School Counseling

Program Curriculum

• Learning Goals

  After completing the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of learning, behavioral, social, emotional and physical needs of diverse learners throughout the lifespan within a developmental framework using a biopsychosocial theoretical model;
  • Demonstrate ethical counseling skills and compliance with school laws and mandates;
  • Utilize evidence-based prevention and intervention practices in the domains of personal-social, academic, career and workplace;
  • Select and apply college and career counseling interventions based on theoretical models and state and national school counseling models;
  • Implement effective consultation and collaboration problem-solving skills in school, community and family contexts for academic and behavioral problems;
  • Integrate Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks with state and national models of comprehensive school counseling;
  • Communicate psychological and educational and statewide testing practices and results to teachers, students and parents;
  • Analyze research in the field and develop and conduct outcomes-based assessments;
  • Demonstrate a commitment to all students and families using counseling strategies that are culturally responsive;
  • Develop leadership skills and demonstrate strong communication skills within a learning community.
• Master of Arts in School Counseling - School Counseling Track

  Sample full-time course of study for school counseling track:

  YEAR 1 FULL TIME

  SUMMER

  SCP 510	Professional Orientation to Counseling	3 credits
  SCP 505	Fundamentals of School Counseling	3 credits
  SCP 540	Introduction to Research & Program Evaluation	3 credits
  SCP 545	Human Growth & Development through the Lifespan	3 credits

  FALL

  SCP 500	Pre-practicum in School Counseling	3 credits
  SCP 515	Counseling Theories, Principles, & Practices	3 credits
  SCP 520	Psychology of Learning & Motivation	3 credits
  SCP 610	Cultural Responsiveness in Counseling	3 credits

  SPRING

  SCP 535	Group Counseling & Leadership	3 credits
  SCP 560	Psychological & Educational Assessment	3 credits
  SCP 600	Family Counseling, Collaboration and Engagement	3 credits
  SCP 620	Vocational, Career & College Counseling	3 credits

  YEAR 2 FULL TIME

  SUMMER

  SCP 625	Neuropsychology of Learning & Behavior	3 credits
  SCP 640	Developmental Psychopathology	3 credits

  FALL

  SCP 635	Intervention Strategies: Academic and Learning	3 credits
  SCP 645	Consultation & Collaboration: School/Family/Community	3 credits
  SCP 710	Clinical Practicum in School Counseling (all levels)	3 credits

  SPRING

  SCP 630	Intervention Strategies: Social & Emotional	3 credits
  SCP 660	Behavioral Assessment and Intervention	3 credits
  SCP 810	Advanced Clinical Practicumin School Counseling (all levels)	3 credits

  Total Graduate Course Credits 60

• Master of Arts in School Counseling - School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers

  Sample full-time course of study for school social work/adjustment counseling track:

  YEAR 1 FULL TIME

  SUMMER

  SCP 510	Professional Orientation to Counseling	3 credits
  SCP 505	Fundamentals of School Counseling	3 credits
  SCP 540	Introduction to Research & Program Evaluation	3 credits
  SCP 545	Human Growth and Development	3 credits

  FALL

  SCP 500	Pre-practicum in School Counseling	3 credits
  SCP 515	Counseling Theories, Principles, & Practices	3 credits
  SCP 520	Psychology of Learning & Motivation	3 credits
  SCP 610	Cultural Responsiveness in Counseling	3 credits

  SPRING

  SCP 535	Group Counseling & Leadership	3 credits
  SCP 560	Psychological & Educational Assessment	3 credits
  SCP 600	Family Counseling, Collaboration and Engagement	3 credits
  SCP 670	Introduction to the Principles and Practices of School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers	3 credits

  YEAR 2 FULL TIME

  SUMMER

  SCP 625	Neuropsychology of Learning & Behavior	3 credits
  SCP 640	Developmental Psychopathology	3 credits

  FALL

  SCP 635	Intervention Strategies: Academic & Learning	3 credits
  SCP 675	Advanced Principles and Practices of School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers	3 credits
  SCP 775	Clinical Practicum in School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling	3 credits

  SPRING

  SCP 660	Behavioral Assessment and Intervention	3 credits
  SCP 630	Intervention Strategies: Social & Emotional	3 credits
  SCP 875	Advanced Clinical Practicum in School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers	3 credits

  Total Graduate Course Credits 60

• Comprehensive Examination

  All students must take and pass the comprehensive exam to complete the program. The comprehensive exam has a written and oral component and is scheduled during the last semester of a student’s program. The exam consists of four questions representing different domains of school counseling practice. Students utilize what they have learned in coursework and practicum experiences to synthesize and integrate theory, knowledge, and skills for professional practice. Students will be provided additional information about the comprehensive exam well in advance of exam administration.

