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Master of Science in School Counseling

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Counseling

General School Counseling specialization

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. This specialization is also part of Capella's Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing licensure as school counselors.

Licensure information: Begin to research and understand your state's licensure requirements right away, find answers to common questions, explore how Capella programs fit with your state's standards and requirements, and get links to important state resources. Visit the licensure website for mental health professionals.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE)- Accredited

NCATE

 

NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.

Read the news release announcing our NCATE accreditation.

Learn why NCATE accreditation is important.

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

CACREP-Accredited

Capella currently offers three CACREP-accredited master's specializations: Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy and School Counseling.

Learn why CACREP accreditation is important
CACREP Why you should care about CACREP accreditation

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Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 72 quarter credits
Up to 12 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Admission Requirements Icon indicating PDF
Next Start Date: June 4, 2012
Credit: $458 §

Many of our learners receive aid.

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§ New prices may apply July 9, 2012. Icon indicating PDF

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Residency requirements: Two 6-day residential colloquia

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
In addition to your online courses, you will attend two 6-day residential colloquia at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your MS studies and beyond.

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn't include costs for evening meals or travel. You'll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Learn more about residency requirements.
  • Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.877.269.7780.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • COUN5004 - Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors
  • COUN5006 - Survey of Research Methodology
  • COUN5106 - Assessment, Tests, and Measures
  • COUN5217 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
  • COUN5241 - Group Counseling and Psychotherapy*
  • COUN5279 - Life Planning and Career Development
  • COUN5336 - Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations

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 1* AND
  • COUN-R5910 - School Counseling Residential Colloquium Track 1* - non-credit
  • COUN5911 - School Counseling Pre-Practicum Course 2* AND
  • COUN-R5911 - School Counseling Residential Colloquium Track 2I* - non-credit
  • COUN6102 - School Counseling Clinical Practicum*
  • COUN6131 - School Counseling Clinical Internship 1*
  • COUN6132 - School Counseling Clinical Internship 2*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • COUN5240 - Theories of Counseling and Guidance for Children and Adolescents
  • COUN5246 - Contemporary Issues in School Counseling*
  • COUN5280 - Introduction to School Counseling
  • COUN5282 - Developmental School Counseling and Student Services
  • COUN5338 – Crisis Intervention and Emergency Management
  • COUN6915 - School Counseling Integrative Project*
This specialization has not been reviewed or approved by Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania residents will have to apply and meet requirements for certification as out-of-state candidates.
†Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. (Washington State learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information)
New York residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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Related specialization

In addition our master's degree in School Counseling, Capella also offers a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services for individuals who want to deepen their knowledge of assessment and treatment of mental health issues.



a

Excellent program - don't hesitate because it's online

November 22, 2010Holly I have a Masters degree in Human Services from a traditional university and wanted to obtain an additional Masters in School Counseling. I needed a program that didn't involve classroom time. I work full-time and am the mother of 3 children (5 year old and now 5 month old twins). I can't be in the classroom nightly for coursework - so this program really appealed to me. The classes are challenging, the instructors are great and the advisors are the best I have ever worked with! Plus the CACREP certification indicates that it is a quality program. I am able to balance my family life, my work life and my school life! I took the summer quarter off because of the twins being born and was nervous about coming back - and I was relieved to see that I still can juggle the three well!

Hopeful New Yorker

February 22, 2011Ebony Hello. My name is Ms. Ebony Valentine and I am a two-time graduate of Capella University. I was one of the first graduates of their School Counseling program in 2009, and my second Masters in education curriculum and instruction in 2010. My journey was very hard, fulfilling and rewarding. Obtaining my degrees online was a wise choice for me to continue raising my son and working two jobs. I worked as an assistant teacher and a GED coordinator for the New York City Department of Education. Capella courses allowed me to study and do research at my own pace. If any one ever asks, learning online is much harder than the traditional classroom setting. The courses were very educational, vigorous and challenging. One of the challenging parts was reading and analyzing what other learners wrote and having to respond with understanding and a question. In a traditional setting the students rarely get to openly analyze each others views. The instructors were great, always available and now CACREP certification! I am proud and honored to be a graduate from Capella University and a New Yorker. Another, great attribute that learning online at Capella University has to offer you get to visit many parts of the world while sitting at your computer. Networking with many different individuals has broadened my people skills to unbelievable heights, which is one of the most important skills needed to be a great school counselor and I thank you Capella for opening that doorway. I am really saddened to see that this program is temporally closed to New York learners because if there is a will there is a way! Remember, I stated I worked as an assistant teacher for New York City department of education; I graduated in 2009 with my masters in human service School-counseling specialization from Capella University. I received my license in 2010 from the New York State Department of Education, and was hired as a school counselor here in New York City. If there is a WILL, there is a WAY!

