School Counseling Direct Entry Master’s Program
With a guaranteed $20,000 scholarship, get your B.A. and M.Ed. in only 5 years!
Merrimack College offers a direct entry accelerated pathway that allows students to satisfy requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Human Services and a Master of Education in School Counseling in five years.
School Counseling Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-Op/ Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
5 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's School Counseling Direct Entry Master's Program
"*" indicates required fields
Fall Open House
Sunday, December 7, 2025
from 10:30 am
to 3:30 pm
Learn more about our academic schools and programs, take an in-depth campus tour and meet members of our community! Open House attendees are eligible for on-the-spot admission decisions and an automatic $1,000 visit grant.
The School Counseling 3+2 Major
Your journey to a Master of Education in School Counseling begins here! Prepare for rewarding careers in school or community-based counseling, college readiness, career guidance, transitional services and more.
What You'll Study
At Merrimack, you’ll study a variety of subjects to prepare for future careers. Key areas include:
Human Development
Humanities
Speech and Hearing Science
Intro to Audiology
Mental Health Across the Lifespan
Positive Learning Environments
Skills You'll Learn
Level up your skills in the classroom, so you’re the most prepared for your future career!
School Counseling Courses You'll Take
Biological Bases of Development
hde 1600
This course introduces students to the structure and function of the human brain and the biology of human behavior, including those involved in vision, attention, memory, language and movement. It is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of human biology.
Speech and Hearing Science
hde 3900
This course is for students who are considering careers in areas such as speech-language pathology, audiology, dentistry, medicine and performance arts. It provides students with an overview of the scientific study and application of human production and perception of acoustics.
Introduction to Audiology
hde 3500
This course is for students who are considering careers in areas related to speech-language pathology, social work, dentistry and medicine. Students will get an overview of the profession of audiology and an introduction to human anatomy and physiology for functions related to hearing and balance.
See All Courses & Options Available to School Counseling Direct Entry Master's Program Students
Human Development and Human Services Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements.
To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Sample Five-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample five-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.
Why Choose the School Counseling Direct Entry Master's Program?
You’ll acquire techniques to help students navigate complex issues such as emotional and mental health challenges, fostering healthy relationships, substance abuse and addiction, domestic violence and trauma, the juvenile justice system, racial, cultural and ethnic dynamics and socioeconomic circumstances.
ACCELERATED M.ED. PATH
Earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years, saving you time and money! Start taking graduate-level courses as early as your senior year, giving you a head start before you even finish your undergraduate degree.
EXCEPTIONAL HANDS-ON LEARNING
You will engage in nearly 600-1,200 hours of field-based training. Merrimack has an exceptionally diverse network of partner schools and community organizations, ensuring that you will land with a practicum assignment that closely fits your strengths and career interests.
SUPPORTIVE, STUDENT-CENTERED EDUCATION
Our dedicated faculty provide personalized mentorship throughout your academic and professional journey. The program curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, mental health support and equity in education- skills that today's school need most.
STRONG CAREER OPTIONS
High demand for school counselors means strong job prospects for you! Our graduates are well-prepared for roles such as elementary or secondary school counselor, student success specialist and college or career readiness advisor.
Career Outlook: Where Can a School Counseling Major Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
95% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in the School of Education and Social Policy were employed full time, part time, participating in a service program, U.S. Armed Forces or enrolled in a program of continuing education at graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of Human Development and Human Services majors participate in at least one practicum. You’ll gain invaluable classroom experience during your pre-practicum and practicum student teaching.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Ottawa University, Vanderbilt University and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs SESP graduates are attending.
Jobs with a School Counseling Degree
Graduates from Merrimack’s School Counseling Master’s Program are in high demand and have an outstanding record of job placement. According to U.S. News and World Report, Massachusetts ranks among the top five states in the nation for school counseling salaries, with positions expected to increase by 10% over the next decade.
Employers seek out our alumni for their breadth of skills, strong hands-on experience and theoretical grounding. Our recent graduates have attained school counseling jobs at:
- Boys and Girls Club
- Catholic Schools
- Charter Schools
- Community-Based Behavioral Health
- Human Resources
- Institutions of Higher Education
- Public School Districts
- Teach for America
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the School Counseling 3+2 Degree
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's School Counseling Direct Entry Master's Program
"*" indicates required fields