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 Masters in School Counseling is a 48-credit program.
Admission Requirements
- Merrimack College application
- Official copy of all college transcripts, including any graduate courses completed at another institution. A Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, Psychology, or related major is required. Individuals with other majors may request a transcript audit to determine if their course work meets the minimum course content in: Introduction to human development or psychology; Human behavior; Developmental psychology (Ex. child development, adolescent development, lifespan); and Research or statistics.
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation that speak to your capacity for leadership, professionalism, and ability to succeed in the graduate program. Letters should be on letterhead, signed by the recommender, and in PDF format.
- Personal statement (500-1000 words) that speaks to your interest in pursuing a career in school counseling.
- Possible interview with the program director.
- Evidence of passing the Communications & Literacy (01) MTEL
Program Requirements
Foundation Courses (12 credits)
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SC5010G
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Foundations of School Counseling (including pre-practicum)
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4
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CMH500G
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Counseling Theory
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4
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SC5020G
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Culture and Diversity in Counseling (optional pre-practicum)
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4
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Advanced Counseling Courses (12 credits)
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SC5030G
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Advanced Learning of Psychology and Assessment
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4
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SC5040G
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Human Development and Addiction
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2
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CMH501G
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Psychopathology
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4
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CMH503G
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Group Counseling
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2
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Education Courses (12 credits) Students may substitute other related courses with program director approval.
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ED5000G
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Critical Issues in Education
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4
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ED5710G
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Challenges in Learning and Development
(pre-practicum option)
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4
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ED582G
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Sheltered English Instruction
(pre-practicum option)
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4
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Field Experience and Advanced School Counseling Courses (12 credits)
In order to qualify for the practicum, students must:
- Successfully complete 36 credits in the School Counseling program
- Complete a practicum application
- Document 75 hours of pre-practicum field experience
- Be in good academic standing in the graduate program (3.0 GPA)
Practicum I and co-requisite:
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SC6010G
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Career and College Counseling and Development
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4
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SC6020G
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Practicum I (250 hours)
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2
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Practicum II and co-requisite:
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SC6030G
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Research and Leadership in Counseling
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4
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SC6040G
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Practicum II (250 hours)
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2
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As part of the Research and Leadership in Counseling course students will develop and defend their portfolio for graduation.