Program Overview

Education Specialist Degree in School Counseling

The Department of Special Education, Counseling, and Student Affairs offers a 60-credit hour Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. This postgraduate degree is more advanced than a master's degree and serves as the entry-level school counseling degree at Kansas State University. The degree provides extensive specialized coursework and training that prepares school counselors with the skills needed to provide comprehensive P-12 programming in the academic, career, and social-emotional domains.

Program Overview

The Ed.S. degree provides coursework that allows graduates to be eligible for dual licensure in the state of Kansas. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have taken coursework that will make them eligible for a school counseling license with the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE). The Kansas School Counseling Licensure Exam (Praxis) will need to be taken in that process. The coursework in the Ed.S. program will also lead to eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas.

Tuition and Fees

The estimated cost per credit hour is $570.43. The total program cost is for 60 credit hours.

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet the general university admission requirements. Applicants seeking admission to the Education Specialist program must submit the following information:

• Application Deadlines:
  • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: April 1 for fall enrollment, November 1 for spring enrollment
  • International Students: August 1 for spring (January) enrollment
• Graduate School Application Fee: $65 for domestic students, $75 for international students
• Official Transcripts: Scanned copy of official transcript(s) from each college or university where the applicant received their bachelor's degree(s) and completed any post-baccalaureate course work or degrees
• Statement of Goals and Professional Experience: 1-2 page, double-spaced paper that includes career and professional goals, reason for interest in seeking the education specialist degree, evidence of motivation, leadership, and strong work ethic, and professional experiences
• Recommendations: Three recommendations from college or university educators and/or colleagues or supervisors who are qualified to address the applicant's professional skills
• A Professional Resume or Vitae: Upload into the online application system a professional resume/vitae that includes previous academic degrees, past and present employment, professional experiences, and other pertinent information
• An Interview: An interview with faculty members in this program may be requested before an admission decision is made
• English Language Proficiency: Official report of scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System – academic exam (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English (PTE) for all applicants whose primary language is not English

Curriculum

The program consists of 60 credit hours, including:

• Core Requirements (51 credit hours):
  • EDCEP 810 Mental Health in Schools (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 815 Using Tests in Counseling (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 816 Research Methods in Education (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 822 Counseling Adolescents (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 823 Counseling Theory (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 824 Development Across the Lifespan for School Counselors (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 832 Counseling Techniques (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 852 Career Development for School Counselors (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 855 Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 856 Counseling Children (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 857 Counseling Program Management (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 858 Group Processes (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 860 Adult Counseling (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 867 Counseling Mental Health Disorders (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 871 Leadership, Advocacy and Consultation for Counselors (3 credits)
  • EDCEP 886 Seminar in Counseling and Educational Psychology (1-18 credits)
  • EDCEP 951 Multicultural Counseling (3 credits)
• Clinical Requirements (9 credit hours):
  • EDCEP 877 Practicum in Counseling (1-3 credits)
  • EDCEP 887 Counseling Internship (1-3 credits)

Accreditation

Kansas State University has offered CACREP-accredited counseling programs since 1999. The content of the Ed.S. in School Counseling program is fully compliant with CACREP standards, and the online modality will be reviewed for accreditation consideration in 2024.

FAQs

• Do I have to have a teaching background to be eligible for this program? No, a teaching license is not required to become a professional school counselor in Kansas.
• Do I need a master's degree to be admitted into the Ed.S program? No, admission to this program requires only a baccalaureate degree.
• How long will it take to complete the 60-hour program? The program is designed to be 2 ½ to 3 ½ years, or 8-10 semesters for completion, depending on full or part-time status.
• Can I still work while attending the program? Will classes be held during the day? Classes are designed for those working during the day, with synchronous courses and class sessions offered at or after 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
• Can I be hired as a school counselor before I complete the Ed.S. program? In Kansas, many students are employed as professional school counselors prior to program completion.