The Southern Arkansas University School Counseling Program prepares knowledgeable, self-aware professional school counselors. The curriculum fulfills the licensure requirements for K-12 School Counseling credentials in Arkansas, balancing theoretical depth with practical application.
Program Format & Flexibility
- Delivery: Online with a required five-day summer on-campus intensive.
- Program Duration: Typically, 2.5 years
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with starts in Summer, Fall, and Spring
Overview
The School Counseling program prepares graduates to become professional school counselors who advocate for the academic, career, and social/emotional success of all students. Based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, students learn to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs using data-informed and evidence-based practices.
Why Choose SAU for School Counseling?
- Personalized Support: Faculty and staff are dedicated to student success through SAU’s caring campus philosophy.
- Affordability: Nationally recognized for quality and affordability, offering a competitive tuition rate for a nationally accredited graduate program.
- Real-World Readiness: Graduates report feeling well prepared for employment, comprehensive school counseling practice, and crisis response.
- Accreditation: Southern Arkansas University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the School Counseling program is nationally accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Skills You Will Gain
- Comprehensive School Counseling: Learn to design, implement, manage, and evaluate a data-informed comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model while maximizing direct and indirect services for students.
- Counseling and Crisis Response: Develop the skills to provide individual student planning, responsive services, small-group counseling, and effective crisis prevention and response for K–12 students.
- Leadership, Advocacy, and Collaboration: Build the leadership, advocacy, consultation, and collaboration skills needed to advocate for students and work effectively with educators, families, and community partners.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
Learn from experienced counselor educators and school counseling practitioners who bring real-world K–12 experience into every course. Our supportive online learning environment is designed to prepare students for success while fostering meaningful connections with faculty and classmates.
- Flexible online coursework designed for working professionals.
- Practical, hands-on resources and experiences to build your professional school counseling toolbox.
- Interactive learning, collaboration, and networking opportunities that foster lasting professional relationships.
- Personalized faculty support and advising throughout your program, including program Director, Suzy Toms, Assistant Professor and Director of Counseling Programs
Curriculum & Pathways
The M.Ed. in School Counseling offers two pathways based on your current education and licensure status. If you are unsure which pathway is right for you, contact the Program Director for assistance.
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Advanced Pathway (Add to a Standard Teaching License)
For individuals who already hold a valid Arkansas teaching license and are seeking a Master of Education in School Counseling.
Initial Licensure Pathway
For individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree but do not hold a teaching license. Admission to the M.Ed. in School Counseling requires completion of the EDUC Certificate (four MAT classes).
Signature Course Experience – COUN 6763
This five-day summer intensive is the hallmark of the SAU School Counseling program. Students gain hands-on experience applying the ASCA National Model while developing and delivering a comprehensive school counseling program.
Student Stories
The knowledge gained in Counseling 6763 is critical to this profession. Through this course, I learned to develop an effective school counseling program using the components of the ASCA National Model and to manage my time optimally. The course provided hands-on experience, valuable tools for my counseling tool box, and the opportunity to create lasting professional friendships.
Curriculum
Professional Education Course (3 hours)
- EDUC 6003 – Educational Research
Core Courses (36 hours)
- COUN 6123 – Foundations of School Counseling
- COUN 6403 – Introduction to the Counseling Profession
- COUN 6413 – Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling
- COUN 6423 – Counseling Theories
- COUN 6433 – Basic Counseling Skills
- COUN 6443 – Group Counseling
- COUN 6453 – Human Development for Helping Professionals
- COUN 6463 – Career Counseling: Theory and Practice
- COUN 6473 – Psychosocial and Multicultural Aspects of Counseling
- COUN 6483 – Assessment Procedures for Counselors
- COUN 6583 – Counseling Children and Adolescents
- COUN 6763 – Development and Administration of School Counseling Program
Supervised Experience (9 hours)
Select 9 hours from the following:
- COUN 6493 – Practicum in Counseling
- COUN 6653 – Internship I in Elementary School Counseling *
- COUN 6673 – Internship II in Elementary School Counseling *
- COUN 6803 – Internship I in Secondary School Counseling *
- COUN 6823 – Internship II in Secondary School Counseling *
Note:
*Internships must consist of both an elementary and secondary experience
Admissions
Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission to the M.Ed. in School Counseling.
- Admission requirements differ depending on whether the applicant is pursuing the advanced or initial licensure pathway.
- Applicants pursuing an initial licensure pathway may be required to complete the EDUC Certificate (four MAT classes) before admission.
- Prospective students should contact the Program Director to discuss their educational background, licensure status, and professional goals to determine the appropriate pathway and admission requirements.
Career Outcomes
- Career Outlook: Employment of school counselors is projected to grow over the next decade, reflecting continued demand for qualified professionals in K–12 schools.
- Career Readiness: Students complete a 100-hour practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels, preparing them to enter the profession with confidence.
- Affordable Investment: SAU offers a nationally accredited School Counseling program at a competitive tuition rate, providing excellent value for students pursuing Arkansas school counselor licensure.
Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become licensed in another state?
I already have a master's degree in a counseling-related field. Do I need another master's degree?
Please note: Graduate degrees in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, or other non-counseling disciplines do not qualify for the School Counseling Certificate pathway.
Contact the Program Director to discuss your educational background and determine the pathway that best fits your goals.
