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- FAQ
Below are questions we frequently field for the School Counseling Program. If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact Dr. Poynton, the Program Director for School Counseling.
Why is Suffolk’s School Counseling Program only 36 credits?
Our program is designed to meet Massachusetts DOE requirements for licensure as a school counselor (grades 5-12). This is why all of our 36 credits are required - no electives are required as part of our degree program (although many students do take additional courses). Many other school counselor preparation programs are modeled after CACREP, which currently requires that school counselor preparation programs have a program of study containing a minimum of 48 credits. With a degree from Suffolk, you are still able to work in a variety of states as a school counselor through our participation in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Please contact the program director if you would like more information. back to top^What if I want to go to school in Boston, but work in a different state?
You can often successfully go to school and obtain a school counseling license in different states. The American School Counselor Association has compiled a list of requirements across all 50 states, including information about ’reciprocity’. You are also strongly encouraged to contact state Departments of Education to ensure you have the most up to date and timely information.
Massachusetts participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. This agreement is designed to increase the portability of educator credentials across state lines. To see if the state you are want to work in participates in the NASDTEC agreement, click HERE and select your state from the dropdown menu near the bottom of the page. Look under the "Support" section of the table to see if Massachusetts is listed.
Even if your state has reciprocity with Massachusetts, this does not mean there are not other requirements. For example, some states still require teaching experience to become a counselor, or you may need to take a test or participate in a state-mandated workshop. Again, state Departments of Education should provide the "final word" on whether or not you are (or will be) qualified to work in their state.
back to top^Can I attend part-time?
The school counselor education program can be completed either full-time or part-time. All required classes EXCEPT Practicum are held during one of two evening sessions (4:30 – 7:10, 7:15 – 9:55) during the fall and spring semesters. The Practicum courses consist of both a field-based component and a supervision component. The field-based component requires that students spend a minimum of 15 hours per week in a school setting (scheduled with the site supervisor), while the supervision component occurs one night per week in the evening.
Most students do pursue the program full-time, which can be completed in two years (full-time study first year, part-time study with internship second year). You can complete the program in three years by completing two classes each fall and spring semester.
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