M.Ed. In Montessori Education
The M.Ed. in Montessori Education at Xavier University offers both on-campus and online...
M.A. in School Counseling
Cincinnati, Ohio
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in School Counseling at Xavier University is designed to prepare graduates for professional roles in school counseling. It is a robust program that combines classroom learning with significant clinical internships, enabling students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application. The program meets the academic requirements for school counselor certification in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, along with many other states, facilitating a smooth transition from graduate school to professional practice. Graduates are equipped to develop comprehensive school counseling programs based on national standards, such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.
Curriculum: The M.A. in School Counseling curriculum at Xavier University is comprehensive, typically requiring 60 credit hours. It encompasses a broad range of core counseling knowledge areas, including: "Research Methodology & Program Evaluation," "Foundations & Ethics of the Counseling Profession," "Counseling Theories," "Counseling Techniques," "Lifestyle and Career Development," "Human Growth and Development," "Assessment in Counseling," and "Crisis Intervention in Schools." Specialized courses for school counseling include "School Counseling: Principles & Administration" and "Advanced School Counseling Practice." A crucial component of the curriculum is the extensive clinical experience, comprising a practicum and two internship placements (totaling 600 hours of internship), providing invaluable hands-on training under supervision. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination.
Research Focus: The M.A. in School Counseling program at Xavier University integrates an applied research focus, preparing counselors to be evidence-based practitioners. The curriculum includes coursework in "Research Methodology & Program Evaluation," which teaches students how to understand, conduct, and utilize research to inform their practice and evaluate the effectiveness of school counseling programs. This focus empowers graduates to critically analyze data, assess student needs, and demonstrate the impact of their interventions. Faculty members are actively engaged in research related to counseling and educational outcomes, providing a foundation for students to develop their own inquiry skills.
Industry Engagement: Xavier University's M.A. in School Counseling program boasts strong industry engagement, primarily through its extensive clinical experience requirements. Students complete a significant practicum and internship hours in diverse school settings, providing direct exposure to the realities of school counseling. Xavier has established partnerships with numerous local and regional schools, facilitating these crucial placements. The program also emphasizes collaboration with parents, teachers, and administrators, mirroring the real-world responsibilities of a school counselor. Graduates are prepared to apply the ASCA National Model, which is widely adopted in schools, further ensuring their readiness for the profession. The department also strives to provide professional development opportunities and networking events for students.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in School Counseling at Xavier University fosters a global perspective by emphasizing multicultural competence and social justice within the counseling profession. The program's mission explicitly prepares counselors to serve as "professional, multiculturally competent and ethical school and clinical counselors in diverse practice environments." Coursework and discussions address cross-cultural counseling, the impact of diverse backgrounds on student development, and the importance of advocating for all students, including those from marginalized communities. This approach prepares graduates to effectively support students from various cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds, reflecting the increasing diversity of school populations both domestically and, implicitly, globally.
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12672
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
Xavier University in the United States offers a variety of scholarships designed to support and encourage international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding the financial challenges that come with studying abroad, Xavier is making education accessible by providing merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities specifically tailored to international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Xavier University awards merit scholarships to international students based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain the required academic standards. Examples include the International Achievement Scholarship and various departmental awards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While federal financial aid is generally not available to international students, Xavier offers institutional need-based aid to those who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide documentation of their financial situation as part of the scholarship application process. This aid helps bridge the gap for students requiring additional assistance beyond merit scholarships.
Specialized Scholarships: Some scholarships at Xavier target students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or education. These scholarships recognize academic promise and career potential in key disciplines. Additionally, Xavier occasionally offers scholarships connected to cultural or community engagement, aligning with its Jesuit values.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Counseling from Xavier University provides graduates with a comprehensive and highly recognized credential for impactful careers in K-12 education. The program, focuses on developing ethical, compassionate, and skilled school counselors who can address the academic, social, emotional, and career development needs of diverse student populations. Graduates are prepared to implement comprehensive school counseling programs based on national standards like the ASCA National Model.
School Counselor (Elementary, Middle, or High School): This is the primary and most direct career path. Graduates work directly with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to provide individual and group counseling, academic guidance, college and career planning, and crisis intervention.
College/University Academic Advisor: While focused on K-12, the skills in academic development and career planning are highly transferable. Graduates can work in higher education, guiding college students through course selection, major choices, academic probation, and preparation for graduation and post-college life.
Career Counselor: Graduates can specialize in helping individuals of all ages identify career interests, develop job search skills, craft resumes, and prepare for interviews. This can be in school settings, university career centers, or private career counseling agencies.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Therapist (School-Based or Community Agency): Due to the strong clinical training and focus on child development, graduates can pursue roles as therapists working with youth. This may involve being employed by a community agency to provide mental health services within schools or in a community setting.
Behavioral Specialist/Interventionist: With a deep understanding of student behavior and emotional development, graduates can work in schools or other educational settings to develop and implement behavior intervention plans, support students with challenging behaviors, and foster positive learning environments.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator: As SEL gains prominence, graduates can lead initiatives to integrate social-emotional learning into school curricula and culture, developing programs that foster students' self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Guidance Director/Lead School Counselor: With experience, an M.A. graduate can advance to leadership positions within a school's counseling department, overseeing counseling services, managing a team of counselors, and developing school-wide guidance programs.
Educational Consultant (Student Support Services): Graduates can work independently or for consulting firms, advising school districts or individual schools on best practices for student support services, counseling program development, crisis management, or college and career readiness initiatives.
Youth Program Coordinator (Non-Profit): The skills in human development, group facilitation, and program evaluation are valuable in non-profit organizations focused on youth development, mentoring, after-school programs, or community outreach, providing support and guidance to young people.
School-Based Therapist (Community Agency Employed): Given the increasing integration of mental health services into schools, graduates may work as therapists housed within a school but employed by an external community mental health agency, providing direct clinical services to students.
