M.Ed. in School Counseling

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in School Counseling is a 60-semester-hour program that integrates professional counseling theories, models, and techniques with specialized preparation for working within the unique dynamics of a school environment, collaborating with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. The program’s mission is to help students acquire the skills needed to perform effectively as school counselors, enabling them to make a significant difference in the lives of students. Successful completion of the program leads to endorsement for the AA license as a school counselor in Mississippi and can also assist graduates in applying for National Counseling Certification and licensure as a professional counselor (LPC).

CACREP Accreditation: Yes, Mississippi College's M.Ed. in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation is a crucial benchmark in the counseling profession, signifying that the program meets rigorous national standards for counselor preparation. This accreditation assures students that they are receiving appropriate, up-to-date training and is often a prerequisite for state licensure as a school counselor or professional counselor in many states, and for national certification. As of the latest available information, its accreditation was extended through October 31, 2024, and it's common for programs to be in a re-accreditation process; prospective students should always verify the most current status directly with the university.

Curriculum: The 60-semester-hour curriculum is structured into tiers to ensure a progressive learning experience, covering foundational counseling knowledge and specialized school counseling content. Core coursework typically includes "Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues in Counseling," "Theories of Personality and Counseling," "Techniques of Group Counseling," "Assessment in Counseling," and "Career Development." Specialized coursework for school counseling delves into areas like "Foundations, Contextual Dimensions, and Knowledge and Skills of School Counseling," and "Counseling Children and Adolescents." A significant component of the curriculum involves supervised clinical training through required Practicum and Internship experiences. Students must also pass a comprehensive examination (Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam; CPCE) prior to graduation.

Research Focus: The M.Ed. in School Counseling program at Mississippi College integrates a research-informed approach to counseling practice. While it does not typically require a traditional thesis as a capstone, the curriculum includes courses that develop competencies in "research and program evaluation." This focus equips students to understand and apply evidence-based counseling interventions, critically analyze existing research in the field, and evaluate the effectiveness of school counseling programs. Graduates are prepared to use data to inform their practice, advocate for student needs, and demonstrate the impact of counseling services within the school setting.

Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in School Counseling program at Mississippi College exhibits strong industry engagement through its direct preparation of professionals for roles within the K-12 educational system. The program's curriculum is aligned with the competencies required for effective school counseling and is designed to meet state licensure requirements. The mandatory practicum and internship experiences provide students with extensive supervised, real-world counseling experience in actual school settings, fostering direct engagement with students, families, teachers, and administrators. Faculty often comprise experienced school counselors and mental health professionals, providing valuable practical insights and connections within the educational and counseling communities. This practical orientation ensures graduates are well-prepared for immediate contributions to schools.

Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in School Counseling program inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing the universal aspects of child and adolescent development, mental health, and the challenges faced by diverse student populations. While the specific legal and educational frameworks studied are primarily U.S.-centric, the principles of multicultural counseling, ethical practice, and promoting a safe and inclusive environment are globally relevant. Counselors are increasingly working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, including immigrant and refugee populations. The program's emphasis on "recruiting students from diverse backgrounds" and developing "cultural competency" in its curriculum ensures that graduates are prepared to understand and support the needs of students from various global origins within the school context.