Master’s in School Counseling Online

Master of Education in School Counseling (Leads to Initial Licensure)

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Help Support Pre-K-12 Students Through Informed Guidance and Counseling

The Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling degree program at Grand Canyon University offers individuals with a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to seek certification and pursue a career as a school counselor. This master’s degree leads to initial licensure and serves as the next step for professional growth in two fields — education and counseling. 

As a future school counselor, you may choose to obtain a master’s in school counseling to enjoy opportunities to expand your knowledge base and advance your skill set to become an advocate for pre-K-12 students. Throughout their school years, students may encounter challenging circumstances such as bullying, drug use, homelessness and poverty,  social development, mental health concerns and instances of violence/trauma. This program is designed to equip you to empower students to tackle a myriad of challenges so they can live up to their full academic and personal potential.

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Benefits of GCU's Master’s Degree in School Counseling

Pursuing a graduate degree in counseling can equip you with the skills to intervene and provide support for children and adolescents facing difficult school-related and personal issues. Additionally, you will receive training on effectively collaborating with parents, guardians and school personnel with an eye toward cultivating a school environment that meets the unique needs of your students.

As a Christian university, GCU designs programs with a faith-integrated curriculum that reflects the university’s Christian worldview. At GCU, you have the opportunity to develop into more than a school counselor — you can grow into a compassionate servant leader with strong ethics and morals that can help make a positive difference in the lives of children.

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 60
Online: 8 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
The coursework in this program is non-transferable from other institutions.
PROGRAM TUITION RATE:
Online: $605 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance
School Counselors Meet With Student and Parents in Office

Examine Advanced Competencies and Skills Needed for School Counseling

Upon completing the master’s degree in school counseling, you will be expected to have the necessary tools to help struggling young learners overcome obstacles while they prepare for the next step in their educational journey. Continuing education provides aspiring school counselors with opportunities to:

  • Address challenges experienced by children and adolescents, such as academic, social and emotional difficulties, low self-esteem and issues they may be experiencing at home
  • Identify risks that lead to mental health and behavioral disorders
  • Strategize ways to foster personal growth
  • Lead in data-informed decision-making and school counseling program development 
  • Examine how various non-academic problems affect achievement in the classroom 

Career Paths for Master’s in School Counseling Graduates

This degree program is designed to equip you with the career readiness to advocate for students’ well-being and create a supportive learning environment, helping them navigate academic, social and emotional challenges. As a graduate student at GCU, you must have access to pre-approved pre-K-12 schools to complete program requirements. This program includes 25 field experience hours, 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours for a total of 725 hours of experiential education.

This online master’s in school counseling program was developed to instill a firm academic foundation of school counseling competencies, with an eye toward modern challenges in school environments. With a solid framework of school counseling competencies, you may consider pursuing various careers in education, such as that of a school counselor, career counselor or educational advisor.

Counselor Meets With High School Student in Office

Earn a Master of Education From an Accredited University

The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968, demonstrating our commitment to our students and the quality of our programs. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. 

This graduate degree is informed by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model to support growth in academic achievement, career and social-emotional development. GCU’s school counseling program fosters the development of school counselors in training to advocate for models of school-based collaboration with school stakeholders. 

The curriculum for this program is:

  • Institutionally accredited
  • Approved by the Arizona State Board of Education and informed by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model
  • Tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner with a strength-based approach
  • Facilitated by industry experts with experience and knowledge in child and adolescent development, counseling theory, group and individual counseling, college and career counseling, as well as trauma and psychopathology

MEd in School Counseling FAQs

If you want to learn more about earning your Master of Education in School Counseling, take a look at our responses to a few common questions about this degree and career field.

At the baccalaureate level, degree options for a career in school counseling vary. Although there are no universal requirements, a bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, social work, psychology or a related field is generally ideal. At the graduate level, you will need to earn a master’s degree in school counseling that allows you to meet the licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work.2

Earning an advanced degree in counseling is worth it for anyone who wants to work with students to support their academic, behavioral and social development. School counselors have the potential to have a significant impact in the school environment, and are necessary in supporting students, teachers and parents.

You are typically required to have at least a master’s degree that focuses on school counseling in order to work as a school counselor, along with meeting state licensure or certification requirements. Each state has different certification requirements for school counselors, but they generally include a master’s degree, internship and/or practicum hours and a passing score on an exam.2 Be sure to know your state’s requirements before choosing a graduate degree program.

