2024-2025 Graduate Academic Catalog

M.A. in Counseling Psychology, School Counseling Specialization 48 credits

The M.A. in Counseling Psychology, School Counseling Specialization program provides the required graduate training for individuals who wish to work as school counselors in primary and secondary school settings. Graduates are eligible for Initial Licensure in school counseling from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at all grade levels

  • This program can be completed in two academic years of full-time study.
  • 600 hours of field experience are required.
  • Students must pass the Communication and Literacy section of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to field training.

For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.

Program of Study

Required Core Courses

GCOUN 6015Group Dynamics for Counselors and Consultants

3

GCOUN 6026Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan

3

GCOUN 6027Clinical Skills and the Counseling Process

3

GCOUN 6029Vocational Development and Career Counseling

3

GCOUN 6030Psychology of Culture and Identity: Power, Privilege and Oppression*

3

GCOUN 6101Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

3

GCOUN 6200Orientation to Professional Counseling and Psychology

2

GCOUN 6201Issues and Standards in Professional Counseling

3

GCOUN 6202Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

3

GCOUN 6255Assessments for Counseling and Psychology: Children and Adolescents

3

GCOUN 6211Professional Integrative Seminar

1

GCOUN 7100Biological Bases of Behavior

3

Required Specialization Courses

GCOUN 6260Issues in School Counseling for School Guidance Counselors

3

GCOUN 6102Child and Adolescent Psychopathology

3

GCOUN 6031Counseling Young Children and Adolescents

3

Field Experience Courses

GCOUN 7712Clinical Practice and Supervision I: School Setting**

3

GCOUN 7713Clinical Practice and Supervision II: School Setting**

3

For current information on state testing requirements for Initial Licensure programs and for Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) test administration dates in Massachusetts, see Lesley's Certification Office website at https://lesley.edu/academics/graduate-school-of-education/certification-and-educator-licensure or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website at www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/. Students should also review Lesley University's MTEL policy, which can be found at the end of the School of Education program listings in this catalog.