M.S.Ed. in School Counseling / School Counseling with Bilingual Extension Program

The School Counseling and School Counseling with Bilingual Extension Programs have been developed as 48 credits Master of Science in Education programs that meet the academic requirements for New York State permanent certification.  In both cases permanent certification also requires two years of full-time paid employment as a school counselor. Under current law both programs provide opportunities for students to obtain provisional New York State certification upon completion of 30 credits of specified coursework that includes the appropriate practicum.  Students interested in school counseling certification in areas outside of New York State should investigate the certification requirements on the particular state’s website or through the American School Counselor Association.  Both programs can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, and all classes are currently offered in the late afternoon or early evening.

Mission
In addition to supporting the University and Counselor Education Program’s vision and mission, the School / School Counseling with Bilingual Extension Programs educate individuals who will specifically work in K – 12 school systems to address the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of all students.

Objectives

• To educate professional school counselors to be leaders in and advocates for the profession using curricula that adheres to the general and specialized Standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
• To educate skilled and competent school counselors who are capable of identifying and responding to the needs diverse clients by providing a wide range of guidance and counseling services to children, adolescents, and their families.
• To train school counselors to respect diversity and to actively work towards the prevention and eradication of racism, sexism, and classism.
• To train school counselors to work collaboratively within school systems to improve the quality of education for all students.
• To train school counselors to utilize data to develop comprehensive, accountable counseling programs that advance the mission of their schools by addressing the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of all students.
• To train school counselors to utilize research to inform their daily practices and inspire them to pursue learning throughout their professional careers.
• To encourage school counselors to establish and maintain their professional identities by joining professional organizations (e.g., American Counseling Association, American School Counseling Association, New York State School Counseling Association), attending national and local conferences, and presenting at national and local conferences.