Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Hours: 60 Online
About
The Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) at FHSU is a 60-credit-hour, fully online graduate program designed to prepare students for licensure as Professional School Counselors (PSC). The program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support and counsel students across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Fort Hays State University is committed to student success, offering a supportive learning environment led by experienced faculty, including a clinical assistant professor specializing in community counseling. This expertise ensures both personal and academic growth throughout the program.
Why pursue a Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) at Fort Hays State University?
The M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) program delivers all courses online, enabling students to pursue their education from anywhere in the world. This flexible format supports working professionals and individuals with busy schedules, allowing them to balance personal and professional commitments while advancing their careers.
The program emphasizes equipping future school counselors with the skills to support students facing academic challenges, mental health concerns, and career development needs. With a strong focus on human development and the integration of both individual and group counseling techniques, graduates are prepared to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the students they serve.
Who is this program for?
The M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) program is for individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people. This program is an excellent choice for a variety of individuals, especially:
- Individuals passionate about working with children and youth
- Individuals interested in a career in school counseling
- Current school counselors
- Graduates of a bachelor's degree in education or a related field
Learning Outcomes
The M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) prepares graduates to become effective and compassionate advocates for students through rigorous coursework, comprehensive practicum experiences, and a supportive academic environment. Expected learning outcomes include:
Comprehensive Understanding of the Counseling Profession
Our Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) prepares counselors to identify the philosophy, trends, ethics, and professional standards inherent in the counseling profession. Graduates will gain a profound understanding of the contextual dimensions within clinical mental health and school counseling professions.
Cultural Competence and Multicultural Counseling
We prioritize diversity by training counselors to differentiate social and cultural characteristics across diverse groups. Graduates will identify multicultural counseling theories and models, enabling them to comprehend the impact of diverse clients and the counseling process.
Counseling Skills and Techniques
Graduates will be adept at making and using observations of the helping relationship. They will apply counseling skills to work effectively with individuals possessing diverse characteristics and strengths, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of major counseling theories.
Self-Awareness and Advocacy
Our program encourages self-reflection and critical thinking, fostering self-awareness and the development of personal counseling orientations. Graduates will assume roles as advocates while maintaining professionalism in alignment with the standards set by the American Counseling Association and the American School Counselor Association.
Real-World Applications
A key component of the M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) is the practicum and internship, which immerse students in real-world settings, allowing them to apply classroom theories and skills directly with students. These hands-on experiences also provide valuable opportunities to network with practicing school counselors and other professionals in the field.
Beyond the practicum and internship, the program offers additional avenues for practical growth. Students can engage in student organizations, attend relevant conferences, and volunteer within their communities. These experiences further develop their skills and knowledge, preparing them for successful careers in school counseling.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The program prioritizes a thorough understanding of state statutes and legislation governing school counseling, integrating these legal frameworks throughout the coursework to ensure students are well-versed in current regulations. It also places strong emphasis on the American School Counselor Association’s guidelines and standards, with the ASCA National Model serving as the cornerstone of the curriculum.
Beyond traditional education models, the Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) delivers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge essential for effective practice as professional school counselors.
Hands-on Activities
As part of its commitment to a well-rounded education, the M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) requires students to complete 700 hours of field experience through practicum and internship courses. This comprehensive training encompasses counseling practice, school counseling internships, and counseling program coursework, enabling students to refine their skills while addressing the academic achievement, adolescent development, and mental health needs of the students they will serve.
What You’ll Learn:
- Acquire the expertise for a Professional School Counselor license
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of counseling strategies
- Focus on effective counseling for various school levels
- Develop skills to navigate elementary, middle, and high schools
- Create and manage comprehensive counseling programs for school settings
How You’ll Learn:
- Engage in interactive online coursework modules
- Benefit from expert guidance from seasoned faculty
- Access a supportive environment for personal development
- Collaborating with a clinical assistant professor
- Experience tailored learning for school counseling proficiency
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $21,617.40 during their time as a student.
*Estimated cost based on 60 credit hours required to complete the M.S. in Counseling program at the FHSU Online tuition rate ($360.29/credit hour). Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
While the M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling) is the primary program for aspiring school counselors, several related programs are available to complement this education and broaden career opportunities. These include:
- M.S. in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
- BSE in Elementary Education (Early Childhood Unified)
- BSE in Elementary Education (PreK-6)
- BSE in Secondary Education
Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.