School Counseling (Pre K-8), (5-12), Master of Education

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This program is designed to prepare candidates to work as counselors in school settings. The program allows candidates to complete a master’s degree in education while developing the qualifications necessary to meet the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements for licensure as either a PreK-12 school counselor or school adjustment counselor.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite Program Requirements

One course in Educational Psychology or General Psychology

One course in Developmental Psychology relevant to level (i.e., Child Growth for Pre K-8, Adolescent Psychology for 5-12)

One course in Learning or Human Behavior or equivalent

Measurement and Evaluation, or equivalent (e.g., Statistics)

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. Please note that no more than three courses taken at Salem State University before admission can be counted towards this program. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study as needed.

Course Requirements

Foundations and Research (9 credits)

Counseling and Guidance (33 credits)

EDU 832A - Administration of Guidance and Counseling Services
EDU 735N - Career Education and Development: Information, Planning and Placement
PSY 731 - Counseling Theory and Practice I
PSY 732 - Counseling Theory and Practice II
PSY 733 - Principles of Psychological Testing
PSY 741 - Group Counseling or
PSY 878 - The Psychology of Small Group Leadership
PSY 757N - Marital/Couples and Family Counseling
PSY 777R - Legal and Ethical Issues in the Human Services Profession
PSY 739 - Developmental Psychopathology
EDU 882 - Multicultural Issues in Counseling
EDU 734 - Measurement of Intelligence (Wechsler) ** or
An elective course related to program interest 3 Credit(s) Must be approved by program coordinator

Practicum and Seminar (12 credits)

Total Credits: 54

School Adjustment Initial Licensure (6 credits)

Additional Information and Notes

*The practicum experience requires that the student be available for 500 hours of field work over two semesters, as well as a weekly class seminar. Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum.

**EDU 734 is recommended for students in the PreK-12 school counseling track.