Master of Science (MS) in School Counseling
School of Counseling and Human Services
The CACREP-accredited Master of Science in School Counseling degree program is designed to prepare learners to assume leadership positions as school counselors serving diverse populations of students in public or private elementary, middle, and high school settings. Built on national standards and models, the curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to the delivery and management of contemporary school counseling programs and emphasizes assessment; intervention; individual and group counseling; school counseling core curriculum; consultation and collaboration with teachers, parents, and the community; and advocacy for systemic change in the P–12 environment. Through coursework and clinical skills training, learners demonstrate proficiency in evidence-based counseling approaches for P–12 children and adolescents.
Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession
Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) related to professional counseling programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators within the General School Counseling specialization have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate manner and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient interpersonal and professional competence; selfawareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner. Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.
Residency Requirement(s):
Two six-day residencies. See university policy 3.04.05 Attendance at Residencies, the Residencies page on Campus, and the Residency section, below, for more information. Also see each graduate school’s residency courses.
Practicum/Internship Experience Requirement(s):
Minimum of 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours. See the
Practicum/Internship Experience section, below, for more
information.
Eighteen Required Courses
72 quarter credits
COUN5004 |
Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors
Learners in this course examine theories of lifespan development and
behavior from a counseling perspective. Learners describe effective
approaches in counseling, evaluate its historical and philosophical
relevance to current practice, and apply theories and practices to
advocate for diverse clientele.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage
and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only. Must be taken during the first quarter
by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Clinical Mental
Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling degree programs and
the Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory
in Mental Health Services, and Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services graduate certificate programs. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
COUN5007 |
Research Methods for the Counseling Professions
This course provides an overview of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches to counseling research and program evaluation. Learners apply graduate-level approaches to research methodology for the counseling profession. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. | 4 quarter credits |
COUN5106 |
Assessment, Tests, and Measures
Learners in this course examine the assessment process and how tests
and measures are used in counseling. Learners also explore the
evolution of assessment methods, testing strategies and
interpretation, and fundamental measurement constructs.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5217 |
Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
In this course, learners evaluate current legal and ethical
guidelines used in the counseling profession. Learners apply
decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration
strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when
working with children, adults, couples, and families. Learners also
analyze how personal belief systems influence counselors’ responses to
those issues.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5241 * |
Group Counseling and Psychotherapy
Learners in this course examine the theoretical components and
developmental aspects of groups. Topics include types of groups, group
dynamics and processes, group leadership and membership roles, ethical
awareness in relation to groups, and crisis management within groups.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5811.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5279 |
Life Planning and Career Development
In this course, learners develop foundational knowledge and skills
applicable to career counseling and development. Learners analyze
theoretical models of career development as they relate to client
interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work
preferences. In addition, learners explore the ways in which social
interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental
factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to
career development across the lifespan. Learners also discuss legal
and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5280 |
Introduction to School Counseling
This course introduces learners to the profession of school
counseling. Learners examine the history and development of school
counseling; investigate ethical and legal requirements for school
counselors; explore the American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
National Model and service delivery systems, including specific
programs and interventions; and analyze the multiple roles and
functions of school counselors with various stakeholders.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage
and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5284 * |
School Counseling Program Development and Evaluation
This course provides a comprehensive approach to developing school
counseling programs and services, as well as the data-driven decision
making and accountability needed to sustain them. Learners investigate
the needs, structure, specialized areas, and evaluation functions of
school counseling programs and examine comprehensive models using the
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model as a framework.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage
and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5241, COUN5812, COUN-R5811.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5336 |
Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations
This course introduces theory, research, and models that inform
ethical and culturally competent counseling, as well as social justice
advocacy, in a variety of settings. Learners assess how
biopsychosocial characteristics and concerns of diverse populations
impact access to and utilization of community-based resources, optimal
development across the lifespan, and equity. Learners also present
strategies to address the influence that their own heritage,
attitudes, beliefs, and acculturative experiences has on the
counseling process. In addition, learners identify effective
counseling and advocacy strategies with diverse individuals, couples,
families, and groups, and explore the role of the counselor and
advocate in promoting social justice at multiple levels.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage
and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5338 |
Crisis Intervention, Trauma Response, and Emergency Management
Learners in this course examine skills and strategies for crisis
intervention and prevention, response to trauma, and emergency
management as they apply to the school counseling profession within
K–12 school settings. Topics include responding to trauma; providing
trauma-informed care; working with victims of trauma, abuse, or
violence; developing crisis intervention and prevention plans;
assessing risk of suicide and other risks; and analyzing and
implementing emergency management plans.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5420 |
Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
In this course, learners examine common characteristics, risk
factors, and warning signs of mental health and behavioral disorders
affecting children and adolescents. Learners also critically evaluate
diagnostic models, methods, and approaches and explore current DSM
classifications and diagnostic issues related to children and
adolescents. In addition, learners investigate the impact of common
medications on learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5422 * |
Counseling for College and Career Readiness
In this course, learners examine models of P–12 comprehensive career
development. Learners also evaluate developmentally appropriate
interventions and assessments that enhance career readiness, improve
graduation rates, and promote equity in student achievement and
college access.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5279, COUN-R5811.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN5812 * |
Theories of Counseling with Children and Adolescents
Learners in this course expand upon foundational counseling and
relationship-building skills by integrating brief and strengths-based
theoretical approaches and interventions relevant to the practice of
counseling in P–12 schools. Learners analyze the influence of
biopsychosocial factors on child and adolescent development and design
individualized interventions that enhance wellness and resilience.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5280.
| 4 quarter credits |
All academic courses listed below include specific residency,
practice, or counseling skills experiences. Learners must complete
prerequisites to be eligible to complete each course in the sequence.