• Pre-Practicum

  Students are required to complete a 3 credit pre-practicum course. Students will complete a pre-practicum in a school setting so that they have the opportunity to observe and understand youth. Pre-practicum also gives students the opportunities to become familiar with the multifacited role of school counselors and school adjustment counselors.

• Practicum

  Students are considered eligible for the practicum and are approved by their academic advisor.  A candidate’s eligibility for, and enrollment in, the practicum will be determined by the Director of the School Counseling program and the Practicum Coordinator based on:

  • A review of the student’s transcript.
  • Successful performance in required graduate courses; and
  • Evidence that the student attempted to pass the MTELs.

   

• Licensure

  Assumption University responds to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in all matters of educator licensure. Therefore, the University reserves the right to revise the admission criteria and requirements of its graduate program(s) leading to eligibility for support personnel licensure in compliance with the current state regulations. During their first semester, students seeking licensure as a School Counselor (All Levels) and School Adjustment Counselor (all levels) must meet with an academic advisor, who will help prepare their program plan.

  Upon successful completion of the Master’s Degree in School Counseling or School Adjustment Counseling, including the required Massachusetts-based practicum and licensing exams (MTEL, Praxis, etc.), you will have met the eligibility requirements for licensure in Massachusetts.

  Our program meets the educational requirements for licensure in Massachusetts. Please contact the School Counseling Program Director, Susan Scully at sscully@assumption.edu to discuss whether our program meets the licensure requirements to practice in another state.

• Licensure Requirements in Other States

  Assumption University’s School Counseling master’s degree program meets the requirements for licensure in the state of Massachusetts.  The University has not determined if the program meets licensure requirements in other states.

  Students who complete the master’s degree program are eligible for licensure reciprocity with states that are members of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Contract.  Please see the link below for more information about NASDTEC:
  https://www.nasdtec.net/page/interstate

  To determine if a particular state participates in the NASDTEC agreement please see:
  https://www.nasdtec.net/page/InterstateAgreements

  To review the certification requirements and contact information for each state’s department of education please see:
  https://www.schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/State-Requirements-Programs/State-Licensure-Requirements

  Licensure Requirements in Other States

• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.)

  Post-Master’s Degree Programs in School Counseling

  The School Counseling Program offers students with earned master’s degrees the opportunity to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS). A CAGS can enhance students’ knowledge and skill set leading to increased professional competence. A CAGS may also be pursued to complement current knowledge and skill sets allowing professionals to be more effective in their roles. CAGS programs in School Counseling typically consist of 7 courses and is based on students’ professional goals.

  The C.A.G.S. program provides several customized pathways for students to choose from:

  1. For professionals with an earned master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or closely related field, a focused School Counseling C.A.G.S. program that culminates in eligibility for endorsement for the initial license in School Counseling (All Levels) in Massachusetts.

  2. For professionals with an earned master’s degree in School Counseling, Social Work or closely related field, a focused School Counseling C.A.G.S. program that culminates in eligibility for endorsement for the initial license in School Adjustment Counseling/School Social Work (All Levels) in Massachusetts.

  School adjustment counseling/school social work is a specialized area of practice. School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers assist students with mental health issues, behavioral issues, positive behavioral supports, academic and classroom support. School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers collaborate and consult with teachers, parents, juvenile court system, child protective services and other community agencies. School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers also provide individual and group counseling. Individuals licensed as School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers significantly increase their opportunities for employment and advancement.

  3. For professionals with an earned master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Education or closely related field, a customized (minimum) 7 course School Counseling C.A.G.S. program tailored to the students’ professional interests.

  4. For professionals with an earned master’s degree in a helping, human service, counseling or education profession, a 6 course Resiliency for Helping Professionals C.A.G.S. is offered.

  Assumption also offers other C.A.G.S. programs to benefit school counselors such as Transition Specialist, Special Ops: Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF), and Rehabilitation Counseling. Students may choose to pursue one of these options or choose courses from these programs to customize a C.A.G.S.

  IMPORTANT: Students who have applied to any C.A.G.S. programs are invited to contact the School Counseling Program Director or designated program faculty to conduct a transcript review and draft an initial program of study. C.A.G.S. programs may vary with respect to credit hours and required practicum hours based on this transcript review.

