School Counseling, MEd (online)
* If you are applying to the online version of the program, please be aware that your start term should be summer (e.g. Summer 2012). If you put start term fall (e.g. Fall 2012), you will be taking summer courses as a non-degree student which means you will not be eligible for financial aid until the fall semester. The starting term and program cannot be changed once you submit the application. Thank you.
** The School Counseling program uses a cohort model thus we require all on-line students to attend on a full-time basis (9 credits per semester). We offer a part-time option for on-campus students only.
Master of Education in School Counseling
The Department of Counseling and School Psychology offers a primarily online Master’s of Education degree in School Counseling to international and US students. It is a 60-credit degree which meets the academic requirements for licensure as a School Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for those students who complete an approved field placement in the US under appropriate supervision. Students complete a series of general counseling courses and courses specific to school counseling. In addition, students complete field experiences in school settings through the practicum and internship. The field experiences may be completed in local schools where students reside, and they must be supervised via an approved site supervisor and via weekly online chat sessions.
Program Coordinator:
Laura Hayden: laura.hayden@umb.edu
Plan of Study
Two weeks of on campus study are required to complete two clinical courses. The remaining coursework is completed online. The clinical courses are taught during the first summer of the program over a two week period, and students must be present at UMass Dartmouth to complete this work. Typically, the clinical courses are held from the last week of June through the first week of July. Housing is available at a reasonable rate (housing information will be provided by the program upon request). The class will be a cohort of students from Massachusetts, other states, and international locations, and the program requires that all students in this cohort participate and follow the program of study exactly.
Summer - Year One
COUNSL606 Ethical Standards and Professional Practices
COUNSL614 Counseling Theory and Practice I (on campus)
COUNSL650 Group Counseling for Children & Adolescents (on campus)
Fall - Year One
COUNSL601 Research and Evaluation in Psychology
COUNSL608 Abnormal Psychology
COUNSL630 Orientation to Professional School Counseling
Spring - Year One
COUNSL617 Child and Adolescent Counseling
COUNSL632 Collaborative Consultation in Schools
COUNSL653 Perspectives in Cross-Cultural Counseling
COUNSL688 Practicum in School Counseling
Summer - Year Two
COUNSL602 Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disabilities
COUNSL613 Vocational Development and Career Information
COUNSL620 Clinical Application of Human Development
Fall - Year Two
COUNSL605 Principles of Vocational, Educational, and Psychological Assessment
COUNSL622 Family Therapy Theories
COUNSL698 Internship in School Counseling
Spring - Year Two
COUNSL635 Behavioral Counseling
COUNSL698 Internship in School Counseling
Admissions Requirements
• A completed Graduate Application form (pdf).
• An official transcript from each institution attended (both graduate and undergraduate).
• Undergraduate transcript with at least a 3.0 cumulative average.
• Bachelor’s degree equivalent to U.S. bachelor’s degree (a 3-year bachelor’s degree plus a two-year master’s is also accepted or students can complete additional undergraduate courses).
• A minimum of five undergraduate social science courses (recommended).
• The Graduate Record Exam. In addition, school counseling students (who are MA residents) must pass the literacy portion of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to beginning their Internship year.
• International students must submit scores for the TOEFL or IELTS.
• Three strong letters of recommendation indicating the applicant’s ability to work well with others.
• A two-part statement of interests and intent. The first part (300 words) provides the applicant’s reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study; the second part (at least 1,200 words) describes the applicant’s interests and work he or she would like to do in the field. In addition, please address your interest in pursuing online learning.
• At least one year of paid or volunteer work in a school or equivalent setting (recommended).
• To be considered for the school counseling online program, applicants must reside 50 miles or greater from the Boston campus.
For more details on admissions requirements, please refer to the instructions in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditation does the university and program have?
The university is accredited through NEASC (New England Association for Schools and Colleges).
How many credits are required to complete the master’s degree?
60 credits
How much does each course cost?
Check our credit course fee page at uc.umb.edu/moreinfo/registration/fees/
Are there any additional costs?
Every online student pays a one-time "travel fee" that helps the department maintain a fund that enables internship and department faculty to travel to internship sites if necessary. This fee is assessed during the internship year. Most internship sites do not require a visit; but if they do, our fund will sponsor the professor’s travel.
Is there an on campus requirement?
Yes, students must attend a two-week session during the first summer, during which time they complete two courses. The sessions are held at UMass Dartmouth. Housing is available at a reasonable rate. For Summer 2012, the two-week session will be held from July 1st to July 13th.
Will the program lead to certification/licensure?
Our program is designed to fulfill the academic requirements for certification in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a School Counselor. Students living outside of Massachusetts should check their state’s certification/licensure requirements.
How many courses will be offered online?
Except for the two courses taken in the first summer semester, all other courses are offered online.
Can I complete my practicum and internship close to my residence, even out of state?
Yes, students are able to complete the practicum and internship close to their residence.
What is the format for the courses? Are they offered as correspondence courses?
No, faculty requires regular contact through weekly verbal chat sessions which are generally offered in the evenings (Eastern Standard Time).
What are the computer requirements and internet connection requirements for participation?
Check with the UC website for computer requirements and internet connection requirements at uc.umb.edu/dl/
Will my degree show I have taken these courses online?
Transcripts will reflect that you have completed coursework in counseling, but no indication of the instructional format will be indicated.
How will I get to know my colleagues, other students?
The intensive two-week session in the first summer is designed to foster communication and feelings of connectedness to other students. Also, the program is conducted as a cohort so students will know each other well.
Can I receive financial aid in this program?
Yes, financial aid may be available to students. For more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office or visit http://www.umb.edu/admissions/financial_aid_scholarships/
For questions about admissions, please email: Dan Tores at Medcounseling@umb.edu indicating your interest in "School Counseling" in the subject line.
