Master of Education in School Counseling
The Graduate Studies Program in School Counseling prepares its students to become members of school guidance departments. The program examines the field of counseling from the three-fold aspect of theory, analysis, and application and follows the CACREP Standards. Students completing this pathway will be eligible for Rhode Island certification as a PK-12 School Counselor.
The Providence College School Counseling Program is rigorous and relevant. It has given me the knowledge necessary to develop a holistic counseling program, and most importantly, I have been given the resources to support equitable outcomes for all students.
Joharlen Carvajal ’23G
Graduates of the School Counseling path must complete an exit portfolio and pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor assessment to become eligible for state certification. More information on the Praxis Professional School Counselor assessment.
The School Counseling Program consists of a combination of core theory courses, knowledge & skills specifically focused on school counseling and practical field experiences throughout the program, culminating in 2 semesters of internship in schools.
Alum Wins Prestigious Award
Anne-Marie Flaherty, School Counselor at East Greenwich High School and a 1999 graduate of PC’s School Counseling Program, was named the School Counselor of the Year by the Rhode Island School Counselor Association.
Governor Dan McKee offered a few words of recognition for this accomplishment: “Congratulations, Anne-Marie, on this tremendous recognition. Your commitment to the success of your students is unwavering, and we are deeply thankful to have you as a member of the Rhode Island education community.”
Admission Requirements
Completed online application
Application fee of $65.00
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Two Recommendation Forms – instructions will be emailed to Recommenders:
- Educators: one from principal, supervising administrator, or cooperating teacher; and one from a person of your choice
- Non-educators: two supervisors or employers.
- Current undergraduate students: two professors or supervisors
A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA is required for full admission.
Professional Statement (approximately 1,000 words)
Guidelines: What experiences have motivated you to pursue a career as a school counselor? Identify 3 to 5 competencies that you bring to the position and provide specific examples of how these skills will benefit you in your anticipated role or position. In your response, consider the following:
- the core values and beliefs that you bring to the position
- the experiences that have shaped your thinking
- your observations of other professionals in this position
- the impact you hope to have on a school community
Program Requirements
All master’s degree program requirements must be completed within 5 years of a student’s initial semester of coursework. Full-time students normally complete the program in 2 years, while part-time students normally complete the program in 3 years.
Students must earn a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA at the completion of their program to be eligible for the degree.
Students must additionally complete a portfolio review to complete the program and pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor assessment to be eligible for RI PK-12 school counselor certification.
For more information about program requirements, please refer to the PROGRAM HANDBOOK and COUNSELING INTERNSHIP HANDBOOK.
*Fulfillment of state certification requirements is the responsibility of the graduate student.
Courses
EXPERIENCE
EDU 544: Counseling Pre-Practicum
EDU 548: Counseling Practicum
EDU 561: Counseling Internship I
EDU 568: Counseling Internship II
PRACTICAL
EDU 501: Fundamentals of Research
EDU 538: Developmental & Cross Cultural Theories
EDU 540: Principles of Guidance and Counseling
EDU 541: Theories of Counseling
EDU 542: Career Information
EDU 546: Group Counseling
EDU 558: Ethical and Legal Issues
EDU 562: Assessment, Measurement & Data
EDU 645: Families in Crisis
EDU 829: Designing & Implementing a Counseling
Total credits: 42 (14 3-credit courses)
Application Deadlines
March 1
July 1
November 1
Start Term
Summer I or II
Fall
Spring
*Students can take up to 2 courses while their application is under review.
