Master of Arts (M.a.)

School Counseling

with K-12 Counseling Endorsement

Online 51 credits * 3 years

Affordable Tuition

$312/mo

*if using financial aid

How to Pay

Program Highlights & Benefits

Online cohort format

3 year or less completion time, including holiday breaks

One course completed every 8 weeks

Transfer credits considered

Program Overview

The School Counseling program is carefully designed to prepare candidates for work as school counselors in elementary, middle and high school settings. Specifically, the School Counseling program offers training in providing individual and group work as well as development and refinement of individual skills in both public and private schools. The program of study meets certification requirements of the state of Illinois. Upon completion of the program, candidates are eligible to apply for the Illinois Professional Educator’s License: School Service Personnel Endorsement K-12 (formerly Type 73). Courses also allow the candidate to apply for the exam sponsored by the Illinois Department of Professional Resources for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). 

Program Objectives

  • Have a full understanding of the ASCA national model and its implementation in school counseling programs through developmental classroom leadership and responsive services, providing prevention and intervention services to the entire student population;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and skills in individual and group counseling services for students in school settings;
  • Exhibit knowledge of and skills in consultation services for teachers, parents and administrators and to coordinate counseling interventions with other professionals;
  • Assume a leadership role in the schools, focusing on the academic, career and personal/social development of every student;
  • Coordinate testing and assessment in schools, analyzing disaggregated data to identify and advocate for underserved populations;
  • Establish clear and appropriate professional identities as school counselors.

Areas of Study

Track One: Program requirements for individuals possessing a valid Illinois Educator’s License (PEL)

  • Prerequisite of 12 earned credits in psychology and/or sociology (C or better)
  • Must hold a standard educator’s license (PEL)
  • Completion of the School Counseling program coursework
  • Completion of the Master’s Capstone Experience
Course NumberTitleHours
CED-6005Fundamentals of School Counseling3
CED-6010Counseling Theory And Practice3
CED-6015Counseling Intervention and Techniques3
CED-6240Group Work in Schools3
CED-6260Career Counseling and Education3
CED-6035Counseling and Human Development3
CMHC-6420Substance/Alcohol Use & Therapy3
CMHC-6040Applied Diagnosis for Counselors3
CED-6055Multicultural Counseling3
CED-6210School Counseling Program Dev and Organization3
CED-6220Counseling and Consulting in Schools3
CED-6230Evaluation and Research for Counselors3
CED-6250Fundamentals of Assessment3
CMHC- 6550Family Systems Theory and Practice3
CED-6920Practicum: School Counseling3
CED-6928Internship I: School Counseling (300 Hours)3
CED-6929Internship II: School Counseling (300 Hours)3
 Total Credit Hours:51

Track Two (57 Credit Hours): Program Requirements for individuals without a valid Illinois Educator’s License (PEL)

  • Prerequisite of 12 earned credits in psychology and/or sociology (C or better)
  • Completion of the School Counseling program coursework
  • Completion of the Master’s Capstone Experience
  • Completion of the following two courses with demonstrated competencies. These courses are required, in addition to the 51 hour portion of the program, and must be completed before taking practicum and/or internship:
    • CED 6890 Reading Methods and Bilingual Education
    • SPED 6425 Psychology & methods of Teach Exp. Learner
Master's Capstone Experience

All students in Concordia’s school counseling program will complete a written portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of work that demonstrates growth toward, and understanding of professional standards. During the practicum portion of the program, students will construct a comprehensive developmental program that could be implemented and will increase student’s success in multiple domains. The portfolio developed should be something which students can use in their future career as a school counselor.

NOTE: This is only an introduction of the program. You are responsible to review the Graduate Catalog for program details.