School Counseling
School Counseling (K-12) Program
School counselors perform a vital role in facilitating change - for students, teachers, parents, and schools as a whole. This school counseling program emphasizes helping
skills that are applied in the context of a comprehensive counseling
and guidance program. School counseling
students become multiculturally competent and skilled social change
agents, achievement advocates, and educational leaders who address
issues of equity to help youth reach their educational, career and
personal/social potential.
Integrating Counseling and Leadership
The foundation for this school counseling program is belief in the dignity and worth of every individual, with a focus on diversity, ethics and social justice. The program expects its graduates to take an active role as change agents who are dedicated to improving conditions for personal growth and enhanced academic and career success.
As schools increase their focus on student achievement of standards, state-required assessment and expanded requirements for high school graduation, school counselors must be prepared to participate in the educational process. They must also possess finely honed counseling skills to support others during times of change. As transition specialists, school counselors are strategically positioned to help students and families adjust to normal developmental stages, unexpected changes in personal or social situations, increased pressure for academic performance, and changing requirements for success in school and beyond. Because of their broad role in school settings, school counselors have contact with virtually all students and teachers. In that capacity, they identify and respond to school-wide issues that impede academic and personal/social development.
Counseling faculty provide educational experiences and support for school counseling students to develop strong clinical skills they will use in a variety of settings: individual and small group counseling, referral to outside agencies, classroom instruction for grades K-12, educational placement and career guidance, school-wide initiatives, and professional development for other staff. Throughout their learning experience at Seattle University, school counseling students form close relationships that lead to a strong professional network after graduation.
Certification
Persons serving as education staff associates in public schools shall hold certificates authorized by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) for service in these roles as required by statute or rules of the PESB. The university recommends a student who has successfully completed an approved program to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction which issues the School Counselor Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification. This certification program is included in the master’s degree in school counseling described below.
Degree Requirements –
Master of Arts in Education/School Counseling
I. Basic College of Education Requirements
| EDUC 500 | Introduction to Educational Research | 3 |
| EDUC 501 | Social Justice in Professional Practice | 3 |
| Choose one of the following two courses: | 3 |
| EDUC 511 | Child Development |
|
| or | |
| EDUC 512 | Adolescent Psychology |
|
II. Counseling Requirements
42 credits, including:
| COUN 510 | Fundamental Counseling Skills | 3 |
| COUN 511 | Counseling Theories | 4 |
| COUN 514 | Consultation, Leadership and Advocacy for School Counselors | 3 |
| COUN 516 | Career Guidance for K-12 Schools | 3 |
| COUN 517 | Group Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 518 | Field-based Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 527 | Counseling Tests and Measurements | 3 |
| COUN 551 | Counseling Lab | 4 |
| COUN 554 | School Counseling Practicum | 4 |
| COUN 555 | School Counseling Internship/Graduate Project I | 4 |
| COUN 556 | School Counseling Internship/ Graduate Project II | 4 |
| COUN 557 | School Counseling Internship/Graduate Project III | 4 |
III. School Counseling Requirements
21 credits, including:
| COUN 508 | Law and Ethics for School Counselors
| 3 |
| COUN 509 | Comprehensive School Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 513 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| COUN 561 | Child and Adolescent Counseling | 3 |
| SPED 540 | Introduction to Special Education and Learning Disorders | 3 |
| SPED 543 | Introduction to Behavior Disorders and
Intervention | 3 |
| SPSY 562 | Family/School Collaboration | 3 |
Minimum Credits Required for Degree: 72
Download the Graduate bulletin for course descriptions.
Reputation
Seattle University's College of Education has, for over 40 years, prepared highly qualified teachers, counselors and administrators. The school counseling program has a 30-year reputation of graduating outstanding counselors who have become leaders in the counseling profession. Members of the Seattle University counseling faculty are nationally recognized scholars who are actively engaged in shaping the state and national agenda for school counseling and frequently contribute to state, regional and national conferences. They are recognized by their peers for scholarship, excellence and professionalism.
Program Design
The school counseling program seeks students with strong interpersonal and academic skills who are passionate about helping others, particularly children and adolescents. Courses are offered throughout the year, including summers, at times that meet the needs of working professionals. Most students meet the requirements of this 72-credit program within two to three years. During that time, they will interact with others from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
Program requirements include a mix of counseling and education-related courses. All students complete a three-quarter internship at an elementary, middle or high school during a regular school year. Once students complete the program, they can be recommended to the state of Washington for an Education Staff Associate (ESA) certificate, which qualifies them for positions as school counselors. Employers of Seattle University counseling graduates continually express their satisfaction with the program and seek to fill vacancies with Seattle University students.