School Counseling Dual Degree

Get Your B.A. and M.S. in Only 5 Years

Once enrolled, your faculty advisor will assist
and support you in your transition between
undergraduate and graduate coursework and
the progression towards completion of your
Master of Education in School Counseling.

How Does the Program Work?

1. Complete three years of prerequisite courses (general education requirements, prerequisite and foundational program knowledge) by the spring semester of your third year.
2. Advance directly into the Master of Education in School Counseling where you’ll get a head start
   on graduate coursework and hands-on experience.
3. Study in a collaborative cohort model with other students taking similar classes and working together to finish your degree.
4. Graduate and move quickly into the workplace with the competitive advantage of a master’s degree.

What You’ll Learn

With its combination of dynamic coursework and carefully chosen field placements, a master’s degree in school counseling empowers you to advocate passionately for the communities you serve and provide confident student support.

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.

Hands-on Learning

You will engage in nearly 600 hours of intensive hands-on 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.

Career Options

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 8% 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:

• Catholic schools
• charter schools
• colleges and universities
• education-focused nonprofits, such as Boys and Girls Club and Teach for America
• human resources departments
• public school districts

Future employers include companies such as the Methuen School District, Lahey Health, Burlington School District and Lowell Catholic High School. 

How to Apply

When you are ready to apply to Merrimack, you can simply choose “School Counseling 5-year masters” on the Common Application or Merrimack Application, following the application deadline options mapped out on the Freshman Application Process webpage.

Courses You’ll Take