Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Hours: 60 Online
About
The Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) at FHSU is a 60-hour online graduate program that prepares students to obtain a license as a Professional School Counselor (PSC). We provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively counsel elementary, middle, and high school students.
Fort Hays State University prioritizes the success of our students enrolled. With a faculty of experienced professionals, including a clinical assistant professor specializing in community counseling, we deliver a supportive environment for personal and academic growth.
Why pursue a Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) at Fort Hays State University?
Fort Hays State University offers all courses entirely online, allowing you to pursue your education from anywhere in the world. This online format caters to working professionals and individuals with busy schedules, allowing them to balance their personal and professional commitments while earning their degrees.
We understand the importance of supporting students to cope with various challenges, academic achievement, mental health concerns, or career development. The emphasis on human development and the integration of individual and group counseling techniques prepare our future school counselors to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve.
Who is this program for?
The M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) program is for individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people. This program is an excellent choice for a variety of individuals, especially:
- Individuals passionate about working with children and youth
- Individuals interested in a career in school counseling
- Current school counselors
- Graduates of a bachelor's degree in education or a related field
Learning Outcomes
The M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) empowers graduates to become effective and compassionate advocates for students through rigorous coursework, comprehensive practicum experiences, and a supportive academic environment. The probable learning outcomes include the following:
Comprehensive Understanding of the Counseling Profession
Our Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) prepares counselors to identify the philosophy, trends, ethics, and professional standards inherent in the counseling profession. Graduates will gain a profound understanding of the contextual dimensions within clinical mental health and school counseling professions.
Cultural Competence and Multicultural Counseling
We prioritize diversity by training counselors to differentiate social and cultural characteristics across diverse groups. Graduates will identify multicultural counseling theories and models, enabling them to comprehend the impact of diverse clients and the counseling process.
Counseling Skills and Techniques
Graduates will be adept at making and using observations of the helping relationship. They will apply counseling skills to work effectively with individuals possessing diverse characteristics and strengths, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of major counseling theories.
Self-Awareness and Advocacy
Our program encourages self-reflection and critical thinking, fostering self-awareness and the development of personal counseling orientations. Graduates will assume roles as advocates while maintaining professionalism in alignment with the standards set by the American Counseling Association and the American School Counselor Association.
Real-World Applications
One of the most critical aspects of the M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) is the practicum and internship, which place students in the field working with real students. These experiences allow students to apply the theories and skills they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. They also enable students to network with other school counselors and professionals in the field.
In addition to the practicum and internship, the program also offers a variety of other opportunities for real-world experience. Students can participate in student organizations, attend conferences, and volunteer in their communities. These activities help students develop their skills and knowledge and prepare them for a career in school counseling.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
We recognize the significance of adhering to state statutes and legislation governing school counseling. Therefore, our courses incorporate these legal frameworks, ensuring our students are well-versed in the current regulatory landscape. Additionally, we strongly emphasize the guidelines and standards of the American School Counselor Association, with the ASCA National Model as our program's cornerstone.
Additionally, our Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) goes beyond traditional education models. We offer a comprehensive school counseling curriculum where students gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as professional school counselors.
Hands-on Activities
As part of our commitment to providing a well-rounded education, students enrolled in the M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) must complete 700 hours of field experience through their practicum and internship courses.
The comprehensive program includes different types of training. Students engage in activities such as counseling practice, school counseling internships, and counseling program courses to sharpen their counseling skills and address the academic achievement, adolescent development, and mental health needs of the students they will serve.
What You’ll Learn:
- Acquire the expertise for a Professional School Counselor license
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of counseling strategies
- Focus on effective counseling for various school levels
- Develop skills to navigate elementary, middle, and high schools
- Create and manage comprehensive counseling programs for school settings
How You’ll Learn:
- Engage in interactive online coursework modules
- Benefit from expert guidance from seasoned faculty
- Access a supportive environment for personal development
- Collaborating with a clinical assistant professor
- Experience tailored learning for school counseling proficiency
The core courses within the Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) cover a range of counseling-focused topics, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the challenges they may face as certified school counselors. The courses are all counseling-focused and explore ethical and legal standards, research methodologies, human development, trauma, and psychotherapy.
