School Counseling (MS)
The Master of Science in School Counseling prepares students to function effectively as licensed school guidance counselors in secondary schools (grades 5-12).
A minimum program of study consists of 36 credits of coursework, or 48 credits if completing the combined MS/Post-Master's Certificate in College Admission Counseling.
Competence in counseling skills is acquired during the Counseling Skills Laboratory (COUNS 737) and the Counseling Practicum classes (COUNS 720 and COUNS 721). During these courses, students demonstrate the ability to translate training into professional judgments and techniques.
Completion of the master’s degree satisfies the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's academic experience requirements for Initial Licensure (a passing score on the MTEL is also required). To obtain a Professional License, you need to obtain three years of experience as a school counselor and accumulate a total of 60 graduate credits (including credits earned as part of the master’s degree).
Practicum
Students are required to apply formally for the School Counseling Practicum and to consult with their advisor regarding their field placement. Six courses must be completed before enrolling in the practicum, including all pre-requisites for COUNS 720. After two failed attempts to satisfactorily complete COUNS 720/721, students will be subject to dismissal from the program.
Prior to enrollment in COUNS 720, students must successfully complete the literacy and communication sections of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL), have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and earn a grade of no less than "B" in the Counseling Skills Laboratory course (COUNS 737).
A Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check may be conducted by pre-practicum, practicum, and/or internship placement sites for conviction, non-conviction and pending criminal case information.
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COUNS-701 Child and Adolescent Development
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Examines the childhood, preadolescent and adolescent stages of human development relative to students learning, social development, and parental relationships. Special emphasis will be placed on deviant behavior, social actions, outreach and prevention programs. Ten observation hours required. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-710 Introduction to School Counseling
Credits:
3.00
Description:
The foundation course for those enrolled in the school counseling program. The philosophical, historical, and theoretical foundations for school counseling are investigated, as well as the varied roles and functions of the school counselor. Forty (40) field-based observation hours are required. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-713 Counseling: Theory & Practice
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Analysis of selected counseling theories representative of the field of counseling psychology. Theories will be selected from the following areas: Psychoanalytic, Psychosocial, Rational, Cognitive Behavioral/Learning Theory, Person-Centered, and Existential Theory. Treatment goals and techniques will be explored.
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COUNS-714 Psychology of Career Development
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A survey of various theories of vocational choice and development, and strategies for the implementation of vocational counseling in the school, agency, or business/industrial setting. Concepts of work, vocational concerns of women and minorities and other major issues also investigated.
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COUNS-717 Introduction to Psychological Testing
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-713;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Evaluating, administering, scoring, interpreting, and reporting results of standardized tests of personality, academic performance, cognitive functioning, aptitude, and achievement. Self-study development and assessment of testing programs. Critical issues in testing. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-720 School Counseling Practicum I
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-710 COUNS-737 COUNS-746;
Credits:
3.00- 6.00
Description:
Application of skills in a school environment. Students will spend a minimum of fifteen hours per week in a school and participate in weekly group sessions at the University for the evaluation of progress and clinical supervision. Open only to degree candidates in the School Counseling Program who have formally applied for the Practicum and have completed at least 18 hours of coursework. Offered fall semester.
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COUNS-721 School Counseling Practicum II
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-720;
Credits:
3.00- 6.00
Description:
Continuation of COUNS 720 with an opportunity to assume increased responsibility for clients under supervision. Offered spring semester.
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COUNS-722 Groups in Schools
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An overview of the various group counseling formats utilized in schools, and related theories. Issues related to the development and implementation of small counseling groups (e.g., group dynamics and processes for group member selection) and larger educational and prevention-based groups (e.g., fostering positive mental health, career-related programming, anti-bullying) will be explored and discussed.
OR
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COUNS-735 Group Counseling
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A study of the practical and theoretical aspects of counseling small groups. There will be provision for a laboratory experience in which students participate in a group and study the dynamics of behavior as this group develops. Group stages of development and leadership skills will also be examined. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-731 Action Research
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Research designs, methods, and statistics for students in educator preparation programs (school counseling and teacher preparation). The focus of this course is on the practical methods of conducting practitioner-led research, and involves the execution and presentation of an original research project. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-715 Methods of Research
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Principles, concepts and methods of research design and statistics associated with psychological and educational research. Practical applications of research studies to a diverse range of interests in education, psychology and counseling. Offered yearly.
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COUNS-732 Psychological Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course explores the major psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. Attention-deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Feeding and Eating Disorders, anxiety and depression are among the disorders explored. Student interest determines other topics. Assessment, treatment, and outcome studies are also discussed. Completion of EHS 701 or EHS 712 is recommended before taking this course. Normally offered alternate years.
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COUNS-737 Counseling Skills Lab
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-713;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An introduction to the fundamental techniques and methods of interpersonal relationships, self-examination, and field visits in relation to the role of the professional counselor. The course will involve skill building through role playing, video and/or audio taping. Normally offered spring semester.
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COUNS-746 Issues in School Counseling
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-710;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An in-depth investigation of current major areas of concern for the secondary school counselor, including involvement in special needs, legal issues, working with diverse populations and developmental/psychological education. Normally offered yearly.
Students seeking to complete the combined MS/Certificate in College Admission Counseling will also need to complete the following courses plus one elective (see Post Master's Certificate in College Admission Counseling section for possible electives).
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COUNS-747 College Admission Counseling Fundamentals
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will discuss issues surrounding admission testing and financial aid practices, admission policies and procedures, diverse students (e.g., first generation, students with learning disabilities, traditionally underrepresented populations in higher education), and the technology tools used to facilitate the college search and application process (e.g., Naviance, ConnectEDU, the Common Application). School-based programs to promote early college awareness will also be discussed, and the perspective of both the high school and undergraduate admissions counselor will be considered. Normally offered yearly
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COUNS-748 Fieldwork: College Visits
Prerequisites:
COUNS-747;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will require students to visit a minimum of 8 public and private four-year and 2 two-year higher education institutions. Students will meet with admission, diversity services, and disability services personnel of each college to gain insight into how prospective students with diverse backgrounds and abilities would fit the campus resources and offerings. Normally offered yearly
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COUNS-749 Access and Equity in Higher Education
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Historical and current problems regarding access and equity to higher education opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups in the college classroom will be explored, with a focus on research describing the problems, and their solutions Course to be offered yearly by the Administration of Higher Education Program
Pre-Practicum
Students in school counseling must successfully complete a minimum of 75 hours of field-based pre-practicum experience. These experiences are incorporated into courses taken before starting the practicum.
Portfolios
All school counseling students will develop and maintain portfolios of all course and field experience related items. Such items might include, but should not be limited to:
- Papers
- Journals
- Observation reports
- Projects
- Placement reports
- Examinations
- Audio/video tapes
- Supervisor evaluations
- Written recommendation letters
