Our 36-credit program results in school counseling certification. You may complete
our Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in School Counseling for Certified Teachers
program on a full- or part-time basis. You also have the option of taking classes
in the late afternoon and early evening.
The stimulating curriculum is designed to include experiential learning, self-reflection
papers, case study analysis, and group activities. Nearly all of the courses are taught
in a traditional rather than a distance education format.
Pursue Your Bigger Goals
Our M.S.Ed. School Counseling for Certified Teachers degree prepares you to make an
impact in the field of mental health. Graduates May Obtain Employment as/in:
School counselors in public, private, charter, cyber and alternative schools as well
as in intermediate units
School-based therapists
University career, admissions and advising office
Program Information
Our 36-credit M.S.Ed. School Counseling for Certified Teachers program results in
school counseling certification in K-12 schools.
This program satisfies the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) academic requirements
for level II instructional (teacher) certification for persons with a level I instructional
(teacher) certificate.
50%Tuition Award
You are eligible to receive a 15% tuition award for taking 6 credits per semester.
You have the option to complete the program on a full-time, half-time or part-time
basis. Choose what works for your lifestyle as you pursue your bigger goals.
Great Value, Great Education
In 2 years, our 36-credit program gives you the flexibility, skills and experience
so you can pursue your bigger goals.
Our program meets the academic requirements in Pennsylvania (and most other states)
for School Counseling Certification.
You have the opportunity to experience a variety of schools and mental health agencies
for fieldwork.
As a graduate of our program, you will be amongst the more than 1200 alumni who are
leaving an impression on the field of mental health as leaders and innovators.
Application Process
All Applicants
3.0 GPA* *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a
four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted
on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's
academic competency.
Bachelor’s Degree All majors welcome to apply
International Applicants
English Proficiency Requirements Â鶹ÊÓƵ requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English
Test (DET) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants who attended a university
outside of the United States.
Score Requirements The University requires the following minimum scores* for general admission consideration:
TOEFL (iBT) 80
IELTS 6.5**
Duolingo English Test 105
Transcript Credit Evaluation If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States,
you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course
report.
The official reports must be sent directly to Â鶹ÊÓƵ from the organization
you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.
You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations:
or .
Prompt: Discuss your professional plans upon acquiring a master's degree in counseling
Two (2) Recommendations
Names and email addresses of recommenders are needed
Recommender will receive an email prompting the recommender to upload their recommendation
for the applicant
Recommendations must be from individuals who can speak about the applicant’s academic professional abilities (i.e. faculty/supervisor recommendations)
Note: Family, friends and professional colleagues are not acceptable references
Official transcripts Submit transcripts to one of the following:
Hard Copy: Â鶹ÊÓƵ Office of Graduate Admissions 600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (please see score requirements in the previous section - "Admission Requirements,
International Applicants")
Transcript Credit Evaluation
If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States,
you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course
report.
The official reports must be sent directly to Â鶹ÊÓƵ from the organization
you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.
You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations:
or.
We are currently accepting applications for students looking to enroll in the Fall
2025 semester.
Fall 2026 Applications
The Fall 2026 applications open this July 2025.
Qualified applicants will be notified starting in the late Fall 2025 for Spring 2026
interviews.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes - Program Objectives
Use a culturally sustaining and ecological-systems framework in conceptualizing client’s/student’s
presenting issues and needs.
Understand and follow legal and ethical standards.
Understand and demonstrate use of counseling theories in conceptualizing and providing
individual and group counseling and consultation to clients/students and their important
others.
Effectively use active listening skills in forming professional helping relationships
with clients/students and their important others.
