Nov 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

School Counseling, M.Ed.

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Minimum number of credits required to complete the program:  48

Minimum cumulative GPA required:  3.0

 

School: Graduate School of Counseling and Social Work  

Learn more about the program

 

The M.Ed. in School Counseling is a 48-credit program which 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. The ongoing, progressively intense field experience requirement is the hallmark of our program. Through 100 hours of pre-practicum and 500-1200 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 master’s in counseling or psychology have an option to enroll in our Post-Master’s School Social Work/School Adjustment Counseling certificate program.

Licensure

Merrimack College’s program is fully accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for licensure preparation in: 

  • School Counsel or PreK-12
  • School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker PreK-12

Students will select their focus area during practicum. This year long field experience will provide students with an opportunity to develop Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) competencies under the guidance of a professional licensed counselor. Students may elect to complete multiple license areas.

Program Requirements

The M.Ed. in School Counseling is a 48-credit program. Program integrating classroom and field work. Students have the option of taking additional coursework to achieve 60 graduate credits.

Required Foundation Courses

Complete the following six courses (22 credits) of required foundation courses:

Required Advanced Counseling Courses

Complete the following six courses (22 credits) of required advanced counseling courses:

Required Field Experience

All students will complete field work based on the area of licensure they are interested in. Students may elect to complete both license practicums with director approval (four credits). In order to qualify for the practicum, students must: successfully complete 24 credits in the School Counseling program, document 100 hours of pre-practicum field experience, and be in good academic standing in the graduate program (3.0 GPA).

Electives

School Counseling students may elect to take up to 12 credits beyond the required 48 credit master’s program. This will help advance students toward professional status once licensed as a counselor. Below is a sample of possible courses; please contact your advisor.

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