Uplift Student Outcomes With a Master of Education in School Counseling

William & Mary’s Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling is designed to prepare students for licensure and counseling positions in elementary, middle and high schools. Led by experienced and committed faculty, our program emphasizes social justice and the creation of greater educational equity.

What Can You Do With a Master of Education in School Counseling?

William & Mary’s Online M.Ed. is a CACREP-accredited counseling program

A master of education in school counseling from an accredited program is usually a prerequisite for licensing, and counselors working with school children must be licensed. Other requirements for licensing typically include completing a practicum and internship in a K-12 school and passing a state or national comprehensive exam.1

William & Mary offers one of the elite few online programs that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). In addition to assuring that the program meets high educational standards, the accreditation helps you qualify for federally backed student loans.

Your master’s degree can also help you prepare for a career-boosting professional certification from the American School Counselor Association.

With a school counselor’s license, you can work with K-12 students in public or private school settings, providing any of a wide range of direct services, including:

  • Counseling on educational and vocational topics
  • Counseling on personal, social or behavioral issues related to education
  • Advocating for students and families with service needs
  • Identifying cases of domestic abuse or other family problems
  • Developing and delivering alcohol, drug and violence prevention programs

You will also be called upon to confer with parents or guardians, educators and other professionals about students’ progress and problems; to determine priorities and resource needs for students; and to keep accurate, complete records to meet different requirements and laws. Find more details on work context, tasks, activities and needed technology skills at O*NET.2

The Difference of a "Public Ivy"
The Difference of a "Public Ivy"
The Difference of a "Public Ivy"

Build Key Competencies, Foster Greater Change

William & Mary's online school counseling program is designed to mirror our on-ground program almost exactly. The difference? Your access to a dynamic learning management system and digital Social Justice Dashboard that will help direct your coursework efforts and ensure that you remain on track with the development of key competencies for social justice-minded counselors.

This set of integrated digital tools will also help you interact with peers, faculty and mentors from around the country as you work together to transform education for a more equitable tomorrow.

The Online Experience

The Career Outlook for School Counselors is Promising

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that this field will grow by 11%, which is faster than average, through 2030, with 37,000 new jobs added during the decade. Find state-level salary information at O-NET. Those who work outside of K-12 systems will find that a master’s degree will allow them to command a higher salary. BLS reports master’s degree holders earn an average of 18% more than those with bachelor’s degrees.3,2,4

What’s the Difference Between an M.Ed. and an M.A. in Education?

There are several advanced degree options available for educational professionals. In addition, as long as they meet certification standards, degree-granting institutions have a lot of latitude in shaping their curriculum for a specific focus.

For example, William & Mary’s master of education in school counseling prioritizes social justice while another program may have other priorities. Before committing to an advanced degree program, think deeply about your individual goals and how the program supports you in achieving them.

An M.Ed. usually has a different center point than an M.A. or M.S. in Education. Those degrees focus more on pedagogy and classroom work. The M.S. usually emphasizes research, while the M.A. has a more practical orientation.

The M.Ed. path is more for a professional who intends to work in counseling, administration or curriculum design. Your M.Ed. can prepare you to move out of the classroom and create positive change throughout an educational system from an advanced leadership position. Read more about career outcomes for William & Mary M.Ed. graduates or ask an Admissions Outreach Advisor.

William & Mary’s M.Ed. Program is Highly Ranked and Highly Relevant

#10
Top Public Schools5
#34
Best Online Master's in Education Programs for Veterans6
#38
National Universities5
12
Average Class Size7

The dynamic, collaborative learning environment of our online M.Ed. in School Counseling extends and continues William & Mary’s illustrious history of educational innovation. Our tradition of forward-thinking excellence combined with the intimately sized class cohorts give you a renowned “Public Ivy” educational experience.

Program Outline

In the Online M.Ed. in School Counseling, you will work through structured challenges, collaborative coursework and substantial experiential learning opportunities. When you complete the program, you will have the tools and knowledge to help students from all backgrounds thrive academically and socially and navigate the life-shaping choices they encounter.

Coursework for the program is completed online, and there are two brief, three-day residencies on campus to prepare you for your practicum and internship experiences. During the residencies, immersive experiential learning activities will also help you get to know the faculty and other students. Here is a sampling of some of the program’s coursework and sequencing.

First Year

  • Professional, ethical and legal issues in counseling
  • Theories and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy
  • Human growth and development
  • Multicultural counseling
  • Introduction to Professional School Counseling

You will also have the first of two required three-day on-campus residencies this year.

William & Mary Helps You Reach Your Goals

Fully Accredited to Facilitate Your Success

The Online M.Ed. in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Additionally, our program curriculum adheres to the rigorous standards set by the National Standards for School Counselors as part of the American School Counselors Association (ASCA).

Helping You Qualify for Licensure

Licensing requirements for school counselors can vary depending on the state in which you work and the age group you are counseling. Fortunately, because our program is accredited by by CACREP and NCATE, graduates of our Online M.Ed. in School Counseling may apply for licensure as needed.

Preparing You for the Challenges Ahead

For those who are called to serve others and make a positive impact on society, school counseling is a deeply satisfying role. But it’s not easily attained. Stringent licensing requirements help ensure that those who are entrusted with guiding our children are both committed and qualified. At William & Mary, we are committed to your educational success and qualified to help you attain it.
Student holding tablet and writing on pad

Are You Ready To Apply?

Important Dates for Counseling

MAY
5
Priority Application Deadline
May 5
Fall 2023 Term
JUL
7
Application Deadline
July 7
Fall 2023 Term
AUG
28
Next Start
August 28
Fall 2023 Term

Keep Up With the Latest Information

Current News and Featured Articles

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

By Aiesha Lee, doctoral student, and Charles "Ri...

Upcoming Events

Your W&M School of Education Connection

Sources
  1. Retrieved on April 18, 2022, from schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/State-Requirements-Programs
  2. Retrieved on April 18, 2022, from onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1012.00
  3. Retrieved on April 18, 2022, from bls.gov/OOH/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm
  4. Retrieved on April 18, 2022, from bls.gov/careeroutlook/2021/data-on-display/education-pays.htm
  5. Retrieved on April 18, 2022, from premium.usnews.com/best-colleges/william-and-mary-3705/overall-rankings
  6. Retrieved on April 18, 2022, from usnews.com/education/online-education/college-of-william-and-mary-231624
  7. Retrieved on April 18, 2022, from usnews.com/education/online-education/college-of-william-and-mary-OEDU0155/education