School Counseling Program at Capella University

November 23, 2010Jackelyn The masters in school counseling program at Capella is an excellent program for one to complete their master's degree at. This program is CACREP accreditated and highly reccommended. The online school counseling program allows you to work a job, have time for your family, manage recreation time and complete your course work without having to be in a classroom several days a week. In fact, the advising department is extremely helpful and will assist you with any of your needs or concerns. My experience so far has been amazing and I enjoy the online learning environment while networking with many different individuals from various areas within the United States. Most of all, the instructors are great help and very supportive to the students at Capella. More than ever, this learner will never forget this rewarding life experience. Take care, Jackelyn Burgess

CACREP + NCATE = ideal

November 22, 2010Kim I am in my first year and have had great feedback from the local school district on this program, of which they had never heard. It is clear to them that it is high quality with two major accreditations in the field. Also, I have experienced more support and clarity in progressing throught the program than I ever expected. Faculty are excellent and staff go the extra mile. Syllabi, texts, discussion questions are intregrated very well so that there is no "fluff" ... while the pace remains workable. I was worried about taking two courses with a FT job but I have established a routine based on my family adn work schedule and so far so good. I have met some great people that I plan to network with as alumni, too. I love the diversity of learners across the country and the social networking to stay in touch even if you aren't in a class together.

School Counseling Masters Program

September 1, 2011Beth I have been at Capella since 2008 and i am finishing up with my masters program. i just have two more classes and the colloquim and internship and practicum. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for me. Capella is very flexible and though there has been a view quirks here and there that have had to be worked out it has gone pretyy good. I have a GPA of 3.7, work a full time job and have three kids so flexibility was a must. It is kind of expensive but you pay for what you get and that is a good college, good professors and a flexible schedule.

Pennsylvania

January 26, 2011nichol Hello, I was wondering if anyone has earned a school counseling degree from Capella and got a job in Pennylvania, if so was there anything extra you had to do?

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

August 31, 2011Serenity I am a school counseling learner at Capella University. I began my journey in the Summer of 2008; and I will graduate in June of 2012. I began taking courses at Capella part time (1 course/quarter); but within the last year, I ramped up to full time (2+/quarter). I am a military wife and stay at home mom; so I needed a program that was flexible. After getting accepted to a few local universities in a few of the locations we were stationed in; I finally realized that if I wanted the degree, I would have to do it "Capella" style. Capella University has exceeded my expectations! I have interacted and met (face to face via the 2 required residencies) some amazing people. Not only are you able to learn and grow via the courseroom; but the required fieldwork will ensure that you practice those skills that you have learned in your courses. If you are looking for a CACREP Accredited program, AND your state's license honors Capella's requirements; this is the program for you!

Anyone from Georgia Completing this Program?

March 14, 2011Wanda I am hoping to enroll in the MS in School Counseling program. Is there anyone in the program currently from Georgia? If so, would you please contact me. I have some questions. Thanks.

Very satisfied with my Capella education

March 13, 2012Ebony Hi I was the first graduate of Capella's school counseling program in march 2009 I got hired as a school counselor in September 2010 and got my second master's in education in marcg 2010. this university was the best thing that happened to me. I have encouraged family and friends to take the Capella Challenge it will change you, your life, your income your family!

Anyone from New Jersey finishing this program?

November 14, 2011Kristal Hi. I am from NJ and i just finished my bachelors degree online. I am looking for a good counseling program at another online college. I wanted to find out what this program entails and about the counseling jobs in NJ.
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs

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