M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Program

The M.S.Ed. in School Counseling program is a 60-credit degree that prepares students for counseling positions in public and private schools, leading to eligibility for the Initial School Counselor Certificate.

Program Overview

This program trains students to understand themselves and their clients, and educates them in theories and skills leading to effective individual and group counseling. The program uses an integrated didactic and experiential approach, providing personalized advisement about internships and electives to serve future career goals.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.00
• Two professional letters of reference (e.g., from academic instructors or professional supervisors)
• Personal essay including a statement of professional goals
• Current resume
• Academic writing sample (e.g., term paper, research paper)
• Interview with the program director or faculty member

Degree Requirements

• Completion of all coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or better
• Passing the Counseling Therapy-Comprehensive Examination (CT-CE)
• Demonstration of interpersonal competencies and emotional maturity associated with effective counseling outcomes
• Satisfactory completion of an internship as determined by satisfactory ratings from site supervisor as well as passing grades for all internship courses

Course Descriptions

SPC 601 Fieldwork Practicum: Directed Observation and Practice in Schools

This course enables prospective school counselors to become familiar with the environmental and sociological aspects of the school community through directed observation and practice in K-12th grade schools.

SPC 615 The World of the Counselor

An examination of basic issues affecting school counselors, including the nature and scope of counseling, ethics, and best practices.

SPC 633 Developmental Psychology I

Focuses on children from birth through adolescence, studying cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects of development.

SPC 652 Counseling Theory and Practice in a Developmental Context I

Explores theories and research in various psychodynamic, interpersonal, and humanistic schools of counseling.

SPC 653 Counseling Theory and Practice in a Developmental Context II

Covers theories and research in cognitive, behavioral, and other modern schools of counseling, emphasizing understanding the individual in their developmental context.

SPC 654 Introduction to Counseling Process and Application I

Introduces the theory and practice of school counseling, stressing counselor skills, ethics, and best practices.

SPC 656 Introduction to Counseling Process and Application II

An advanced study of counseling techniques with emphasis on case materials and role-playing.

SPC 657A Family Counseling

Overview of theories of family therapy and study of patterns of family interaction.

SPC 660A Group Counseling Theory and Practice

Explores theories, research, techniques, and processes in group counseling dynamics.

SPC 661A School Counseling Internship I

Practical experience working with counselees under supervision in a K-12 school for a minimum of 300 clock hours.

SPC 661D School Counseling Internship II

Continuation of internship in SPC 661A, providing a total of 600 hours of internship experience.

SPC 668A Diagnostic Tools for Measurement

Focuses on the function of measurement and evaluation, including testing in schools and agencies.

SPC 682 World of Work: Assessment of Individual Needs and Needs of Society

Examines the importance of work to individuals and its implications for society, including psychological, economic, and social factors affecting vocational development.

SPC 745C College Admissions Process

Designed for students working in school settings or pursuing certification in guidance and counseling, assisting them in working effectively with students and families for college admission and selection.

SPC 745E Counseling the Special Education Student

Provides a broad understanding of factors impacting special education students, developing counseling and palliative principles for working with these populations.

SPC 745H High School Counseling

Focuses on the practical application of a comprehensive developmental school counseling program at the high school level.

SPC 745M Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Counseling

Explores issues in multicultural counseling, reviewing theory and research necessary to work effectively with culturally diverse people.

SPC 745O Dealing with Loss and Grief

Utilizes various teaching methods to help participants understand personal responses to death and grief, as well as respond to grief in others.

SPC 747 Elementary School Counseling

Examines the evolving role and unique responsibilities of the elementary school counselor, addressing academic, developmental, emotional, and social needs of elementary school students.

SPC 748 Middle School Counseling

Teaches how to successfully navigate a comprehensive middle school counseling program, focusing on academic, developmental, emotional, and social challenges faced by young adolescent students.

Plan of Study

This degree leads to eligibility for an Initial New York State Certificate as a School Counselor. The program consists of 60 credits, with all courses being three credits each.

Courses

• SPC 601 Fieldwork Practicum: Directed Observation and Practice in Schools
• SPC 615 The World of the Counselor
• SPC 633 Developmental Psychology I
• SPC 652 Counseling Theory and Practice in a Developmental Context I
• SPC 653 Counseling Theory and Practice in a Developmental Context II
• SPC 654 Introduction to Counseling Process and Application I
• SPC 656 Introduction to Counseling Process and Application II
• SPC 657A Family Counseling
• SPC 660A Group Counseling Theory and Practice
• SPC 661A School Counseling Internship I
• SPC 661D School Counseling Internship II
• SPC 668A Diagnostic Tools for Measurement
• SPC 682 World of Work: Assessment of Individual Needs and Needs of Society
• SPC 745C College Admissions Process
• SPC 745E Counseling the Special Education Student
• SPC 745H High School Counseling
• SPC 745M Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Counseling
• SPC 745O Dealing with Loss and Grief
• SPC 747 Elementary School Counseling
• SPC 748 Middle School Counseling

Professional State Certification

Students may transition from Initial to Professional New York State Permanent Certification upon application after having earned three years of full-time experience as a counselor (K-12).

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

NCAA Division I athletics in 16 sports, including basketball, football, and soccer

• Student Support Services:

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services

• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
  • Small group discussions
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance