Master of Education in School Counseling
This Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)-accredited program provides you with the needed coursework and field experience for a school counselor (preK-12) license and/or school social worker/adjustment counselor (preK-12) license.
Finish in 2 years. New cohorts start each fall.
School Counseling Master’s Degree: Why Merrimack College?
Merrimack College’s school counseling master’s degree equips you for success, whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or migrating to school counseling from another career. The program offers:
Superior professional development.
Approved for state licensure and aligned with national standards, our master’s degree in school counseling combines theoretical rigor with practical expertise that addresses current educational trends.
Robust, relevant field experience.
Our master’s in school counseling includes 600-1,200 hours of field-based training in a setting that works best for you. Merrimack has an exceptionally diverse network of partner schools and community organizations, so we can locate a practicum assignment that closely fits your career interests and strengths.
Small classes, attentive faculty.
Merrimack’s intimate campus and supportive faculty set us apart from most graduate programs in school counseling. You’ll develop close relationships with high-profile practitioners and scholars who promote your success via personal mentorship, career guidance and research opportunities.
Holistic curriculum.
The classroom component of our school counseling master’s degree provides you with culturally competent expertise that prepares you to work with youth (aged kindergarten through high school) of diverse ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic profiles and academic capabilities. All classes take place in evening hours to accommodate your work schedule and/or practicum requirements.
Flexibility and convenience.
Merrimack’s school counseling master’s degree includes multiple formats to accommodate students of varying needs. You can complete the standard program in two years (or longer as a part-time student) and become eligible for state licensure upon graduation. Options for completing a 2+1 program with multiple licenses are also available. If you already hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, our license-only program helps you meet the state of Massachusetts’ school counseling or school social worker/adjustment counseling licensure requirements.
Fellowship awards.
Our competitive school counseling fellowships provide a substantial tuition reduction while gaining experience in related fields.
Program Format
- On campus
- 48 credits
- 60 credits for a masters+ option available
Become a School Counselor Who Changes Lives
Merrimack’s Winston School of Education and Social Policy develops transformative leaders in school counseling who advocate passionately for the communities they serve.
Our school counseling master’s degree prepares you to support healthy academic and behavioral development while responding to the economic, social and cultural factors that affect students and families. You’ll acquire the techniques and context to help young people:
- Address emotional and mental health challenges
- Acquire work experience and career skills
- Gain admission to college
- Meet financial needs
- Achieve academic goals
- Address substance abuse and addiction challenges
- Cope with domestic violence and other forms of trauma
- Understand and foster healthy relationships
- Exit the juvenile justice system
With its combination of dynamic courses and carefully chosen field placements, our school counseling master’s degree empowers you to provide confident, competent student support.
Start Your School Counseling Career on the Right Track
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects above-average growth in the school counseling job market, with positions expected to increase by 10 percent over the next decade.
School counselor job satisfaction tends to be high, due in part to the deep and enduring impact practitioners can have on individual lives. Graduates from Merrimack’s school counseling M.Ed. program have an outstanding record of job placement. Employers seek our alumni for their breadth of skills, strong hands-on experience and theoretical grounding. Our recent graduates have attained school counseling jobs for employers such as:
- Boys and Girls Club
- Catholic Schools
- Charter Schools
- Public School Districts
- Community-Based Behavioral Health
- Human Resources
- Institutions of Higher Education
- Teach for America
Questions about the Master of Education in School Counseling?
To schedule an informational call with Dr. Christine Shaw, Director, School Counseling Program & Associate Professor of Practice, Education & Community Studies, please send an email to shawc@merrimack.edu.
Contact the Merrimack College Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@merrimack.edu.
Scholarships and Fellowships
You can save thousands on tuition and living expenses via a scholarship or a competitive school counseling fellowship.
How to Apply
Create your account to get started. Apply to start your Master of Education in School Counseling today.
