The graduate program in school counseling prepares students for careers as professional school counselors who work in elementary and/or secondary settings. Throughout the course of study, students have the opportunity to develop a sound theoretical foundation and acquire effective techniques for counseling school-aged youth. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible for state certification as a school counselor. In addition to schools, various public and private agencies outside of the educational field are interested in obtaining the services of counselors.

The course of instruction involves the successful completion of 48 credits of study on the graduate level, including a practicum of 100 hours and an internship of 600 hours. Students must take a minimum of six elective credits in counseling, and all electives must be approved by the advisor. Students have the option to complete the 600-hour internship in one semester (GC 728 ), or two semesters (GC 722 , GC 723 ).

Those students who entered the School Counseling program prior to Fall 2015 are eligible to take the internship in four semesters (GC 735 , GC 736 , GC 737  , GC 738 ). Howard County employees, and who entered our program prior to Fall 2014, may complete internship over three years (GC 739 , GC 740 , GC 741 , GC 742 , GC 743 , GC 745 ).

All students who are entering their clinical experience undergo a criminal background check prior to beginning their work at a school site. All students are required to have valid background checks on file for the duration of their experience. Procedures and fees for this process may vary slightly depending upon the clinical experience site. More information on this process will be given to students when they apply for practicum and internship.