• Course Format

  Courses are offered all three semesters: fall, spring and summer. Courses meet once a week in the late afternoon or evening and are typically offered Monday-Thursday.

  The program is operating in a fully remote format with synchronous Zoom class sessions combined with periodic asynchronous class lessons.

• Course Descriptions
  Course Descriptions
• Upcoming Course Offerings
  Upcoming Course Offerings
• FAQs

  How many credits is the School Counseling program?
  The School Counseling program is a 60-credit program.

  What is the cost of the program?
  You can find current cost per credit and fee information on our website at www.assumption.edu/gradfinaid.

  Do you have both full-time and part-time options?
  Yes, students can take our program full-time or part-time.

  What is the average length of time to complete the program?
  Our program can be completed in two years (including two summer semesters) full-time.

  What is a typical class size?
  Practicum Seminars typically have 6-10 students; other classes range from 10-22 students.

  How many classes do students take per semester?
  Part-time students take 1-2 classes per semester. Full-time students take 3+ courses. It is important to know that in order to be eligible for Federal Financial Aid in the form of student loans, student’s must be enrolled in at least 2 graduate courses (6 credits) per semester.

  Are courses held online or on campus? 
  The program is operating in a fully remote format with synchronous Zoom class sessions combined with asynchronous class lessons.

  What time and how often do courses meet?
  Courses meet Monday – Thursday once weekly in the late day or evenings.

  When do I need to decide if I want to pursue the School Counseling or School Adjustment/Social Worker track?
  Full-time students must decide by their 3rd semester in the program and part-time students must decide by their 5th or 6th semester.

  When does the pre-practicum and practicum start and what support is offered in finding a placement site?
  Pre-Practicum occurs during the first or second semester for full-time students and the fourth or fifth semester for part-time students. Students are given the support they need to find sites. Many students are already working in schools and prefer to complete their hours and assignments in those schools. If students need guidance and support to find placements it will be provided.

  Practicum begins in the fourth of fifth semester for full-time students and in the sixth or seventh semester for most part-time students. Many students are already working in schools and prefer to complete their hours and assignments in those schools. If students need guidance and support to find placements it will be provided.

  What are the requirements for pre-practicum and practicum? 
  The pre-practicum is 100 hours over the course of a semester. The School Counseling Practicum is 600 hours and the School Adjustment Counseling/School Social Work Practicum is 900 hours over two semesters.

  Can I do my practicum at the place where I work? 
  Yes, but you may not be able to do the practicum in your job. The practicum is specific to the role and function of the school counselor or school adjustment counselor.

  Can you complete the practicum while working full-time? 
  This is very hard to do. If you are in the School Counselor track completing 600 hours over two semesters you may be able to manage a full time job but the School Adjustment Counselor practicum requires many more hours therefore making it difficult to work full time. The practicum hours are completed during school hours. The School Counselor practicum requires 3 full days per week in a school and the School Adjustment Counselor practicum requires 5 full days per week in a school.

  Do I have to take the MTEL before I am admitted into the program?
  No, you don’t have to take the MTEL prior to enrolling in the program. It is a good idea to do so but it is not required.

  Do you offer preparation for the MTEL exam? 
  Yes, every Fall and Spring we offer a workshop that is free to students in the program.

  What are the start terms for the program?
  The program begins in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

  What are the deadlines to apply?
  Application deadlines will vary by program and can be found on the upper left column on the main program page.

  Do applicants need to take the GMAT/GRE to apply to a graduate program?
  We do not require the GRE/GMAT. Our applications are reviewed more holistically focusing on an applicant’s academic transcript, letters of recommendation and personal statement.

  Do you offer financial aid to graduate students?
  Federal Financial Aid is offered in the form of unsubsidized student loans. Student’s must be enrolled in a minimum of two courses per semester to be eligible.

  Is your program state approved?
  The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has granted Assumption’s School Counseling program “Approval with Distinction.” This is the highest level of approval awarded by the Department, and Assumption is just one of three schools in Massachusetts to receive this prestigious designation.

  What are the GPA/application requirements?
  A 3.0 GPA is preferred. However, in a holistic review,  along with your official transcript, all application materials are considered including two professional letters of recommendation, personal statement and resume. After a thorough review of application materials, suitable candidates will be invited to the interview portion of the application process.

  How long does it take to receive a decision after applying?
  Typically within a few weeks after application completion, applicants who have been determined to be suitable candidates will be invited for an admissions interview. Shortly after the interview, an admission decision will be made. This is an approximate time and may vary.

• Why Become a School Counselor?
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