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: July 15
Spring (January start): Rolling
Summer: Rolling

For priority consideration, please have your application completed and all materials submitted no later than two weeks before the start of the semester.

Degrees Offered

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

School

School of Graduate Studies

Department

Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, Psychology

Program Overview
One of only three schools in Massachusetts to be "Approved with Distinction" by DESE (learn more)

Program Viewbook

The Master of Arts in School Counseling prepares students to become licensed as either School Counselors (Pre K-Grade 8 or Grades 5-12) or School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers (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 University’s graduate program in School Counseling to issue endorsement for the Initial License as a school counselor (Pre-8 or 5-12) and the Initial License for School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers (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 University 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 school counselors (Initial Licensure Pre K–8 or 5-12) and School Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers (Initial Licensure All Levels)
- Competitive tuition rates
As a graduate of the School Counseling program at Assumption University, 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 Admissions

Schedule a Conversation

508-767-7365 sm.cahill@assumption.edu Admissions House - Room 205

Susan Scully-Hill, Ph.D.

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

508-767-7319 sscully@assumption.edu Kennedy Building - Room 107D

John Landers

Academic Affairs Support Team

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

An Ideal Place to Learn

No application fee

Two MA tracks available: School Counselor and School Social Work/ School Adjustment Counselor

100%

100% of our students met or exceeded DESE standards for school counselor PreK-8, 5-12, as rated by their site supervisor

Competitively priced tuition

DESE

Approved programs by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

GRE not required

Over 75 innovative pre-practicum and clinical practicum placement sites

Program Curriculum

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

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 Summer 2020 Course Offerings

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

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 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
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 Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers	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 Adjustment Counselors/School Social Workers	4 credits

Total Graduate Course Credits 60

View Course Descriptions

View Summer 2020 Course Offerings

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 University 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 100 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 for the School Counselor is 600 hours, and the practicum for the School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker is 900 hours. Both practicum commitments are 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.
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. 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 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 (Level Pre-K-8 or Level 5-12) 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.

The Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies 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.
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

Dawn Breault

Adjunct Faculty HSRS Graduate

Lea Christo, MSW, LICSW, BCPA Director of Health Advocacy Program Co-Director MBA in Healthcare Management Visiting Assistant Professor of Human Services/Rehab Studies Co-Developer Special Ops: Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Program Coordinator of Resiliency in Helping Professions Certification Program

Barbara Colombo-Adams

Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Paul Dufault Visiting Assistant Professor of School Counseling Adjunct Faculty, Graduate School of Counseling

Calvin Hill Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, Adjunct Faculty Graduate School Counseling

Jean Lindquist-Grady

Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Christopher Lopes

Adjunct Faculty Graduate School Counseling

Lorette McWilliams

Visiting Instructor of School Counseling

Scott Smith

Adjunct Faculty Graduate School Counseling

Nicole Papazian

School Counseling 2018
School Counselor, Tantasqua Regional High School

Paul Dufault embodies what it means to be a school counselor — he is the heart of the program.

Your experience depends on what you put into it. Seek out mentors. Come in early, stay late, make connections. My experience at Assumption aided in my success.

Michelle Driscoll

School Counseling 2017
Adjustment Counselor, Southbridge Public Schools

Assumption University has played a significant role in my success.

I thoroughly enjoyed my education and praise all the professors that I have had throughout my many years studying at Assumption. The professors are very dedicated and willing to help each student. Assumption’s professors want everyone to succeed.

Dana Macphee

School Counseling 2018
Adjustment Counselor, Maynard High School

Assumption helped me get to where I wanted in my career.

Enrolling at Assumption for my CAGS was incredibly helpful, you get a top-notch education in a comfortable, friendly environment. I was able to take the courses I needed to get my additional license and the program was flexible so I could complete it on my own terms.

Kristie LaRochelle

School Counseling 2009
Elementary School Counselor, Agawam Public Schools

Assumption’s program is about where school counseling is going, not about where it has been.

I consult with schools to assess and implement systemic enhancements in the school counseling program. I’m certain I was hired because I earned my master’s from a program that is a model for modern school counseling and the use of data to measure results.

Kendra Scaletta Cantrell

School Counseling 2009
Director of Guidance, Tantasqua Regional High School

Everything about the program is designed to ensure your success as an expert counselor.

"This program is at the leading edge of producing modern school counselors who have the knowledge and experience to be leaders in the profession. The professors offered a nurturing approach to teaching and mentorship, combined with tremendous knowledge and experience."

Shining Their Light

Nicole Papazian

School Counseling 2018
School Counselor, Tantasqua Regional High School

Paul Dufault embodies what it means to be a school counselor — he is the heart of the program.

Your experience depends on what you put into it. Seek out mentors. Come in early, stay late, make connections. My experience at Assumption aided in my success.

Michelle Driscoll

School Counseling 2017
Adjustment Counselor, Southbridge Public Schools

Assumption University has played a significant role in my success.

I thoroughly enjoyed my education and praise all the professors that I have had throughout my many years studying at Assumption. The professors are very dedicated and willing to help each student. Assumption’s professors want everyone to succeed.

Dana Macphee

School Counseling 2018
Adjustment Counselor, Maynard High School

Assumption helped me get to where I wanted in my career.

Enrolling at Assumption for my CAGS was incredibly helpful, you get a top-notch education in a comfortable, friendly environment. I was able to take the courses I needed to get my additional license and the program was flexible so I could complete it on my own terms.

Kristie LaRochelle

School Counseling 2009
Elementary School Counselor, Agawam Public Schools

Assumption’s program is about where school counseling is going, not about where it has been.

I consult with schools to assess and implement systemic enhancements in the school counseling program. I’m certain I was hired because I earned my master’s from a program that is a model for modern school counseling and the use of data to measure results.

Kendra Scaletta Cantrell

School Counseling 2009
Director of Guidance, Tantasqua Regional High School

Everything about the program is designed to ensure your success as an expert counselor.

"This program is at the leading edge of producing modern school counselors who have the knowledge and experience to be leaders in the profession. The professors offered a nurturing approach to teaching and mentorship, combined with tremendous knowledge and experience."

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Graduate Visit Opportunities

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Schedule an Appointment

Admissions Requirements

School Counseling-specific Requirements

The MTEL exam is not required for admission into the School Counseling program, however matriculated students must pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills exam prior to completion of the program.

Candidates for the Massachusetts Initial License for School Counselor (PreK-8; 5-12) must meet the following standards:

Prior to completion of the program, submit evidence of passing scores on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy Skills. NOTE: The School Counseling program is state-approved for the Massachusetts Initial License for School Counselor (PreK-8 or 5-12). Candidates who complete the state-approved program and thereby earn a first Initial License, are eligible for licensure reciprocity with the approximately 24 other states that are parties to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Contract.

GRE scores are not required

General Graduate Studies Admissions Requirements

Completed Application Dated & Signed
Two Letters of Recommendation* (Professional and/or academic)
Official Transcript(s)
Personal Statement
Current Resume
TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose native language is not English

*We strongly recommend at least one academic letter of recommendation; the remaining letter(s) may be professional. All recommendations may be professional if an academic letter is not feasible. However, all letters should address the student’s ability to complete graduate-level academic work. Applicants may feel free to provide more than two recommendations.

Apply today