Graduate

School Counseling

Preparing culturally competent school counselors to lead comprehensive programs that promote and enhance student academic, social and emotional success.

School Counseling Program

Program Tracks Available

On campus, Blended (online/on campus)

Admission Deadline

Fall (August start): Rolling (Masters – part-time only)
Spring (January start): Rolling (C.A.G.S. only)
Summer: Rolling

Degrees Offered

M.A., C.A.G.S.

Department

Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, Psychology

Program Overview
The Master of Arts in School Counseling prepares students to become School Counselors licensed as either Guidance Counselors (Pre K-Grade 8 or Grades 5-12) or School Social Workers/Adjustment Counselors (All Levels). The role of the school counselor is dynamic as it provides critical support to students, parents, administrators, teachers, staff and community service providers. The School Counseling Program trains the future counselor to work with children and adolescents across academic, career, and social-emotional domains. Students learn to collaborate with all stakeholders to support academic and social success and to apply evidenced-based practice for comprehensive school counseling programs. Students are prepared to engage in prevention and intervention planning as well as program evaluation to meet individual student and school-level needs expected as a school counselor.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved Assumption College’s graduate program in School Counseling to issue endorsement for the Initial License as a school guidance counselor (Pre-8 or 5-12) and the Initial License for School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor (All Levels). Students who complete the approved program are also eligible for licensure reciprocity with states that are members of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Contract. Consistent with the National Board Certified School Counselor standards, students will complete a rigorous counselor training program that includes a supervised clinical practicum experience in a public elementary and/or secondary school. Completion of the program will deem students eligible for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) should they wish to pursue this credential.

The graduate program in School Counseling at Assumption College includes the following features:
- A strengths-based curriculum that emphasizes culturally responsive, evidence-based counseling interventions with a focus on educational policy, leadership, child advocacy, and social justice
- A collaborative learning environment that facilitates interaction and teamwork thus preparing students for success in school systems where being a team player is a critical characteristic for effectiveness
- Faculty with experience in the school setting providing effective counseling and intervention to meet the needs of a diverse student population
- Class schedules with flexibility to accommodate the schedules of those students who wish to pursue the program full- or part-time (face-to-face, online, hybrid class options)
- Small class sizes that encourage greater interaction with faculty and other graduate students
- Pre-practicum and practicum placements in urban and suburban school settings exclusively in Massachusetts
- Rigorous, current curriculum that addresses national and state models/standards
- Access to current and cutting-edge workshops geared toward professional development of School Counselors, Adjustment Counselors, Social Workers and other counseling professionals through the Institute for School Counseling and School Psychology
- An approved program by the Massachusetts Department of Education to license school guidance counselors (Initial Licensure Pre K–8 or 5-12) and School Social Workers/Adjustment Counselors (Initial Licensure All Levels)
- Competitive tuition rates
As a graduate of the School Counseling program at Assumption College, you will be positioned to assume a professional role in a school setting where you will impact the lives of children and adolescents.

Program Contact

Susan M. Cahill

Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment

book an Appointment

508-767-7365 sm.cahill@assumption.edu Admissions House - Room 005

Susan Scully-Hill, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, Director of School Counseling

508-767-7319 sscully@assumption.edu Switzer Building - Room 100A

John Landers

Academic Affairs Support Team

508-767-7430 jm.landers@assumption.edu Kennedy Hall - Room 107

Graduate Studies Events

Mar 19 Tue

Graduate Studies Spring Open House

Spend part of your day with us and learn how a graduate degree or certificate from Assumption College can advance your career.

Mar. 19, 2019

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Testa Science Center Atrium

Apr 11 Thu

10th Annual Graduate Studies Symposium

The symposium will include paper and poster presentations by current and recently graduated students from the seven graduate programs here at Assumption College.

Apr. 11, 2019

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Hagan Center

Program Curriculum

Master of Arts in School Counseling - Guidance Track

Sample full-time course of study for guidance 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

FALL

SCP 500	Pre-practicum in School Counseling
SCP 515	Counseling Theories, Principles, & Practices	3 credits
SCP 520	Psychology of Learning & Motivation	3 credits
SCP 545	Human Growth & Development through the Lifespan	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
SCP 660	Behavioral Assessment and Intervention for School Counselors	3 credits

FALL

SCP 630

Intervention Strategies: Social & Emotional

3 credits

SCP 645

Consultation & Collaboration: School/Family/Community

3 credits

SCP 700

SCP 710

Clinical Practicum: Guidance (PreK-8)

Clinical Practicum: Guidance (5-12)

4 credits

SPRING

SCP 635

Intervention Strategies: Academic & Learning

3 credits

SCP 800

SCP 810

Advanced Clinical Practicum: Guidance (PreK-8)

Advanced Clinical Practicum: Guidance (5-12)

4 credits

Total Graduate Course Credits 60

View Course Descriptions

View Course Schedule

Master of Arts in School Counseling - School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling Track

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

FALL

SCP 500	Pre-practicum in School Counseling
SCP 515	Counseling Theories, Principles, & Practices	3 credits
SCP 520	Psychology of Learning & Motivation	3 credits
SCP 545	Human Growth & Development through the Lifespan	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 Social Work/Adjustment Counseling	3 credits

