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 University, contact us today.