Program Overview
School Counseling - M.A.
The School Counseling - M.A. program at Manhattan University prepares graduate students for certification as K-12 counselors in New York State. This program is designed to help students develop the academic and social skills they need to thrive.
Why Choose School Counseling?
This program allows students to work with students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds and develop the tools to become a caring and empathetic human service provider. The Manhattan University master's degree in school counseling is grounded in research and shaped by the real-world needs of schools and organizations.
Program Details
- Minimum Credit Hours: 60
- Format: Online Blended (in-person and online coursework)
- Average Time to Completion: 2-3 years
- Internship hours: 700
Unique Features
The Manhattan University school counseling master's program teaches culturally sustaining, anti-racist practices that support youth development. All classes in the program are small, providing students and professors the opportunity to collaborate and get to know one another.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or institution.
- Normally, an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required.
- Ideally, applicants should have suitable preparation in the behavioral sciences.
- Consideration will be given for teaching experience and other applicable experience.
Program Requirements
Students in the 60-credit program seeking school counseling certification must take all the required courses, as well as counseling and therapy programs, and blended programs.
Faculty
The faculty in this department are more than professors — they're practitioners — from mental health and school counselors to psychologists. Their diverse training and years of job knowledge will enhance the classroom experience and accelerate learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the school counseling classes offered, and are they offered online?
- Our courses are offered Monday through Thursday during two distinct time blocks: 4:30 - 6:20 p.m. and 6:30 - 8:20 p.m.
- Currently, we function as a blended school counseling program, so you can expect around 50% of your courses to be offered via an online synchronous approach.
- When can I apply to the school counseling program?
- Our admission is rolling, so students are welcome to begin courses in the fall or spring semester or during a summer session.
- Does Manhattan University support students in finding internship placements?
- Yes, we partner with a number of local schools to help students find internships.
Career Opportunities
As part of the program's curriculum, students will complete a school counseling internship under the supervision of a local school counselor in a K-12 setting. Our graduates are employed across New York City and Westchester County. Many return to serve as our internship site supervisors and offer mentorship to current graduate students. After graduation, alumni build careers as school counselors, directors of counseling, and pursue doctoral degrees. For many, the School Counseling master's degree offers a pathway to district-level school counseling, school building leadership, and other leadership positions.
Skills and Knowledge
Graduates will learn to:
- Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through classroom guidance lessons and counseling
- Counsel individuals and small groups based on student and school needs
- Work with students to develop organizational and time management abilities and effective study habits
- Help students create a plan to achieve academic and career goals
- Engage students in career and college readiness
- Maintain the empathic mindset of a human service professional
Advanced Certificate Option
Students who complete the M.A. in School Counseling have the option to then complete an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling towards dual certification/license as a school counselor and mental health counselor in NYS.