School Counseling Master's Program
Mission Statement:
The mission of the University of Utah's Department of Educational Psychology School Counseling Specialization is to prepare pre-service counselors for work and leadership roles in K-12 educational settings. It primarily serves post baccalaureate students in the State of Utah who want to prepare themselves to provide career, academic, and counseling services in the public schools.
About the School Counseling Master's PRogram:
The Master's degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Psychology with a Specialization in School Counseling requires a minimum of forty-eight (48) semester hours. (If students have worked three years as a licensed teacher, the credit requirement is reduced to forty-six (46) semester hours). This program is currently designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure from the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) as a Professional School Counselor. Students complete the coursework and fieldwork requirements within 2 years of beginning the program, depending on time commitment and their availability to participate in summer courses.
Courses required for completion of the School Counseling Specialization are not offered every semester. Consequently, students should work closely with their faculty advisors to plan schedules to minimize complications that could delay graduation. Students who have taken prior graduate coursework in areas related to this program should consult with their faculty advisor to determine if any modifications to their program of study are necessary.
Located in the largest metropolitan area in the intermountain West, the Educational Psychology School Counseling Specialization program at the University of Utah has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1933. NWCCU is a body that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The program is currently approved by the Utah State Office of Education for training school counselors. Graduates in our program meet the educational requirements of the State of Utah and are prepared to function effectively as school counselors within the Utah public school system that currently reflects a complex and diverse society.
The faculty that make up the School Counseling Specialization strive to provide theoretical and practical foundations in the following areas: foundational knowledge in counseling; counseling and career education for K-12 students; organization and administration of school counseling and guidance services; and the integration of professional and ethical practices in school counselor identity development.
Program Philosophy:
The program philosophy underscores the importance of a learning environment where the ability of every student is recognized and adheres to the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) ethical guidelines and standards. Through didactic and applied learning, students are instructed of the role and function of the public school system and school counselor. This includes a mandatory internship that occurs in a public school setting. Our program framework is consistent with the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs.
