Help Support Pre-K-12 Students Through Informed Guidance and Counseling
The Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling degree program at Grand Canyon University offers individuals with a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to seek certification and pursue a career as a school counselor. This master’s degree leads to initial licensure and serves as the next step for professional growth in two fields — education and counseling.
As a future school counselor, you may choose to obtain a master’s in school counseling to enjoy opportunities to expand your knowledge base and advance your skill set to become an advocate for pre-K-12 students. Throughout their school years, students may encounter challenging circumstances such as bullying, drug use, homelessness and poverty, social development, mental health concerns and instances of violence/trauma. This program is designed to equip you to empower students to tackle a myriad of challenges so they can live up to their full academic and personal potential.
Locations
Tuition Rate
Online: $605 per credit [More Info]
Transfer Credits
The coursework in this program is non-transferable from other institutions.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Or Passing Test Scores:
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Benefits of GCU's Master’s Degree in School Counseling
Pursuing a graduate degree in counseling can equip you with the skills to intervene and provide support for children and adolescents facing difficult school-related and personal issues. Additionally, you will receive training on effectively collaborating with parents, guardians and school personnel with an eye toward cultivating a school environment that meets the unique needs of your students.
As a Christian university, GCU designs programs with a faith-integrated curriculum that reflects the university’s Christian worldview. At GCU, you have the opportunity to develop into more than a school counselor — you can grow into a compassionate servant leader with strong ethics and morals that can help make a positive difference in the lives of children.
Earn Your Master’s Online
This master’s in school counseling online program is designed to offer flexibility while supporting a collaborative learning environment. Throughout the program, you will study under knowledgeable faculty and counseling professionals and have the opportunity to network with peers.
The courses in this initial licensure counseling degree program are offered online. In-person practicum internship hours are also required to meet the necessary field experience for Arizona licensure and the completion of this master’s program.
Program Requirements
As a graduate student at GCU, you must have access to pre-approved pre-K-12 schools to complete program requirements. This program includes 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours for a total of 700 hours of experiential education.1 Learn more about graduate admissions requirements.
Graduate Admissions RequirementsExamine Advanced Competencies and Skills Needed for School Counseling
Upon completing the master’s degree in school counseling, you will be expected to have the necessary tools to help struggling young learners overcome obstacles while they prepare for the next step in their educational journey.
Continuing education provides aspiring school counselors with opportunities to:
- Strategize ways to foster personal growth
- Identify risks that lead to mental health and behavioral disorders
- Lead in data-informed decision-making and school counseling program development
- Examine how various non-academic problems affect achievement in the classroom
- Address challenges experienced by children and adolescents, such as academic, social and emotional difficulties, low self-esteem and issues they may be experiencing at home
Career Paths for Master’s in School Counseling Graduates
This degree program is designed to equip you with the career readiness to advocate for students’ well-being and create a supportive learning environment, helping them navigate academic, social and emotional challenges.
This online master’s in school counseling program was developed to instill a firm academic foundation of school counseling competencies, with an eye toward modern challenges in school environments. With a solid framework of school counseling competencies, you may consider pursuing various careers in education, such as that of a:
38%
Percentage of teaching professionals employed by state, local and private universities, colleges, junior colleges and professional schools
48%
Percentage of teaching professionals employed by elementary and secondary schools, both public and private
Accreditation
Earn a Master of Education From an Accredited University
The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968, demonstrating our commitment to our students and the quality of our programs. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
This graduate degree is informed by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model to support growth in academic achievement, career and social-emotional development. GCU’s school counseling program fosters the development of school counselors in training to advocate for models of school-based collaboration with school stakeholders.
The curriculum for this program is:
- Institutionally accredited
- Approved by the Arizona State Board of Education and informed by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model
- Tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner with a strength-based approach
- Facilitated by industry experts with experience and knowledge in child and adolescent development, counseling theory, group and individual counseling, college and career counseling, as well as trauma and psychopathology
MEd in School Counseling FAQs
If you want to learn more about earning your Master of Education in School Counseling, take a look at our responses to a few common questions about this degree and career field.
Course List
Credit Summary
Major60 Credits
Degree Requirements60 Credits
Core Courses
SCN-501
3 Total Credits
Introduction to Graduate Studies and Foundations of School Counseling
CNL-505
3 Total Credits
Professional Counseling, Ethical, and Legal Considerations
CNL-500
3 Total Credits
Theories and Models of Counseling
CNL-515
3 Total Credits
Counseling Skills
CNL-509
3 Total Credits
Counseling the Culturally Diverse
SCN-505
3 Total Credits
Organization and Administration of a School Counseling Program
SCN-600
3 Total Credits
School Counseling Practicum
CNL-520
3 Total Credits
Group Counseling
CNL-518
3 Total Credits
Lifespan and Development
SCN-510
3 Total Credits
Counseling for College and Career
SCN-605
3 Total Credits
School Counseling Internship I
CNL-540
3 Total Credits
Research Methods and Program Evaluation
SCN-610
3 Total Credits
Contemporary Issues in School Counseling
PCN-670
3 Total Credits
Development through Childhood and Adolescence
PCN-673
3 Total Credits
Developmental Disabilities
SCN-615
3 Total Credits
School Counseling Internship II
PCN-672
3 Total Credits
Childhood and Adolescent Trauma
PCN-671
3 Total Credits
Psychopathology and Treatment of Children and Adolescents
SCN-620
3 Total Credits
Educational Tests and Measurements
SCN-625
3 Total Credits
School Counseling Internship III
Empower Students. Shape Futures.
Apply for enrollment in GCU’s online graduate degree in school counseling today.