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Master of Arts in Education | School Counseling | Graduate Degree Program

Master of Arts in Education | School Counseling

Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling

Ottawa University’s Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling (MAE-SC) degree helps you gain the skills needed to guide students through their formative education years. The MAE-SC program prepares candidates to plan, develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs that are culturally sensitive while promoting the career, personal, social and academic development of children and adolescents.

The curriculum provides in-depth, realistic strategies for working with students in a dynamic school and community environment. Early intervention and team consultation methods help you make a difference in the lives of students. The graduate program in School Counseling prepares candidates to work as competent, responsible and ethical professionals in school settings. The master’s degree program promotes a theory-to-application approach in understanding life span development resulting in K-12 student learning and career development.

Students are required to complete the mandatory credit hours and hours of practicums and/or internships in a school setting. Counselor education coursework explores subjects such as group counseling and dynamics, life planning and career development in counseling, trauma informed care in education, and more addressed. The program is state approved in Arizona and Kansas, and the program is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The requirements outlined meet licensure standards for the state of Arizona. Completion of this program does not guarantee licensure or certification in other states populations.

Degree Outcomes

Upon completion of our school counseling specialization and school counseling programs, you will have developed the skills and knowledge necessary to:

  • Measure the effectiveness of school curricula, programs, services and activities
  • Assume leadership positions in education
  • Improve your teaching abilities
  • Create a more well-rounded learning experience
  • Encourage communities and schools to focus on educational improvements
    Prepare for changes in the education industry
  • Continue growing professionally

Important note: This program completion is designed to meet the school counseling requirements for certification in Arizona. In Arizona, neither teaching experience nor teacher certification is required to be a school counselor.

Career Outlook for the MAE-SC Degree

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 8 percent through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing school enrollment is expected to lead to employment growth of these workers. The median annual wage for school and career counselors was $57,040 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $96,090.

Most school counselors need a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors positions.

The MAE-SC in Perspective

It has been widely understood that if the United States of America expects greater returns on its investments in education, we are going to need to put highly qualified, innovative minds in teaching and administrative positions. A Master of Arts in Education is a prerequisite for many education positions and is recognized by school districts as a valuable credential. A master’s degree in education gives educators the knowledge and skills to inspire and encourage a love of learning and the techniques to handle diverse classrooms and learning styles. Master’s degree programs in education prepare educators to utilize high-level teaching methodologies and provide the tools to make work in the field of education more effective and efficient.

For curriculum and course descriptions, download a program overview.

If you’re interested in earning your master's degree in education with a specialization in school counseling at Ottawa Universitycontact us today.

Education | School Counseling is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Surprise, AZ (Residential Campus)
  • Overland Park, Kansas
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Online

Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling Courses

Foundation Courses

Counseling & the Helping Professions |  
Examines the counseling process, instruction and practice in communication skills in counseling, history, development, and practice of counseling as a profession,and how and where counseling is provided.

Research: Assessment and Evaluation |  
Develop conceptual and analytical skills and knowledge to assess organizational needs and program effectiveness through the use of research methodologies.

Theories of Trauma, Grief, and Loss |  
Examination of the dynamics of grief, loss, and trauma and the role of the counselor in elementary, secondary, and community college settings in supporting students who have experienced loss or trauma.

School Counseling in Changing Environments |  
Examination of the role of the counselor in elementary, secondary and community college settings including counselor, advisor, educator, advocate and consultant. Study of exemplary models of school counseling programs effective with diverse and changing populations.

Master's Research Project |  
Prepare major culminating scholarly project directly relevant to the program of study. Approved project proposal required.


Concentration Courses

Social/Cultural Concerns in Counseling |  
Study of social, cultural and gender differences and issues related to counseling clients with various backgrounds, beliefs and concerns. Includes multicultural counseling techniques.

Life Planning & Career Development in School Counseling |  
Focus on tools and techniques used in life planning and career development for elementary and high school students.

Group Counseling & Dynamics |   
Study of theories of group counseling and techniques of observation, assessment and leadership in therapeutic groups.

Professional and Ethical Issues of School Counselors |  
Study of the ethical, legal and professional concerns of school counselors and preparation for the school practicum.

Designing and Leading CCBP |  
This source examines several aspects of the school reform movement, including an in-depth look at the criticism of school counseling programs. Students will study the implications for the Comprehensive School Counseling Programs by focusing on the models that may be used to design and implement school counseling programs. The course will focus on The Comprehensive School Counseling Model and the ASCA National Model. Students will learn how to organize comprehensive school programs and address the process of redesigning school counseling programs.

Practicum in School Counseling |  
Individually designed course offering opportunity to practice individual and group counseling under professional supervision in an appropriate level school setting. Approved written proposal required.

Practicum in School Counseling II |  
Individually-designed course offering opportunity to practice individual and group counseling under professional supervision in an appropriate school setting.  Prerequisite: EDC 8463 School Counseling Practicum I.

Additional state-specific components many be required. Contact your advisor for details.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

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