Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 48
Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 3.0
Program Director: Christine Shaw, Ph.D.
The M.Ed. in School Counseling program prepares candidates for rewarding careers in school-or community-based counseling, college readiness, career guidance, or transitional services.
The program offers an accessible yet rigorous curriculum aligned with Massachusetts licensure requirements and the American School Counselors Association standards.
Built on a foundation of theoretical understanding, the program progresses to a predominantly field-based experience. Students will complete 44 credit hours of classroom-based learning and 575 hours of field experience (4 credits). The ongoing, progressively intense field experience requirement is the hallmark of our program. Through 75 hours of pre-practicum and 500 hours of field experience in schools and community-based organizations, students will develop a valuable, more holistic understanding of the school counseling profession.
Full-time students can complete our program in two years taking three courses per semester and completing the full practicum in year two along with corresponding upper level courses. Part-time students can complete our program in three or more years. Both options will require a full year school based field experience if desiring license in Massachusetts. Individuals holding a current Masters in counseling or psychology may be able to customize a license only option.
The M.Ed. in School Counseling is a 48-credit program.
School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling
Students may elect to focus primarily on the school social work/adjustment counseling license area as part of their masters in school counseling. This option requires additional course work and a 900 hour practicum experience. Students electing this option will take additional courses in Trauma informed counseling, advanced topics in counseling and child law, mental health first aid and juvenile justice.
Advanced Graduate Certificate
Merrimack offers an advanced graduate certificate in School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling, a one year, 16-credit option completed after the masters. The coursework is paired with a 900/700 hour field experience and culminates with a capstone school-based action research project. Completers of this program will have a strong understanding of how to support all youth in their social development, emotional competency, and mental health and wellness. Students may continue their studies after completing the school counseling requirements as a post masters student. Candidates who already hold a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling or Social Work are eligible for this option in addition to Masters of School Counseling graduates.
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