Program Overview

Counseling (M.S.Ed.)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Education degree in Counseling at Old Dominion University prepares counselors for professional practice in all settings. The core course work covers a range of counseling and human development issues, including approaches to individual and group counseling, ethical and professional issues in counseling, fundamentals of the counseling profession, counseling ethics, measurement and evaluation in counseling, lifespan and career development, research in counseling, and social and cultural issues.

Program Highlights

• Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).
• Clinical Mental Health specialization graduates meet the educational requirements to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Virginia.
• School Counseling specialization graduates meet requirements for the Virginia Licensed School Counselor credential.
• School Counseling specialization graduates who complete electives in diagnosis, addictions, and family dynamics can also meet requirements for both the LPC and the Licensed School Counselor credentials.

Program Details

Degree Level

Graduate

Degree Earned

Master of Science in Education

Delivery Modes

• Online
• On-Campus

Featured Courses

• COUN 601: Principles of Professional Counseling and Ethics
  • Aligned with a spiral approach to learning, students will be introduced to theory, practice, methods, basic principles, and concepts used by counselors in educational settings and community agencies.
• COUN 645: Testing and Client Assessment
  • This course examines individual and group approaches to formal and informal assessment techniques, including diagnosis.
• COUN 655: Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling
  • Designed to engage helping professionals in cultural self-awareness and the search for solutions to disparities in society through counseling work.

Careers

• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors: $48,050 (Approx) Median Salary
  • Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders.
• Marriage and Family Therapists: $53,860 Median Salary
  • Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems.
• Mental Health Counselors: $48,050 (Approx) Median Salary
  • Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health.
• Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors: $58,620 Median Salary
  • Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.

Alumni Careers

• Ocean Lakes High School
• LGBT Life Center
• Norfolk Collegiate School
• Optima Health

Requirements

To apply for the Counseling program at Old Dominion University, students should meet the minimum university admission requirements for Graduate Admission. Applicants may hold a bachelor's degree in any field and must submit:

• Online application
• Current resume
• Essay
• Official Transcripts
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Deadlines

New students can begin the program in the fall or spring semester.

• Fall Semester deadline: February 1
• Spring Semester deadline: October 1

Cost of Attendance

The estimated tuition rates for the academic year are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

• Virginia Resident: $486 Cost Per-Credit
• Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States: $649 Cost Per-Credit
• Non-Resident: $1,334.50 Cost Per-Credit

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are several ways to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. Counseling master's degree students are sometimes awarded assistantships in various ODU offices.