HongKongDoll

Elementary and Secondary School Counseling (non-certification)

Master of Education

The non-certification program in School Counseling is designed for those who want to work with children and youth in positions that do not require state licensure/certification as a school counselor, or who may want to enter a school counselor licensure/certification program at a later date, or who may want to gain a strong general foundation in areas such as counseling theory, child development, and education best practices in preparation for a variety of other occupations and career paths.

Program Purpose

Program Purpose

The Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling non-certification program prepares candidates to address the academic, career, and social/emotional, developmental needs of children and youth. This graduate program is aligned with the philosophy and vision of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, the ASCA Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs, the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. These standards emphasize training in the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program promoting leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change to enhance student achievement and success.

Outcomes Assessment

The assessment of outcomes involves multiple measures throughout the program. Grades on assignments and for courses are the first level of assessment. Course goals, learning outcomes, assignments, and assessments are designed to address program competencies as well as graduation competencies. Other measures may include observation of candidate performance in authentic or simulated settings, surveys, and performance assessments. 

Dispositions and Skills

Counselor dispositions and skills are assessed throughout the program to ensure candidates are prepared to effectively work with children and youth.  MEC instructors assess candidates based on five specific areas: academic performance, intrapersonal factors, interpersonal relationships, and professional behavior.  This comprehensive evaluation process enables candidates to receive mentoring and coaching to foster growth necessary for success as a school counselor.

Program Competencies

Program competencies, the ASCA Professional Standards and Competencies and the ASCA Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs (ASCA, 2019), are implemented and assessed throughout the program. Both sets of ASCA standards and competencies outline the mindsets, behaviors, and skills school counselors need to meet the demands of the school counseling profession. The MEC program implements and assesses ASCA mindsets and behaviors to ensure aspiring school counselors are equipped in establishing, maintaining, and enhancing school counseling programs that address academic achievement, career planning, and social/emotional well-being. The standards and competencies can be accessed in their entirety through the ASCA website.

Program Design

The non-certification program of the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling curriculum is designed on a three-tiered system focusing on various competencies and skills The curriculum for the program is designed on a three-tiered system focusing on various competencies and skills.  Level 1 courses provide content knowledge which establishes the foundation for counseling skill development in Level 2 courses. Levels 1 and 2 provide the necessary competencies and skills to move to level three and a 200 hour practicum experience. Two level 1 courses, and all level 2 and 3 courses are online live (OLL) requiring a three hour virtual meeting weekly on a day or time of the candidates’ choosing. 

Program Requirements

 Completion of the school counseling non-certification degree includes successful completion of the courses within Levels 1 and 2, one elective, and a 200-hour practicum. EDU 6102, E-Folio is a pre-requisite for all MEC courses. MEC 6400 and/or MEC 6402 are required to be taken you first semester in the program and are pre-requisites to remaining Level 1 course. Level 1 courses must be completed prior to Level 2; Level 2 courses must be completed prior to Level 3. Twenty-one (21) semester credits in counseling theories and program orientation (OLL), human behavior, college and career readiness, school counseling ethics (OLL), measurement and accountability, consultation (OLL), and working with special needs populations are required in Level 1. The minimum passing grade of a C or higher is expected for each Level 1 course; however, a candidate must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to gain access to Level 2 courses. Twelve (12) semester credits in individual counseling, family counseling, and group counseling strategies and techniques are required in Level 2. All level two courses are an OLL format the minimum passing grade of a B or higher is expected for all Level 2 courses. The minimum passing grade of a B or higher is required for Level practicum course. All degree-seeking candidates in the MEC program are required to demonstrate graduation and program competencies by engaging in a prescribed variety of related counseling activities.

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete the 11 academic courses below in appropriate sequence to meet prerequisite requirements and a supervised non-certification 200-hour practicum:

Level 1 Coursework

E-Folio

Introduction to School Counseling & Theories

Human Behavior and Child Development

Ethical Issues in School Counseling

College & Career Readiness K-12

The Counselor as Consultant

Special Education Law and the School Counselor's Role

Testing, Measurements, and Research in School Counseling

Level 2 Coursework

Level 2 Coursework

Group Counseling

Individual Counseling Skills and Strategies

Family Counseling

Level 3 Clinical Experience

Non-Certification Supervised Counseling Practicum

AND

Classification of Psychopathology

OR

Introduction to Drug/Alcohol Counseling

OR

Multicultural Counseling

OR

Research Methods, Statistics, and Accountability in School Counseling

OR

an MEC seminar to be approved by the Program Chair

Qualifications for Degree

To qualify for the non-certification degree program in school counseling, a candidate must successfully complete all 39 credit hours, a 200-hour non-certification practicum, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. The program must be completed within five years.

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.