M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.A. in School Counseling
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.A. in School Counseling is a rigorous, 52-61 credit-hour program, typically completed as a full-time, three-year course of study with in-person classes on the Chicago campus. Admissions are generally for fall terms only. A key strength of this program is its direct pathway to an Illinois Professional Educator License with a School Counselor endorsement. Additionally, students have the option to complete additional coursework to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and eventually a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, offering broader career flexibility. The program consistently reports high job placement rates and state/national exam pass rates.
CACREP Accredited: Yes, Roosevelt University's M.A. in School Counseling program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accreditation is a significant indicator of program quality, ensuring that the curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet rigorous national standards. CACREP accreditation is highly valued by employers and often facilitates state licensure and national certification for school counselors across the United States.
Curriculum: The curriculum is intensive and field-based, preparing candidates to work democratically with diverse students and families. It encompasses core counseling courses and specialized school counseling content. Sample courses include "Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice in Counseling," "Statistics & Research Methods in Counseling," "Social & Cultural Foundations," "Human Appraisal (Assessment)," "Career Development and Educational Planning," "School Counseling, Environment, & Consultation," and "Organization, Administration, & Leadership of Effective School Counseling Programs." A crucial component of the program is extensive supervised clinical experience, including a "Counseling Practicum" and a substantial "Internship: School Counsel." This practical training ensures students develop the skills to implement comprehensive school counseling programs.
Research Focus: The M.A. in School Counseling program at Roosevelt University integrates an applied research focus, preparing counselors who can use data to inform their practice and advocate for effective programs. Students are required to take "Statistics & Research Methods in Counseling," which covers research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation. This equips them to understand and critically evaluate research relevant to school counseling, assess student needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and contribute to evidence-based practice. The program emphasizes that school counselors are integral in using data to advocate for students and demonstrate the impact of their services.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University demonstrates strong industry engagement for its M.A. in School Counseling program through its extensive network of school partnerships for clinical placements. The program ensures students gain invaluable hands-on experience in K-12 school settings, working directly with students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Faculty members often have practical experience as school counselors or leaders in the field, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The program's success is highlighted by 100% of employers of their school counseling graduates agreeing or strongly agreeing that Roosevelt's program produces well-prepared school counselors. This strong connection to the educational community in Illinois and beyond facilitates excellent job placement for graduates.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective within its M.A. in School Counseling program by emphasizing social justice and cultural competence in serving diverse student populations. Courses like "Social & Cultural Foundations" specifically address the impact of various cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, and other identities on student development and well-being. The program's mission to prepare counselors who can work democratically with diverse students and families inherently encompasses a global outlook, as schools in metropolitan areas like Chicago serve a vast array of students from different national and cultural backgrounds. This focus ensures graduates are equipped to address the complex needs of a globally interconnected and multicultural student body.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22992
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.A. in School Counseling from Roosevelt University offers a robust, CACREP-accredited pathway to a fulfilling career dedicated to supporting K-12 students. The program's comprehensive curriculum and extensive field experience prepare graduates to be vital advocates for academic success, career readiness, and social-emotional well-being in diverse school environments. The option to pursue additional licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) also broadens the scope of career opportunities.
School Counselor (Elementary, Middle, or High School): This is the primary and most direct career path. Graduates work within K-12 public or private schools, providing individual and group counseling, academic advising, career planning, social-emotional support, crisis intervention, and collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators.
College Admissions Counselor/Advisor: Leveraging their understanding of academic planning and student development, graduates can work in university admissions offices, guiding prospective students through the application process and helping them find the right fit for higher education.
Career Counselor: While often a component of a school counselor's role, some graduates may specialize in career counseling, working in university career services, community organizations, or private practice to help individuals explore career options, develop job search skills, and make informed vocational decisions.
Youth Program Director: Graduates can lead and develop educational and recreational programs for children and adolescents in non-profit organizations, community centers, or after-school programs, utilizing their understanding of child development and group dynamics.
Family Support Specialist: These professionals work with families to address challenges related to child development, education, and access to resources, often serving as a liaison between families and schools, healthcare providers, or social services.
School Social Worker: With additional coursework or specific certifications, a school counseling background can lead to roles as school social workers, focusing on the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students and connecting families with necessary community resources.
Community Mental Health Counselor (with additional licensure): If the graduate pursues the additional coursework for LPC/LCPC licensure, they can work in community mental health centers, private practice, or hospitals, providing therapy to children, adolescents, and families on a broader range of mental health issues outside the school setting.
Behavioral Specialist/Therapist (School-Based or Agency): Graduates can work with students who have behavioral disorders or emotional challenges, developing and implementing intervention plans, often in collaboration with special education teams or through community agencies that partner with schools.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Developer: As SEL gains prominence, graduates can apply their expertise to design and implement evidence-based SEL curricula and resources for K-12 schools, contributing to students' holistic development.
Academic Advisor (Higher Education): Similar to college admissions, academic advisors in universities help enrolled students choose courses, track their progress, and ensure they meet degree requirements, utilizing strong interpersonal and organizational skills learned in school counseling.
