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Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling in Educational Settings

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Program Overview

The Rowan Experience
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Our Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling in Educational Settings prepares professional practitioners in School Counseling to become change agents in their school and community through a system perspective where all students are served. Our program fosters reflection and ambition in our graduates as they participate in a curriculum designed to translate theory into realistic action.

The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (C.A.C.R.E.P.). The Counseling in Educational Settings (C.E.S.) degree program has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Education as meeting the state’s requirements for preparing school counselors. By completing this program, students are license eligible for Licensed Assistant Counselor (L.A.C.) which can lead to L.P.C.

School Counseling

For individuals who aspire to careers in K-12 schools this program leads to a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Counseling in Educational Settings, and also, New Jersey certification in School Counseling. Graduates may work in elementary, middle, and/or secondary school settings, providing student-counseling services. Such services include individual and group counseling for students regarding personal, social, and educational needs; consultation with faculty and other professional staff; assessment of individual students regarding personal-social, academic and career interests and needs; consultation with families regarding the individuals educational progress and career-related plans, as well as one's personal and social development; and working cooperatively with community resources in assisting individuals and families.

The New Jersey Department of Education (N.J. D.O.E.), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for N.J. D.O.E. certification, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all other certification requirements are met, including, but not limited to, appropriate type and level of license and years of experience. N.J. D.O.E. certification requirements are subject to change. Certification applications are evaluated by N.J. D.O.E., based on the most current state requirements. For current N.J. D.O.E. licensure information, visit: http://www.state.nj.us/education/educators/license

Curriculum
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The M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings is a full-time or part-time program offered in face-to-face format. It requires the completion of 60 graduate semester hours (20 courses).

Admission to the Counseling in Educational Services Program is selective and consists of a rigorous application review and on campus interview by program faculty. Admission is based on qualifications and available seats. Admission is not automatic.

  • 20 Courses / 60 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 54 S.H.
COUN 26501 Introduction To Counseling And Guidance 3
COUN 26520 Design And Coordination of Developmental Counseling Programs 3
COUN 26526 Individual Counseling Procedures 3
COUN 26509 Group Counseling In Educational Settings 3
COUN 26582 Career Counseling In Educational Settings 3
COUN 26524 Assessment and Appraisal Techniques in Counseling in Educational Settings 3
PSY 09560 Lifespan Development 3
COUN 26525 Multicultural Counseling 3
COUN 26597 Intervention & Referral Services / School Teams & Community Research 3
COUN 26523 Counseling Interviewing Skills And Techniques 3
COUN 26603 Research and Evaluation Procedures in Counseling in Educational Settings 3
COUN 26606 Ethics, Leadership, and Advocacy 3
COUN 26607 Children and Adolescent Counseling in Schools and Communities 3
COUN 26608 Diagnosis in Educational Settings 3
COUN 26652 Neurodiverse Learning & Social Emotional Development in Educational Settings 3
COUN 26527 Practicum In Counseling In Educational Settings 3
COUN 26601 Internship In Counseling In Educational Settings (Fall) 3
COUN 26601 Internship In Counseling In Educational Settings (Spring) 3
Restricted Elective Courses: 6 S.H. (choose two from the following).
COUN 26650 Mental Health Awareness (Emotional) Crisis Management in Educational Settings 3
COUN 26651 Trauma Informed Practices for Social Emotional Development in Educational Setting 3
COUN 26653 Promoting Self-Care and Wellness in Educational and Professional Settings 3
COUN 26654 An Ecological Approach to Family and Systems Counseling in Educational Settings 3
COUN 26540 Post-Secondary and College Counseling 3
COUN 26650 Intro to Play Therapy 3

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Certificate Program Acknowledgement
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives

    • In a maximum of two pages, tell us about how you might use this program to advance your career. Educational goals beyond the master's level, if applicable, are also relevant. Place your objectives within a context that includes your experiences and the way these have influenced you in considering counseling as a career path.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional sources that speak to the applicant's academic aptitude
  • Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (On a 4.0 scale)
  • Interview (The Faculty Admissions Committee will contact applicants directly to schedule an interview. The interview may be in person or via phone for distance applicants).
  • On-site writing sample (conducted during interview)
 
 
M.A. in Counseling in Education Professionals

Career Outlook

Through our program, you will be prepared for careers as School Counselors in K-12 educational settings or for careers in Student Affairs in higher education settings. If you are interested in moving ahead in counseling in education, now is the time to pursue your degree - employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow eight percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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Become a guidance counselor

“I wanted to be a guidance counselor because I wanted to change the world,” says Janine Edmonds ‘01. “If I can change one life, I always say that’s rewarding to me. Being a guidance counselor has been one of the best things that has happened in my lifetime.”

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