M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Counselor Education (School Counseling) at UNF is a robust, 60-credit hour program designed to prepare students for certification as PK-12 school counselors in Florida. It is a cohort-based program, fostering a strong sense of community and collaborative learning among students. The curriculum focuses on developing professional identity, ethical practice, and essential counseling skills. A critical component of the program is the extensive 700 hours of supervised field experience, which includes both practicum and internship placements, providing invaluable real-world training. Upon successful completion, graduates are fully certified school guidance counselors in Florida.
Curriculum: The 60-credit hour curriculum for the M.Ed. in Counselor Education (School Counseling) at UNF is comprehensive and aligned with state certification requirements. It includes core requirements in research and assessment in school counseling and education in America. The major requirements cover a wide range of essential counseling topics such as theories of counseling, counseling children and adolescents, group work, legal and ethical issues, crisis and disaster management, college and career readiness, and the organization and administration of school counseling programs. Additionally, students complete significant supervised field experiences, including practicum and internships, to apply their knowledge in actual school settings. Prerequisites in ESOL and Reading competencies for Florida certification are also integrated into the program.
Research Focus: While the M.Ed. in Counselor Education is a professional degree primarily focused on clinical practice and school-based interventions, it incorporates a strong research-informed approach. Students engage with foundational courses in research and assessment, learning how to critically evaluate counseling literature, utilize data-driven decision-making in their practice, and assess the effectiveness of their interventions. The program aims to prepare "highly impactful professional school counselor leaders who advocate and promote the development and educational opportunities of students," which inherently involves understanding and applying evidence-based practices. While a full thesis might not be a requirement for all students, the curriculum ensures that graduates are capable of engaging with and contributing to the body of knowledge in school counseling through informed practice.
Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Counselor Education (School Counseling) at UNF boasts significant industry engagement, primarily through its extensive field experience requirements. The program mandates 700 hours of supervised fieldwork, comprising practicum and internship experiences, which provide students with direct, hands-on exposure to school counseling environments. These placements are crucial for applying theoretical knowledge, developing clinical skills, and building professional networks within Florida's PK-12 school systems. The program's direct alignment with Florida educator certification requirements further solidifies its connection to the needs of the state's educational landscape. Faculty members often have practical experience in school counseling, bridging academic learning with real-world application.
Global Perspective: While the M.Ed. in Counselor Education (School Counseling) at UNF is tailored to preparing counselors for the U.S. educational system and Florida certification, it inherently incorporates a global perspective through its emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. Modern school counseling necessitates an understanding of diverse student populations, including those from various cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds, which often includes international students or those from immigrant families. The curriculum would likely address multicultural counseling, promoting an awareness of global and diverse human experiences. The core principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and promoting well-being for all students are universal, preparing graduates to be empathetic and effective counselors in increasingly diverse school communities.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education from the University of North Florida (UNF), specifically with its School Counseling concentration, is a highly practical and impactful degree that directly leads to professional certification as a PK-12 school counselor in Florida. This 60-credit hour, cohort-based program, offered through UNF's Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, is designed to cultivate empathetic and skilled counselors who can foster the academic, personal, social, and career development of students. The program's significant 700 hours of supervised field experience ensures graduates are well-prepared for the realities of the school environment, making them highly sought-after professionals in a field with consistent demand.
PK-12 School Counselor: This is the primary and most direct career path. Graduates work in elementary, middle, or high schools to provide individual and group counseling, develop academic and career plans, address social-emotional challenges, and collaborate with teachers and parents to support student success.
College & Career Readiness Counselor: Specializes in guiding students through post-secondary planning, including college applications, financial aid, vocational training, and career exploration. These counselors help students identify strengths, interests, and pathways to future success.
Academic Advisor (Higher Education): While often not requiring state certification, an M.Ed. in Counselor Education provides excellent foundational skills for academic advising roles in colleges and universities. These professionals guide university students on course selection, major choices, academic probation, and navigating university resources.
Student Affairs Professional (Higher Education): Works in various departments within a college or university focusing on student well-being, engagement, and development. Roles can include student life coordinator, residence life manager, or positions in student support services.
Crisis Counselor (School-Based/Community-Based): Specializes in providing immediate support to students and school communities during crises, such as trauma, grief, or emergencies. They may also develop and implement crisis prevention and response plans.
Guidance Director/Lead School Counselor: With experience, graduates can advance to leadership roles within school counseling departments, overseeing programs, supervising other counselors, and shaping school-wide guidance initiatives.
Consultant (Educational/Counseling Services): Graduates can leverage their expertise to consult for school districts, private schools, or educational organizations, advising on counseling program development, mental health initiatives, or student support services.
Youth Program Coordinator: Works with non-profit organizations or community centers to design and implement programs for youth development, often focusing on life skills, social-emotional learning, and academic enrichment.
Mental Health Counselor (Limited Contexts, with further licensure): While UNF's program is specifically for school counseling certification, the core counseling skills acquired are transferable. With additional coursework and supervised clinical hours, and depending on state requirements, some graduates may pursue licensure as mental health counselors to work in agency or private practice settings. This usually requires a CACREP-accredited program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Behavioral Specialist (School Context): Collaborates with teachers, parents, and school psychologists to develop and implement behavior intervention plans for students with challenging behaviors. Their understanding of counseling theories and child development is highly valuable in this role.