Many universities offer online school counseling programs for greater scheduling convenience and geographic flexibility.1 When choosing an online degree program, it’s important to ensure that it meets state standards for licensure/certification and has been accredited, which is a reflection of educational quality. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offering programs that meet high education standards with approved, reviewed curriculum.

Schools need school counselors to help students overcome challenges and to foster a safe, inclusive school environment for all. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for school and career counselors and advisors to be 5% from 2022 through 2032, faster than average. This indicates that schools expect to hire about 18,400 new professionals during this time period.3  

In 2022, school and career counseling and advisor jobs in the United States totaled about 342,400, according to the BLS. The largest employer of these professionals was elementary and secondary schools, both public and private. These organizations employed about 46% of all school and career counselors and advisors. State, local and private universities, colleges, junior colleges and professional schools employed 38%.4

Graduates with a master’s in counseling and any other required credentials may pursue various positions in education and counseling settings. With the goal of helping to support and empower them as they work toward their future, you can be in a position to make a genuine difference in the lives of your students.

 

Empower Students. Shape Futures.

Apply for enrollment in GCU’s online graduate degree in school counseling today.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.

1 Online degree programs exclude in-person practicum experiences and internship hours.

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a School or Career Counselor or Advisor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on May 10, 2024. 

3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years.  Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors, retrieved April 9, 2024.

4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). School and career counselors and advisors: Work environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 9, 2024. 

Course List

Major:
60 credits
Degree Requirements:
60 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course begins by acquainting counselors in training with the GCU learning management system, while preparing them to be successful graduate-level counselors in training and future school counselors. Beginning with the history of school counselors, counselors in training then explore and self-reflect on the needed traits to be effective school counselors in a PK-12 setting. An introductory discussion on ethics, credentialing and licensure, and professional organizations, particularly the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), rounds out the course. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of counseling ethics, legal standards, and responsibilities, including professional identity, report writing, record keeping, and service reimbursement for clinical mental health and school counselors. Additionally, the history of and current trends in counseling are addressed. Important goals of this course are to help students develop a strong personal and professional ethic, as well as an appreciation of the value of professional collaboration and identity.

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the major counseling theories and principles. Coursework includes the following theories: psychoanalytic, Adlerian, existential psychotherapy, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, person-centered, reality therapy/choice theory, and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT).

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of counseling processes, including characteristics and behaviors that influence the helping processes. Included are age, gender, ethnic differences, verbal and nonverbal behaviors, personal characteristics, and orientations. The development of counseling techniques is emphasized, including establishing and maintaining the counseling relationship; diagnosing and identifying the problem; formulating a preventative, treatment, or rehabilitative plan; facilitating appropriate interventions; and successfully terminating the counseling relationship.

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society. Studies in this area include the following: attitudes and behaviors based on such factors as age, race, religious preference, physical disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture, family patterns, gender, socioeconomic status and intellectual ability; individual, family, group, and community strategies for working with diverse populations; theories of multicultural counseling and identity development; multicultural competencies; and issues such as substance use disorders. Students examine a variety of cultural populations, exploring issues and trends that are associated with each population. Cultural considerations for immigrants, refugees, and undocumented citizens are also addressed.

Course Description

This course presents an overview for developing, implementing, and maintaining a school counseling program in the PK-12 setting. Theoretical frameworks of comprehensive school counseling programs are introduced, including a specific focus on the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model for developing a comprehensive school counseling program. Topics include multicultural organizational development, school-based consultation, working in multidisciplinary teams, ethical and legal issues, and advocacy leadership. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course is a supervised field experience that takes place in either an elementary, middle, or high school setting. During this experience, learners begin by observing day-to-day counseling routines and have the ability to apply listening skills, helping theories, and techniques. The practicum is performed under the supervision of a faculty member and a clinical site supervisor approved by the college or university. Documentation of 100 hours (40 of the 100 hours must be direct service) of school counseling related activities is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Counseling interns must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. Practicum/field experience hours: 100. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: SCN-505; a GPA of 3.0 or better; maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million; and college approval.

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of group development, group dynamics, group counseling theories, and ethical standards with reference to professional and substance use disorders counseling. The course addresses group process components, appropriate selection criteria, developmental stage theories, group members’ roles and behaviors; and group leadership styles and approaches. The course includes didactic and experiential group learning. Required synchronous group experience: 12 hours. Prerequisite: CNL-515.

