Program Overview
The School Counseling, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program prepares you to be a leader, advocate, and systemic change agent in K-12 urban educational settings. You will gain awareness, knowledge and skills to work with diverse student populations. The program focuses on access, equity and social justice in delivering counseling services. You will develop competencies to be a leader in working to close opportunity gaps in urban schools.
Key Features
- Real-World Experience: Complete one 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships in local urban school districts.
- Cohort Model: Learn in a supportive cohort environment with a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students enter the program and take the same course sequence together.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
- ASCA National Model: A framework that guides school counselors in the development of school counseling programs involving data-informed decision making, delivered to students systemically, are developmentally appropriate, close achievement and opportunity gaps and result in improved student achievement, attendance and discipline.
100%
Pass rate for licensure or certification exams among recent graduates
90%
Working in the field within a year of matriculation
#3
Best Student Counseling and Personnel Services program by U.S. News & World Report
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Promote academic, college and career, and personal/social growth in students using the ASCA National Model as a framework for success.
- Develop clinical skills to address and support the needs of students accounting for the influence of various intersectional identities.
Demonstrate awareness of the ASCA code of ethics guiding the practice of school counseling; consistently apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in practice. - Effectively intervene with students individually and in group settings to address academic and career, social, emotional, and personal factors affecting their opportunities and achievements.
- Use data-driven program evaluation models to identify needs and conduct, design, and evaluate school counseling outcomes that inform school system decision-making and accountability.
- Build strong partnerships with families, agencies, and community stakeholders to promote access, equity, and social justice in urban schools.
- Acquire leadership and advocacy skills to remove barriers to student success and promote positive change within urban schools and communities.
Careers
Career Options
Graduates of this program pursue various career paths, including:
- Professional K-12 School Counselor
- Educational Advocate
- Counseling Program Coordinator
- Community Counselor
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.
Admission Requirements Guide to Applying
The admissions process includes an interview stage. Interview Day occurs on the second Friday in February. Invitations for interviews are sent out two weeks prior to the interview stage.
“I am so thankful for the School Counseling program. My cohort, professors, and PGCPS practicum & internship site supervisors provided support, understanding, and guidance throughout the two years. One of the most useful tools was the school counseling comprehensive program, which I find to be important if working in the Prince George's county school district. I would not be the school counselor and person I am today without the friendships and experiences this program gave me!”
Requirements
Program Requirements
Courses and practical elements in this program are carefully selected to give you a well-rounded education, preparing you to excel in your career and make meaningful contributions to your field.
You will take courses in counseling theory, counseling skills, human development, group counseling, ethics, multicultural counseling research methods, and special education. Coursework includes one 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships with local partnering school districts.
For full details on curriculum and program requirements, view the handbook and manual.
Contact
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Info Session & Events
Want more information about the School Counseling program? Visit the expanded program page.