Program Overview
The School Counseling, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program prepares you to be a leader, advocate and systemic change agent in K-12 urban educational settings. You will gain awareness, knowledge and skills to work with diverse student populations. The program focuses on access, equity and social justice in delivering counseling services. You will develop competencies to be a leader in working to close opportunity gaps in urban schools.
Key Features
- Real-World Experience: Complete one 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships in local urban school districts.
- Cohort Model: Learn in a supportive cohort environment with a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students enter the program and take the same course sequence together.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.
- American School Counselor Associate (ASCA) National Model: A framework that guides school counselors in the development of school counseling programs involving data-informed decision making, delivered to students systemically, are developmentally appropriate, close achievement and opportunity gaps and result in improved student achievement, attendance and discipline.
#1
Student Counseling and Personnel Services program in the country, according to the U.S. News & World Report
100%
Pass rate for licensure or certification exams among recent graduates
90%
Alumni employed in the field within a year of graduation
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Promote academic, college and career, and personal and social growth in K-12 students using the ASCA National Model as a framework for success.
- Develop clinical skills to address and support students’ diverse needs, understanding the influence of intersecting identities.
- Demonstrate understanding and application of the ASCA Code of Ethics, consistently upholding ethical and legal standards in school counseling practice.
- Effectively intervene with students individually and in group settings to address academic, career, social, emotional and personal factors that affect their opportunities and achievements.
- Use data-driven program evaluation models to identify needs and conduct, and design and evaluate school counseling outcomes that inform school system decision-making and accountability.
- Build strong partnerships with families, agencies and community stakeholders to promote access, equity and social justice in urban schools.
- Acquire leadership and advocacy skills to remove barriers to student success and promote positive change within urban schools and communities.
Careers
Career Options
Graduates of our program pursue various career paths, including:
- Clinical Counselor
- Counseling Program Coordinator
- Educational Advocate
- Professional K-12 School Counselor
“I am so thankful for the School Counseling program. My cohort, professors, and supervisors at the Prince George's County Public School internship site provided support, understanding and guidance throughout the entire two year program. One of the most useful tools was the school counseling comprehensive program, which I find to be important, especially if working in the Prince George's county school district. I would not be the school counselor and person I am today without the friendships and experiences this program gave me!”
Info Sessions & Events
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the .
Important Note: The admissions process involves both an application and an interview. Interview invitations are sent three weeks before the interview stage.
Requirements
Program Requirements
Courses and practical elements in this program are carefully selected to give you a well-rounded education, preparing you to excel in your career and make meaningful contributions to your field.
You will take courses in counseling theory, counseling skills, human development, group counseling, ethics, multicultural counseling, research methods, and special education. Coursework includes one 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships with local partnering school districts.
Learn even more about our school counseling program by visiting our expanded program page.
Contact
Contact Us
For more information, please contact cosc-admissions@umd.edu.