Master of Arts in Educational Studies, Counselor Education
School Counseling Concentration
The Master of Arts in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This concentration readies you to become a professional school counselor in public and private settings. Some graduates have pursued opportunities in admissions roles in higher education as well. The school counseling program concentration prepares theoretically grounded, ethical and self-reflective practitioners who transform the lives of their students and the surrounding communities for improved health, well-being and school success.
The school counseling concentration equips graduates with cutting edge knowledge and skills to transform school settings and support the success of every student. Our students engage with passionate faculty who care deeply about evolving the school counseling field to create systemic change that centers the cultural wealth and strengths of students and their families in the educational process. Graduates invest in agency and create pathways so that PK-12 students can achieve their goals and experience post-secondary success.
The two-year, full-time curriculum and field experiences prepare our graduates to pass the licensure exam and competitively pursue job openings. All courses are delivered in-person at the Columbus campus, in the evenings and exclude summer courses. We partner with multiple area school districts to place our practicum and internship students with outstanding supervisors, often graduates of our program, and most with whom we have worked for many years. Our faculty have been school counselors, are national leaders in the field and are excited to invest in the next generation of school counselors.
Program features
Students report 100% job placement.
Students have 100% pass rate on the Ohio licensure exam.
Full-time program uses a cohort-model to create a strong community.
School Counseling faculty are national leaders and have clinical experience.
Program focuses on centering student voice through student-led organizations.
Students take four to five courses per semester, each meeting once per week at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Watch a video overview of the MA program concentration areas.
Student testimonials
In 2023, I earned my M.A. in Counselor Education and Ohio licensure as a Professional School Counselor. I can’t say enough positive things about the Counselor Education program at EHE! What sets Ohio State’s program apart from others around the country is its foundation in antiracism and equity-based teaching practices. The cohort model grants rich opportunities for self-exploration, project-based learning, and real world practice in a supportive and engaging space.
Thanks to the examples set by all the faculty members, my cohort embraced a strong culture of inclusivity and acceptance, which allowed all of us to support and inspire each other to care deeply about our work. Each student can expect a strong support system between site supervisors, doctoral supervisors, group supervision, and all the Counselor Education faculty who are truly overjoyed to help in every way they can.
I came out of the Counselor Education program feeling prepared for anything. Graduating from this nationally recognized program has made me competitive for school counseling positions anywhere in the country, and the faculty’s networking connections make the hiring process a breeze. I’m excited to begin my career as a school counselor this fall!
Choosing Ohio State was one of the best decisions I made for both my personal and professional growth. The Counselor Education program is highly regarded for its exceptional faculty, strong cohort model and commitment to fostering a supportive learning community. The program also provides many professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences, engaging in research and networking with counseling professionals who are highly respected in their fields. Being in this program, I was surrounded by incredible and compassionate people, which was inspiring and motivating every day.
What sets Ohio State apart is its commitment to social justice, antiracist teaching practices and advocacy for systemic change. I learned from professors who were not only incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, but also genuinely invested in their students’ success. I also received valuable supervision from amazing doctoral students and site supervisors who all helped me develop my school counseling skills.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to connect what I was learning in the classroom to real-world practice. Through coursework, practicum and internship experiences, I was able to apply counseling concepts in school settings while also receiving ongoing support and mentorship. The program’s emphasis on data-driven, evidence-based practices has been especially helpful in my current role as a full-time school counselor. Through the Counselor Education program at Ohio State, I graduated feeling prepared for my school counseling career and appreciative of all the support and opportunities I received throughout my experience.
Funding opportunities
Key to teaching, research and learning in the college, associateships provide students with professional experience and financial support.
We encourage students to apply for EHE scholarships. The college annually awards scholarships to its students to support their academic goals.
Degree requirements
The Counselor Education program will no longer require the GRE as an admissions requirement.
Prerequisites
Minimum program hours: 61
Bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE not required
Deadline to apply
December 1
Additional application requirements
Special statement of intent
- Why do you want to be a counselor?
- Specify which concentration (clinical mental health counseling, clinical mental health-Addictions counseling or school counseling) you are interested in. Tell us how your background, experiences and interests align with that concentration.
- Tell us about all helping experiences (paid and volunteer) you have had in the past.
- What are the social justice issues you believe are part of the work of a counselor in that concentration?
- What are your professional goals once you complete the master's degree in your concentration?
Program start
Autumn semester
Contact Us
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