The University of Toledo

Master's Program in School Counseling

The Master’s Degree program in School Counseling prepares students for careers as school counselors in the public or parochial schools. School counselors assist students’ growth and adjustment with academic, career, personal, and social issues through individual and group counseling, testing, guidance and advising, and consultation with parents, teachers, and other professionals. School counselors work in elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools. Ohio and Michigan no longer require a teaching certificate or teaching experience for licensure as a school counselor. The Department of Counselor Education & School Psychology faculty is committed to training counselors who are able to help youth and adolescents meet the complex challenges they face in today’s schools and society. The Master’s Degree program in School Counseling is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the national accrediting body, located at 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510, Alexandria, VA  22314, Telephone Number: 703-535-5990. The program meets requirements for licensure or certification in Ohio, Michigan, and most other states. (Click here to view the Master's Student Handbook.)

Employment Opportunities

According to the U.S. Government Occupational Outlook Handbook, prospects for employment for school counselors will grow significantly over the next decade as there is an increase in school-aged children. Virtually all graduates of the UT School Counseling program seeking employment are hired within two years of graduation, often in the school district of their choice. School Counselors earn between $30,000 and $60,000 depending on years of experience.

Program Highlights

The Department of Counselor Education & School Psychology takes pride in the individual attention devoted to students. A faculty advisor guides each student through the program. Students have individual supervisors for all practica and internship experiences. The program is designed for students who are working full time and raising families. All classes meet once per week in the late afternoon or early evening and most classes can be taken in the summer. The 48-semester hour master’s degree can be completed in two years full time or three years part time. The department is committed to recruiting and preparing professional counselors representative of the diversity in Toledo and the nation.

Important Handbooks and Forms

Students will want to print out copies of the following Handbooks and forms for their use in the School Counseling Master's Program:

• Master's Student Handbook
• Practicum Manual
• School Counseling Masters Plan of Study Sample Form
• School Counseling Masters Plan of Study Worksheet
• Application for School Counseling Endorsement
• CESP Policy on PCs or PCCs Seeking Licensure as a School Counselor
• ODE rules for licensure as a School Counselor
• Becoming a School Counselor & Renewal Information

How To Apply

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree. All applicants must submit a Graduate Record Examination score. Applicants apply directly to the College of Graduate Studies by submitting a Graduate School Admissions Form, transcript, and three letters of recommendation. In addition, applicants must submit a 2-3 page paper explaining why they want to become a School Counselor and describing their personal suitability for a career as a School Counselor. Applicant interviews are conducted during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Students can take up to 9 hours before being admitted to the program by applying for Non-Degree Status. 

A Quality Learning Environment

The University of Toledo is located in Toledo, Ohio, USA, on a suburban campus that is six miles west of the downtown area. With an enrollment of approximately 20,000 students, UT offers more than 140 academic programs and associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees granted through eleven colleges. Students come from all 50 states and 98 countries. People of all races, cultures and backgrounds make up our mix of full- and part-time students.

The Counselor Education program accommodates working students with families by offering classes in the late afternoons and evenings.