COUN-R5811 * |
Counseling Approaches and Techniques: School Counseling Residency Track 1
The first residency includes an online courseroom and a face-to-face
residency experience. Learners engage in online courseroom activities
to prepare themselves for the face-to-face experiential component,
which provides them with the opportunity to practically apply
knowledge gained in prior coursework. During the course, learners
focus on developing school counseling skills, including building
relationships; examining academic, career, and social/emotional
assessments of P–12 students from diverse populations; consulting with
teachers and parents; and applying ethical and legal standards.
Learners also explore the identity, role, and function of the school
counselor. Learners then engage in a face-to-face residency experience
that guides them as they practice counseling approaches and methods.
This course requires travel. For MS in Clinical Mental
Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School
Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive
Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services,
Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple
and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only.
Prerequisite(s): COUN5004, COUN5217, COUN5280, COUN5336,
completion of or concurrent registration in COUN5812. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
COUN-R5813 * |
Advanced Counseling Approaches and Group Techniques: School Counseling Residency Track 2
The second residency includes an online courseroom and a face-to-face
residency experience. Learners engage in online courseroom activities
to prepare themselves for the face-toface experiential component.
During the course, learners focus on developing advanced counseling
skills, including building a range of therapeutic relationships;
applying theory-based individual and group counseling techniques to
P–12 students, families, and communities from diverse populations; and
using assessment skills to identify student needs. Learners then
engage in a face-toface residency experience that guides them as they
integrate school counseling theories and methods with counseling
practice. This residency provides 10 hours of group experience.
This course requires travel. For MS in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School
Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive
Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services,
Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple
and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners
only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5812, COUN-R5811, completion of or
concurrent registration in COUN5241. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN6102 * |
School Counseling Practicum
The school counseling practicum is a supervised experience during
which learners practice specific counseling skills, including
interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and
consultation in a school counseling setting. Learners use fundamental
communication and interviewing counseling approaches that promote
student and school success. This course requires 100 hours of
practicum experience, which must consist of no less than 40 hours of
direct student contact, and no less than 12 hours of face-to-face
individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the learner’s
responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum
and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states.
Prerequisite(s): COUN5007, COUN5106, COUN5284, COUN-R5813,
completion of or concurrent registration in COUN5422 with a
cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN6131 * |
School Counseling Internship 1
This is the first course in a sequence of two required school
counseling internship courses during which learners engage in the
comprehensive work experience of a professional school counselor.
Learners complete 600 total required contact hours comprised of a
minimum of 240 hours of direct service contact with students,
families, and other stakeholders and 24 hours of face-to-face
individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors.
Throughout this internship, learners develop and apply a broad
spectrum of counseling skills in a school setting. In particular,
learners create and deliver programs that address students’ academic,
social, emotional, career, and developmental needs to assist students
and parents during all phases of the educational process. The
internship provides opportunities for learners to become familiar with
a variety of professional activities and resources, including record
keeping, assessment instruments, supervision, consultation,
information, referral, in-service training, and staff meetings.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the learner’s
responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum
and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states.
Prerequisite(s): COUN5420, COUN5422, COUN6102 with a cumulative
GPA of 3.0 or better. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
COUN6132 * |
School Counseling Internship 2
This is the second course in a sequence of two required school
counseling internship courses during which learners engage in the
comprehensive work experience of a professional school counselor.
Learners complete 600 total required contact hours comprised of a
minimum of 240 hours of direct service contact with students,
families, and other stakeholders and 24 hours of face-to-face
individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors.
Throughout this internship, learners develop and apply a broad
spectrum of counseling skills in a school setting. In particular,
learners create and deliver programs that address students’ academic,
social, emotional, career, and developmental needs to assist students
and parents during all phases of the educational process. The
internship provides opportunities for learners to become familiar with
a variety of professional activities and resources, including record
keeping, assessment instruments, supervision, consultation,
information, referral, in-service training, and staff meetings.
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and
Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and
Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in
Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based
Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate
certificate learners only.
Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the learner’s
responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum
and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states.
Prerequisite(s): COUN6131 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
Total
72 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have
prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Capella University cannot guarantee
licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary
advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards
vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with
the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. For more
information, see the Licensure section for this program on Capella’s
website (www.capella.edu).
Arkansas and Kentucky residents are
not eligible to enroll in this degree program.
Residency
The residency requirement for the Master of Science in School Counseling degree program is satisfied by the completion of two residency tracks, each consisting of an online courseroom and a six-day residency (COUN-R5811 and COUN-R5813). Learners must have completed the residency requirement prior to starting their practicum (COUN6102). Each residency experience for the Master of Science in School Counseling degree program requires learners to receive a minimum of 40 total hours of training and practice in the areas of counseling skills, intervention, assessment, diversity, culture, and ethics.
Practicum/Internship Experience
Learners enrolled in the Master of School Counseling degree program complete supervised onsite counseling experiences as a requirement of their program. The practicum and internship experiences consist of the following online courses and supervised site-based learning:
The practicum (COUN6102) is an online course that requires completion of 100 hours of supervised counseling experience performed at an approved site. Learners apply the skills developed throughout the course of their program while working in a school, clinic, agency, or other setting that provides counseling services.
The internships (COUN6131 and COUN6132) are two online courses that require 600 total hours of experience completed under supervision at an approved site. Learners may register for a third or fourth internship course (COUN6333 and COUN6334) should they need additional time or need to meet additional requirements for state licensure. The internships include a more intensive experience at the approved site where learners continue to demonstrate the counseling competencies and proficiencies required in their program.
Learners should consult the Counselor Education MS School Counseling Learner Handbook for a full description of the practicum/internship experience and all site-based learning requirements.