Course Description

This course provides an understanding of the nature, needs, and differing abilities of individuals at all developmental levels. Theories of individual and family development, transitions across the life span, theories of learning, theories of personality development, and ethical and cultural strategies for facilitating optimum development over the life span are addressed.

Course Description

This course emphasizes the vital role school counselors play in helping students envision their post-secondary school careers. Theoretical models of career counseling are presented, as well as the development of comprehensive, holistic career development programs; career exploration strategies for PK-12 students; and the utilization of career selection tools and materials. Ethical and legal considerations are also explored, including special considerations for meeting the needs of specific populations within the PK-12 school settings. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

In this internship course, counseling interns engage in comprehensive work where they engage in direct service contact with students, families, and school personnel. The internship is performed under the supervision of a faculty member and a clinical site supervisor approved by the college or university. Documentation of 200 hours (80 of the 200 hours must be direct service) of school counseling related activities is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Counseling interns must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. SCITs may not progress to the SCN-615 School Counseling Internship II course without the required field experience hours submitted and successful completion of all course requirements in the SCN-605 School Counseling Internship I course. No practicum or internship courses may overlap or be taken concurrently. Practicum/field experience hours: 200. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: SCN-600; a GPA of 3.0 or better; maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million; and college approval.

Course Description

This course introduces research methods and basic statistical analysis, including the following: the importance of research, opportunities for research, and difficulties in conducting research. Research methods such as qualitative, quantitative, single-case designs, action research, and outcome-based research are addressed.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of current issues facing school counselors in the PK-12 setting. Strategies for addressing various problems are explored. Topics include bullying and violence prevention, supporting impoverished and marginalized students, and the increasing role of data and accountability in schools, among others. Candidates explore these present and pressing issues and determine their roles as responsive and flexible professionals in addressing issues as they occur. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of the theories related to child and adolescent development. Also covered are the variables that directly impact children and adolescents throughout their personal development. Students gain knowledge and understanding of childhood and adolescent disorders.

Course Description

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the developmental disabilities occurring in children and adolescents, as defined in the DSM. Students examine the following disorders and disabilities: specific language and learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing, and physiological developmental disorders, while learning assessments and measurements used in diagnosing. Students receive an overview of the neurological and cultural perspectives of developmental disabilities, and the unique needs of the families.

Course Description

In this internship course, counseling interns engage in comprehensive work where they engage in direct service contact with students, families, and school personnel. The internship is performed under the supervision of a faculty member and a clinical site supervisor approved by the college or university. Documentation of 200 hours (80 of the 200 hours must be direct service) of school counseling related activities is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Counseling interns must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. SCITs may not progress to the SCN-615 School Counseling Internship II course without the required field experience hours submitted and successful completion of all course requirements in the SCN-605 School Counseling Internship I course. No practicum or internship courses may overlap or be taken concurrently. Practicum/field experience hours: 200. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: SCN-605; a GPA of 3.0 or better; maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million; and college approval.

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of trauma related issues during childhood and adolescence. Students examine the various types of trauma, including neglect; physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse; family trauma; parental substance use; and domestic violence. Students learn assessment and treatment approaches designed for trauma occurring during childhood and adolescence.

Course Description

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of common disorders among children and adolescents, as defined in the DSM. Studies in this area include the following: disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, separation anxiety and selective mutism, trauma and stressor related disorders, PTSD, and adjustment disorders. Students also gain the knowledge and skills needed for treating these disorders.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of various tests and measurements commonly used in education. Beginning with basic statistical concepts, counseling interns explore how assessments can inform education and counseling practices. Topics cover aspects of creation, administration, and interpretation of various assessments in PK-12 setting, including discussions of standardized tests, intelligence and aptitude tests and college and career assessments. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

In this internship course, learners engage in comprehensive work where they have the opportunity to engage in direct service contact with students, families, and school personnel. The internship is performed under the supervision of a faculty member and a clinical site supervisor approved by the college or university. Documentation of 200 hours (80 of the 200 hours must be direct service) of school counseling related activities is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Candidates must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. The SCN-625 School Counseling Internship III course may not be taken until the SCIT has successfully completed SCN-600, SCN-605, and SCN-615. SCITs may not complete the school counseling program without the required field experience hours submitted and successful completion of all course requirements in the School Counseling Internship III course. No practicum or internship courses may overlap or be taken concurrently. Practicum/field experience hours: 200. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: SCN-615; a GPA of 3.0 or better; maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million; and college approval.

Program Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.