Program Overview

Master of Arts in School Counseling Program

The Master of Arts in School Counseling program at Xavier University offers an immersive graduate education, allowing students to gain transformative clinical experience, work one-on-one with students, and expand their theoretical expertise. With the comprehensive training received, graduates are well-prepared to serve students from all backgrounds, providing guidance, compassion, and support to overcome any challenges that come their way.

Program Overview

The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, families, and communities. The holistic school counseling curriculum undergoes transformative professional growth, refining interpersonal skills, expertise, and commitment to students.

Admission Criteria

To apply for official acceptance as a degree-seeking student, submit the following application materials online to the Office of Graduate Admission:

• Completed online application (choose Counseling, then Clinical Mental Health)
• One official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work from accredited colleges or universities
• A résumé
• A 500-word minimum statement explaining the purpose for graduate study
• Two letters of reference from individuals commenting on academic/professional potential
• (Optional) Official test scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Recommended Scores

• MAT: Score of 390 or above
• GRE: Score of 4.0 or above on the analytical section

Curriculum

The school counseling master's program curriculum includes:

• Group I (17 credits)
  • COUN 501: Lifespan Development
  • COUN 533: Counseling Theories and Techniques
  • COUN 536: Group Process
  • COUN 537: Intro to School Counseling
  • COUN 579: Psychological and Achievement Testing
  • COUN 636: Career Counseling
• Group II (14 credits)
  • COUN 538: Advanced School Counseling
  • COUN 631: Counseling Issues and Ethics
  • COUN 638: Cross-Cultural Counseling
  • COUN 640: Family Relations
  • COUN 639: Substance Use and Prevention
  • COUN 669: Pre-Practicum/Counseling Lab
• Group III (12 credits)
  • EDAD 565: School Law I
  • COUN 502: Intro to College Counseling
  • COUN 503: Crisis Intervention in Schools
  • COUN 540: School Culture
  • COUN 773: Counseling Practicum
• Group IV (17 credits)
  • EDSP 500: Special Education - Identification & Issues
  • COUN 509: Counseling Research Methods
  • COUN 539: Child Psychopathology
  • COUN 670: Counseling Internship
  • Five elective hours

Sample Courses

• Lifespan Development (COUN 501): Involves the study of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels
• Counseling Theories & Tech (COUN 533): Provides a comprehensive overview of essential counseling theories and clinical procedures
• Intro to School Counseling (COUN 537): Explores the practicalities and logistics of school counseling
• Consultation and Supervision (COUN 642): Offers a full review of the historical development of consultation and consultation models

Tuition and Fees

• Tuition: $722 per credit hour
• Fees:
  • Student ID Fee: $12.50
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking full-time: $15 (per semester)
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking part-time: $10 (per semester)
• Additional Course-Specific Fees:
  • COUN 579 Psychological and Achievement Testing, Testing Materials Fee: $40.00
  • COUN 669 Pre Practicum/Counseling Lab, Liability Insurance Fee: $36.00
  • COUN 669 Pre Practicum/Counseling Lab, Field Experience Management Platform (Tevera) Fee: $220.00

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 60
• Program Length: 24 months
• Accreditation: CACREP-Accredited
• Licensure: Meets the course requirements for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
• Internship: 600-hour internship under the supervision of a current school counselor

Career Outlook

The employment of school counselors is projected to increase by 5% each year, resulting in more than 26,000 jobs annually through 2032. The median annual wage for school counselors is $60,140, with a salary range spanning from $38,280 to $98,530. Mental health counselors earn a median annual wage of $49,710, with an earning potential extending to $82,710.