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School Counseling, Online, MAEd

Succeed in the K-12 environment with our online master's in school counseling program. Data-driven practices and a multicultural, anti-racist lens shape the curriculum.

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About this Program

Online, Data-Driven, Multicultural: Preparing School Counselors of the Future

Seattle University’s Online Master's in School Counseling program emphasizes anti-racist, multicultural competence, data-driven practice and a multi-dimensional approach to school counseling practices.

We need driven professionals to meet the high demand of school counselors across the nation. Our online degree program positions you to explore school counseling, clinical mental health and substance use disorder curriculum. Through our program, you will accelerate your career and grow to lead within K-12 settings both public and private.

Our online school counseling program is founded upon our CACREP-accredited in-person program. It has been approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) in the State of Washington.

Our Online School Counseling Degree at a Glance

Learn how our Online Master’s in School Counseling program will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University online master’s degree can be.”

The Online Master's in School Counseling program prepares you for Residency level Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification in public and private K-12 settings. The school counseling program concludes with you completing a program-approved practicum and internship in a K-12 school setting.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Residency level Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification, students in our program can pursue preparation for:

  1. Licensure in the state of Washington as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), as well as other approved states.
  2. Washington State Substance Use Disorder Certification.

This is the only program in the nation where graduates are eligible to pursue Washington State Substance Use Disorder Certification upon graduation. This distinction positions our  graduates to provide integrated care.

  1. Integrate critical knowledge essential for professional counselors in a diverse society.
  2. Demonstrate foundational skills with self-awareness in practice settings.
  3. Prepare strategies for social justice within and beyond practice settings.
  4. Engage in relationships which demonstrate our professional dispositions.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Upcoming Info Session


Designed for Success

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Classes on Your Schedule

The first two years of the program are offered in a format in which courses are online and asynchronous (no Zoom classes but weekly structure and deadlines.) The winter quarter of your second year includes practicum field work and an online synchronous course.

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Summer Residency for In-Person Connections

Come to Seattle University's campus for a four-day summer residency each year - after the first and second years in the program.

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Practicum & Internship for Real-World Experience

Complete a year-long, in-person practicum and internship at an approved site near you, preparing you to graduate ready to make a difference as an effective school counselor. 

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Prestigious Fellowships

Seattle University Counseling students have received prestigious national fellowships through the National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF). Their awards range from $10,000 to $20,000. 

The Seattle University Counseling Department is committed to preparing ethical, self-aware counselors devoted to social justice, equity, and anti-racism. We develop students’ multicultural and social justice competence to ensure an understanding of systemic oppression that will help them advocate with and for marginalized communities. Our graduates are change agents that promote justice and foster individual and collective wellbeing through their integrity, reflective practice, and sustained efforts addressing inequities in their counseling.

Our counseling faculty are nationally renowned leaders in their field. They are well published and engage in innovative research and policy surrounding school counseling within our global community. They are counselor-scholar-advocates who bring a wealth of experience to the online classroom. 

You'll learn from:

  • A flexible asynchronous online format.
  • Renowned faculty members with leadership experience in the field.
  • Peers dedicated to serving this generation of K-12 students.

Hear more from our faculty about becoming a School Counselor.

Graduates of our program are in high demand. You can become a professional in a variety of organizations, from K-12 schools to youth service agencies or private practice. You can also support youth in mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals and correctional facilities. 

With the high-quality education and experience you receive in our program, you can go on to become highly respected:

  • K-12 school counselor
  • Clinical mental health counselor.
  • Substance abuse counselor
  • Agency counselor
  • School-based mental health professional
  • College counselor
  • Consultant
  • Mental health advocate

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help!

Diana Calderon

Admissions Counselor

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