Empower the Next Generation With a Master’s in School Counseling
Are you passionate about the well-being of school-aged children?
School counselors play a crucial role in helping students navigate challenges and reach their full potential. Viterbo University’s 60-credit-hour master’s in school counseling degree prepares you to provide academic, career, social, and emotional support for K–12 students in the classroom, in small groups, and in individual services.
Our direct-entry program meets state requirements for licensure as a school counselor in Wisconsin and has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission. Our school counselor degree program also aligns with the American School Counseling Association’s educational guidelines.
Full- and part-time options are available. Depending on the course load you choose, the master’s in school counseling degree can be completed in approximately three years.
A School Counseling Certificate is also available. This program is designed to meet the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requirements for school counselors.
Master’s in School Counseling Degree Highlights
At Viterbo, we are committed to your success. A program faculty advisor is assigned to work with you throughout the program, and we offer professional development throughout the academic year, including day-long conferences and workshops. Student organizations provide social activities, philanthropic opportunities, and community-based advocacy.
Additional school counselor degree highlights include:
- Hands-on learning. Experiential learning allows you to develop the skills necessary to work with K–12 students. Counseling skills labs are an essential part of the learning experience.
- Real experiences. Course highlights include working with students in schools during your practicum and internship and creating projects targeted at counseling interventions.
- Faculty. Our fully licensed, clinically experienced faculty are professionally active and engaged—many have specialty certifications in play therapy, for example.
- Learning environment. Our supportive, caring learning environment is supported by small class sizes that allow you to form professional relationships with faculty and peers.
Master’s in School Counseling Degree Career Outlook
Viterbo’s master’s in school counseling leads to licensure and allows you to work as a K–12 school counselor in Wisconsin.
The state is currently experiencing a shortage of school counselors, and many of our students are offered positions within schools prior to graduation. Depending on the school district, salaries range from $40,000 to $81,000 per year. Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects careers in this field to increase 5%, which is faster than average.
Financial Aid for the Master’s in School Counseling Degree
You will be eligible for federal financial aid as a graduate student. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what you are eligible for. Email our graduate financial aid counselor or call 608-796-3900 with any questions.
Master's in School Counseling Courses
Our school counselor degree curriculum focuses on professional identity, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, and evidence-based counseling, prevention, and intervention skills. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and professional disposition necessary to become an effective K–12 school counselor.
Master’s in school counseling degree courses provide experiential learning opportunities like:
- Skills labs: Many courses use the skills labs to record and observe practice sessions. Faculty provide supervision and feedback to ensure growth and development.
- Role plays: You will engage in counseling role plays with your peers throughout the program to learn skills and develop rapport.
- Group counseling class: Weekly mock group counseling sessions teach the basics of group counseling skills and knowledge.
- Practicum: In your first field-based experiential course, you will be placed in a K–12 school and work with students under the direction of a licensed school counselor. The course is completed over a semester and involves at least 100 hours of contact work.
- Internship in elementary school counseling: Work with elementary students under the direction of a licensed school counselor for a total of 300 hours.
- Internship in secondary school counseling: Work within a high school setting with students under the direction of a licensed school counselor for a total of 300 hours.
Our master’s in school counseling classes are offered on Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as weekends (Friday and Saturday) to help working adults navigate their various personal and professional responsibilities.
View Full Course Descriptions
Related Programs at Viterbo University
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