogue in small-class settings. Courses have a specific school-counseling focus, emphasizing work with children and adolescents in a school setting, and they are taught by a team of faculty with real-world work experience. Course offerings focuses on developing strong individual and group counseling skills; learning advocacy, leadership, and collaboration skills; encourages understanding of culturally diverse populations and issues of social justice and equity; and emphasizes utilizing data as a means of identifying service needs and program effectiveness.

At the start of the program, we provide advising for each student to review the course requirements and plan for the sequence of classes that will work best for you. Faculty advisors are available to students throughout the program for planning, counsel, and academic advice.

In addition to the required coursework, students spend substantial time working in schools. During the program, students work at different school sites, earning authorization for all grade levels, K-12. 

A full-time student can complete the program in two years, and a part-time student can take three or more years. Please note that working full-time is not suggested if you are interested in the full-time track.

Applying to the Program

The Master of Education in School Counseling and School Counseling License Program is for students with a completed bachelor’s degree and an interest in pursuing a career as a K-12 school counselor. We expect successful applicants to have knowledge of child development, experience working with youth, and a commitment to working with diverse communities. We do not require specific undergraduate majors, although we strongly encourage experience and knowledge gained through education or work or volunteer experiences.

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. Current courses available to special students:

SCED 521 Family Dynamics, Consultation, and Community Resources

Admission to this class 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