M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Master of Science in Education
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M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Overview
The CACREP-accredited School Counseling M.S.Ed. program at Purdue University Northwest prepares compassionate, reflective and culturally responsive counselors committed to supporting the success and well-being of all students.
Rooted in the values of humility, curiosity and collaboration, the program develops professionals who honor the strengths and lived experiences of those they serve. Graduates build empowering counseling relationships that inspire hope, resilience and empowerment.
School of Education and Counseling
The School Counseling program follows the American School Counseling Association’s (ASCA) national guidelines for school counselor preparation.
Our program emphasizes best practices and innovation for counselors in school environments. Students obtain counseling experience in our on-site counseling clinic and receive individual supervision from program faculty.
School counseling students complete internships in K-12 settings under the supervision of licensed School Counselors.
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Curriculum
School counseling students complete a total of 60 credits for the degree, which includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. The program uses a cohort model, which means students take classes in a set sequence with familiar peers. This promotes community and student success across the program.
Courses are offered on campus and in person at the Hammond Campus.
The first year emphasizes coursework from the core areas of ethics, theory, group work, career development, assessment, research, diversity and human growth and development.
Sample Courses
- EDCO 50100 – Introduction to School Counseling
- EDCO 60000 – Counseling Theories and Techniques
- EDCO 50700 – Counseling Diverse Populations
Year two marks the beginning of the clinical training sequence. Students obtain 100 hours of supervised, hands-on training in our state-of-the-art Community Counseling Clinic.
Sample Courses
- EDCO 61000 – Counseling Practicum
- EDCO 61400 – Advanced Counseling Practicum
- EDCO 51010 – Counseling Children & Adolescents
Students in year three complete a 600-hour off-site internship experience at a school-based site. Students also continue with specialized school counseling courses.
Sample Courses
- EDCO – 69500 Internship
- EDCO 60900 – Program Development, Collaboration and Consultation
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Highlights
The PNW Counselor Education program is CACREP-accredited, which represents the highest national standard for counselor preparation.
Our program is offered entirely on campus, with evening courses to accommodate adult learners. Smaller class sizes let students form supportive relationships with peers and faculty. Faculty are actively licensed professional counselors and school counselors bringing practical experience into the classroom.
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Outcomes
Graduates complete the curricular and experience requirements required to obtain the School Counselor license in Indiana. Upon graduation, students are eligible to register for the Indiana state Praxis exam.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate culturally sustaining and systemic advocacy practices to formulate comprehensive school counseling plans that address the academic, social-emotional and career needs of the students within the communities they serve.
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Career Paths
School counseling graduates are qualified to work in K-12 settings as a school counselor. Graduates can also pursue employment in higher education settings as student support personnel or career counselors.
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
After the first semester of coursework, students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply for membership in the national counseling honor society, Chi Sigma Iota.
Students are also highly encouraged to join the American School Counseling Association (ASCA).
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Employers
Almost every school system in Northwest Indiana, and some in Illinois, employ our alumni. Some of our graduates also work in higher education.
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Scholarships
Graduate assistantships may be available.
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling Degree Program Accreditation
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling Programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Our curriculum reflects the core educational and clinical training standards set forth by this national accrediting body.
The PNW counseling program was an exceedingly validating experience for me. It confirmed that I made the right choice to find my dream career!
Meet the Faculty
Assistant Professor of Counselor Education
Oliver Camacho is a culturally responsive educator who teaches courses for both school counselors and mental health counselors in the School of Education and Counseling.
Shawn Patrick, NCC, LCPC, LMHC
Associate Professor
I serve as the Program Coordinator for the Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling programs. I teach a variety of courses, including Theories, Multicultural Counseling and Internship.
Earn a Master's Degree in Education in School Counseling at PNW
Whether you just completed your undergraduate studies or are looking to take the next step to advance your career, Purdue University Northwest’s M.S.Ed. in School Counseling degree program prepares you to be an ethical, culturally competent school counselor in a K-12 setting.
Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW can meet your needs.
