School Counseling
School Counseling (ME6274)
Applications due January 15, 2024
The School Counseling (SC) specialization prepares graduates to serve the pre-K-12 population by assuming leadership and advocacy roles to promote optimum development for all students. In addition to core counseling coursework, SC students are trained in professional school counseling as well as counseling and assessment of children and adolescents. The SC program specialization at Ohio University is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2024 and is offered annually on the Athens campus.
Prospective students can learn more about the role of school counselors. SC students that elect to complete a dual specialization in clinical mental health counseling/school counseling (CMH/SC) must complete additional coursework and a 600-hour clinical mental health counseling internship to be eligible for Ohio licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). The dual specialization prepares students for job opportunities in both mental health and school counseling. To learn more about SC and CMH/SC, prospective and current students can contact the SC coordinator, Dr. Christine Bhat (bhatc@ohio.edu).
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program are eligible for the Pupil Services license as a school counselor through the Ohio Department of Education and national certification as National Certified Counselors (NCC). Graduates are employed as school counselors, career counselors, and university academic advisors. Students with a dual CMH/SC specialization are employed in similar roles or as an agency and school-based mental health counselors. Additional information on accreditation, licensure, and certification for the Ohio University Counselor Education program is available on our website.
Program Curriculum
For more information about the courses required for this program, please visit the Graduate Catalog.
Program Objectives
- Become familiar with the requirements of professional school counseling, the body of literature and research central to the field, and preparation standards that impact the field as a whole.
- Develop an understanding of the school counseling program in relation to the academic and student services program in the school setting.
- Learn the role, function, and professional identity of school counselors in relation to the roles of other school professionals and support personnel.
- Develop strategies of leadership designed to enhance the school learning environment.
- Acquire knowledge of the school setting, environment, and pre-K-12 curriculum.
- Identify current issues, policies, laws, and legislation relevant to school counseling.
- Understand the role of race, ethnicity, cultural heritage, nationality, socioeconomic status, family structure, age, gender and gender identity, affectional/sexual orientation, religious and spiritual beliefs, physical and mental status, and disability on issues of equity in school counseling.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of community, environmental, and institutional opportunities that enhance, as well as barriers that impede student academic, career, personal/social success, and overall development.
- Develop knowledge and application of current and emerging technology in education and school counseling to assist students, families, and educators in using resources that promote informed academic, career, and personal/social choices.
- Acquire an understanding of ethical and legal considerations related to the practice of school counseling.
Professional Engagement
SC students are encouraged to become involved in professional counseling organizations during their program. Belonging to a professional organization encourages collaboration and advocacy, promotes professionalism and leadership, and allows students to meet colleagues and leaders throughout the state and nation.
Counseling students from all specializations can participate in the activities and professional development opportunities of the Alpha chapter of the Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International Counseling Honor Society, the American Counseling Association (ACA), and its divisions, as well as the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA). The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is the primary national organization specific to school counseling. The Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA) is a state-level professional organization focused on school counseling. Our students and alumni are engaged in service, hold leadership positions, and participate in professional development in many of these organizations.
For more information, contact:
Tamarine Foreman
Counselor Education Program Coordinator
Patton Hall 432G
740.593.4395
counseloreducation@ohio.edu
Also Offered Online
Ohio University offers a School Counseling program fully online. Choose the program that fits your needs.