YEAR 2 FULL TIME

SUMMER

SCP 625	Neuropsychology of Learning & Behavior	3 credits
SCP 640	Developmental Psychopathology	3 credits
SCP 660	Behavioral Assessment and Intervention for School Counselors	3 credits

FALL

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

SPRING

SCP 630	Intervention Strategies: Social & Emotional	3 credits
SCP 875	Advanced Clinical Practicum in School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling	4 credits

Total Graduate Course Credits 60

View Course Descriptions

View Course Schedule

Information, Dates & Declaration Deadlines

The oral exam is required for all students in the Master’s degree School Counseling program. Students may take the exam after completing all course work or concurrent with the last semester of their course work. The questions have been selected based on this degree training program. Students will integrate knowledge and skill from all courses and experiences throughout their Master’s degree training. Questions are intentionally structured to require integration from all elements of training; thus, focusing on knowledge gleaned from one course or experience exclusively will not provide a comprehensive or exhaustive demonstration expected. To be considered for the exam, students must have submitted a complete Capstone Experience Request Form by the noted deadline for the semester intended to complete the exam.

Oral exams are scheduled during the fall semester and the spring semester. Oral exams are not given in the summer sessions. The student's oral examination committee will consist of two faculty members. The oral exam itself is a one-hour exam.

Oral exams carry the grade of pass, fail, or pass with distinction. The candidate's transcript, however, will only provide the information that the oral exam was completed and the date of the exam. If the candidate fails the oral exam, he/she will be given one (1) additional opportunity to demonstrate competence. Generally, the second exam is given no sooner than the next regularly scheduled oral exam period, unless additional course work is required.

Declaration of Intent to Take Oral Exams

Deadlines for forms are the first Friday of the Fall semester to sit for the Fall Administration and the first Friday of the Spring semester to sit for the Spring Administration. Please refer to the Assumption College Registrar’s Office for a current copy of the Academic Calendar.

To declare an intent to complete the oral exam, students must submit via email the Oral Exam Capstone Experience Request Form to express their intent to complete the oral examination. Please refer to this form and/or the assigned academic advisor for more information. Completed forms should be submitted to the School Counseling Office. Students should meet with their academic advisor to ensure all requirements are satisfied before submitting this formal email.
Students are required early in their course of study to be involved in pre-practicum experiences that are related to course assignments. Students will complete a pre-practicum of 75 hours in a school setting so that they may have the opportunity to observe and understand children and adolescents and spend time with individual students. Students will also have opportunities to learn with professional school counselors through interactive programs in the Institute for School Counseling and School Psychology.
In most cases, students are considered eligible for the practicum once they have successfully completed all prerequisite courses or when they take such courses concurrently. A candidate’s eligibility for and enrollment in the practicum will be determined by the Director of the School Counseling program based upon:
- A review of the student’s transcript, existing teacher licensure, and professional experience
- Successful performance in required graduate courses; and
- Evidence of passing scores on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy Test.
The practicum is two semesters (600 hours) of commitment governed by criteria outlined in the state regulations. Practicum students must be prepared to spend three (3) full days per week at the practicum site(s) during the practicum (two) semesters. With permission from the Director, students may enroll in a two semester 450-hour 5-day-a-week practicum.
Assumption College responds to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in all matters of educator licensure. Therefore, the College 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. Students seeking licensure as a School Guidance Counselor (PreK-8; 5-12) must meet with an academic advisor to plan an appropriate course of study before beginning their first semester of course work to ensure all license requirements are planned for.
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 School Counseling CAGS programs provides several customized pathways for students to choose from:
1. For students with an earned master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or closely related field, a focused program that culminates in eligibility for endorsement for the initial license in School Guidance Counseling (Level pre-K-8 or Level 5-12) in Massachusetts.
2. For students with an earned master’s degree in School Counseling, Social Work or closely related field, a focused program that culminates in eligibility for endorsement for the initial license in School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling (All Levels) in Massachusetts.
3. For students with an earned master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Education or closely related field, a customized course program tailored to the students’ professional interests, needs and requirements.
The Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies also offers other CAGS programs to benefit school counselors such as Resiliency in the Helping Professions and Rehabilitation Counseling. Students may choose to pursue one of these options or choose courses from these programs to customize a CAGS.

Important: Students who have applied to any CAGS 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. CAGS programs may vary with respect to credit hours and required practicum hours based on this transcript review.
Courses are offered all three semesters: fall, spring and summer. Courses in the fall and spring tend to take a full-semester format where they will meet once a week. Classes run at one of two primary time slots: 4:00pm-6:30pm or 6:45pm-9:15pm. Classes are typically offered Monday-Thursday, especially in the fall and spring semesters.

Some classes are offered in hybrid formats where they will meet both in-person and online using Brightspace. There are some intensive courses offered on weekends, but those are most common among elective options.

Core classes are regularly offered in the traditional format meeting once a week on campus, or occasionally in a hybrid format. The structure of the hybrid class and the online weeks at the instructor’s discretion; therefore, no two hybrid classes may be the same.

The summer semester commonly offers intensive formats for courses across a 1-week, 3-week, or 6-week format.

Faculty

Susan Scully-Hill, Ph.D. Program Director Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies Director of School Counseling