Master's of Arts Degree Program in Counselor Education with a School Counseling Concentration
The Master of Arts Degree program in Counselor Education with the School Counseling concentration 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. Counselor Education faculty are 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 School Counseling concentration 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. (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 concentration 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 Counselor Education program 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 program is committed to recruiting and preparing Ohio licensed professional counselors representative of the diversity in Toledo and the nation.
Important Forms
- School Counseling Masters Plan of Study Worksheet
- 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. Preference is given to students with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or better. 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. Applicants may find it helpful to refer to our Tips for Applicants page. People interested in exploring admission to the School Counseling program should contact Dr. Leslie Neyland-Brown, School Counseling Admissions Coordinator at leslie.neyland@utoledo.edu.
The deadlines for submitting applications for admission to the program are September 15, January 15, and May 15.
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 nearly 20,000 students, UToledo offers more than 140 academic programs and associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees granted through diverse 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.
This CACREP accredited program leads to licensure as a School Counselor, and satisfies the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure and/or advanced practice certification/endorsement eligibility vary from state to state. Please reference the Professional Licensure Information page for state details. For students who wish to practice in a state other than Ohio, please contact the program director/advisor Dr. Leslie Neyland-Brown, School Counseling Admissions Coordinator at leslie.neyland@utoledo.edu to discuss requirements in that state.