COUN 827: Counseling Skills Development – Residency Required
In this course, students will develop essential skills for effective counseling and consulting practices.
COUN 844: The School Counseling Profession
This course covers counseling approaches, skills, techniques, and intervention strategies for addressing the educational, social, and developmental needs of children. It is also suitable for elementary school teachers seeking certification renewal or improved interpersonal skills.
COUN 853: Childhood and Adolescent Counseling
This course provides an overview of the theories and practices of childhood and adolescent counseling within the context of mental health. Students will examine the etiology of childhood-specific disorders among diverse populations, along with relevant counseling skills and diagnostic practices.
Discover the full Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Upon obtaining the M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling), students will be ready to pursue fulfilling careers in several counseling domains. With the program's comprehensive coursework, combined with the university's dedication, alums become successful champions of student achievement.
Professional School Counselor
Graduates are prepared to step into the crucial role of a school counselor. They play a vital role in promoting student success by helping students develop academic, career, and personal skills. They work with students on a one-on-one basis, in small groups, and in whole-school settings to address a variety of issues, such as academic concerns, social and emotional problems, and career development
Licensed Professional Counselor
The program also empowers students to pursue licensure as licensed counselors, allowing them to practice in clinical mental health settings. With a solid foundation in research methods, counseling services, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination, Fort Hays State University alums are poised for success in private practice or within larger mental health organizations.
Career Counselor
Fort Hays State University’s emphasis on career counseling within its counselor education programs uniquely prepares graduates to guide individuals through career decisions. With an advanced degree and a deep understanding of the ethical and legal issues surrounding career development, these professionals make meaningful contributions to the workforce.
Mental Health Counselor
Specializing in mental health counseling, graduates can focus on providing therapeutic interventions to individuals struggling with a range of psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. They will work to promote mental well-being and foster healthy coping mechanisms.
The M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) welcomes applications from individuals with a bachelor's degree, along with a background in counseling or human services. Understanding the admission requirements for the program is the first step toward a transformative journey in school counseling. Here's a list of the criteria:
Personal Statement
Prepare a compelling personal statement reflecting your passion for counselor education and your commitment to positively impacting students' lives.
Background Check
As part of the admission process, a background check is required. This ensures a safe and secure learning environment for all school counseling students.
Letters of Recommendation
Obtain two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your qualifications and potential as a graduate student in a Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling).
GPA Requirement
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your previous academic endeavors. This educational benchmark demonstrates your commitment to excellence in counselor education.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,047.58* (Online)* per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online undergraduate tuition rate ($338.62/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
While the M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) is the primary program for aspiring school counselors, FHSU offers several related educational programs that can complement your education and enhance your career prospects. They include:
- M.S. in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
- BSE in Elementary Education (Early Childhood Unified)
- BSE in Elementary Education (PreK-6)
- BSE in Secondary Education
The program is a 60-hour online program that can be completed in 2-3 years of study.
The program is offered entirely online. This means you can complete the program from anywhere.
The core courses cover various counseling-focused topics, including ethical and legal standards, research methodologies, human development, trauma, and psychotherapy. They aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of counseling strategies and effective counseling for various school levels.
The M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. CAEP accreditation is a voluntary process that ensures that educator preparation programs meet high-quality standards and prepare students to be competent and effective professionals.
An internship or practicum is required as part of the degree. Students must complete at least 700 hours of field experience through their practicum and internship courses.
Department Information
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.
- CAEP Accreditation: The Department of Advanced Education Programs at FHSU holds Advanced-Level-Accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This applies to post-baccalaureate or graduate programs that lead to license, certification, or endorsement for P-12 teachers, administrators, and certified school professionals. Note that the non-licensure programs, content-specific programs, and non P-12 educational leadership programs are not covered.
- Masters
- Online
