Brochure Page - School Counseling

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Dive into this comprehensive program guide to learn more about St. Bonaventure University’s Master of Science in Education Counseling School Counseling program.

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SBU Online MSBA Brochure

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Thank you for requesting information for St. Bonaventure University’s online School Counseling program! We look forward to speaking with you. Watch our video to learn more about how our Franciscan values benefit our counseling programs.

Brochure Page - School Counseling

Online Master of Science in Education Counseling — School Counseling

Make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents.

St. Bonaventure’s online Master of Science in Education (MSED) School Counseling is ideal for students with an extraordinary commitment to service, a desire to impact our youth, and the dedication to become a distinguished licensed professional. The accredited program will empower you to channel your compassion for students in need into a fulfilling career.

Our School Counseling graduate students often come from roles in education and have varying years of professional experience. Upon graduation, they work as counselors in public, private and parochial schools, as well as in administrative roles such as principles and superintendents.

The CACREP-accredited MSED in School Counseling is specifically designed to prepare you to meet all the requirements of the highly specialized role of a school counselor. Through engaging coursework and hands-on practice in a school setting, you’ll learn to support primary, middle, and high school students in the most vital areas of development.

  • Establish Strong Professional Foundations — Understand the essential concepts and fundamentals of counseling, working in the field and the classroom.
  • Cultivate a Spirit of Service — Learn from a like-minded network of people driven to make a difference, as you develop your philosophy and counseling style in P-12 environments.
  • Develop Deeper Human Perspectives — Use your understanding of classroom theory and the specific needs of diverse communities and populations to improve outcomes for students during clinical practice.

 

Internship Placements

Internship Placements

We will help you find quality internship sites, giving you the hands-on experience to excel.

High Pass Rates

High Pass Rates

Our graduates have an 100% pass rate on the school counselor certification exam.

CACREP Accredited

CACREP Accredited

Feel confident knowing your degree meets the highest standards of content and quality.

CE 500 – Research Methods (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the many methodologies commonly used in the education professions of teaching,counseling,and leadership. Participants will recognize the characteristics of well-designed quantitative and qualitative research and what methodologies may be used to best address given research questions. Design of an original research project and critical analysis of both qualitative and quantitative research are components of the course.

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Program Features
  • 3 start terms (fall, spring, summer)
  • Fully CACREP-accredited
  • No GRE or GMAT required
  • 60 credit hours
  • 7-week courses
  • 100 practicum hours/600 internship hours
  • Internship placement support for sites in your local area
  • 100% online coursework—flexibility to fit your schedule (note: some courses may have required weekly meetings.)
  • Graduates have an 100% pass rate on the school counselor certification exam
CE 510 – Introduction to the Profession of Counseling (3 credits)

To acquaint the student with the field of Counseling Psychology. This is the introductory graduate course in counseling which provides a general overview and survey of the profession. Roles and responsibilities of counselors across a variety of settings will be examined.

Curriculum

Since 2013, St. Bonaventure has offered graduate degree programs in a dynamic environment created for the online learner. This approach to academic excellence is guided by the university’s ongoing on-campus commitment to quality education for its students since its inception in 1858.

Core Courses

Program Outcomes

The School Counseling program has an 100% pass rate on the certification exam and an 100% job placement rate.

Upon completion of Counselor Education programs at St. Bonaventure University, graduates will:

  • understand aspects of professional functioning including history, roles & responsibilities, professional credentialing, advocacy and ethical standards
  • understand and be able to demonstrate counseling skills including individual & group counseling, approaches to prevention and intervention, and crisis intervention
  • understand and demonstrate multicultural competencies in relation to diversity, equity, advocacy, and opportunity
  • understand and demonstrate skills associated with multiple factors that may affect the personal, social and intellectual functioning of individuals and groups.
  • be able to critically evaluate research relevant to the practice of counseling, develop measurable outcomes for their interventions, and analyze and use data to improve the efficacy of their programs
  • know and be able to demonstrate strategies to promote, develop and enhance effective teamwork within institutions and communities

Specialty Courses, Practicum and Internship

CE 511 – Advanced Human Growth and Development (3 credits)

The course addresses development and cognitive processes governing learning from conception to death. Normative, non-normative and historical effects within childhood, adolescence, adulthood and later life are presented. Formal developmental and learning theory is emphasized in conjunction with practical interpretation and application. The course provides an orientation and background for sound educational practices.

Admissions Requirements

At Bona’s, our mission is to see you succeed. To be considered for enrollment in this program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (will consider applicants with a 2.5 and above)
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Online application
  • Personal statement
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • Faculty Interview
CE 530 – Theories and Techniques of Counseling (3 credits)

The course acquaints the student with the basic knowledge base and skills required for the practice of counseling. Classroom work will focus on the development of specific counseling skills. Students will use role play, audio and videotapes to facilitate the learning process. Additionally, students will explore counseling theory and research.

Accreditations, Awards & Recognitions

As a student, you’ll benefit from an exceptional learning experience from a university rooted in Franciscan values and recognized for academic excellence:

  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Accredited
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Education (NCATE) Accredited
  • 2nd Best Value in New York by TopCounselingSchools.org
  • U.S. News & World Report
    • Top 5 Best Value Schools in the North 2022
    • Top 20 Best Regional Schools 2022
  • The Princeton Review
    • 387 Best Colleges 2022
CE 540 – Diagnosis of Psychopathology (3 credits)

To acquaint the beginning graduate student with the practice of diagnosing psychopathology. The definitions and distinctions between the various mental disorders are presented, as well as an introduction to the current research in the field, a discussion of the numerous continual controversial issues, and a review of the databased treatment approaches. In addition, this course will assist the graduate student to understand the nature, needs, and problems of individuals at all developmental levels over the life span and within a multicultural and diverse society.

Testimonials from SBU Counseling Students

Upcoming Start Dates
  • Next Start: September 1, 2025
I LOVE attending SBU for the Online MSED Counseling program because everyone from the enrollment staff to faculty members make you feel like family. You will receive outstanding support and guidance from the placement office, where they will find your internship sites so you can focus on your coursework.

—Maria Cabanit, Online MSED School Counseling Program student

 

CE 550 – Group Counseling (3 credits)

This course provides a basic introduction to group process and group counseling. The class will blend theory with practice. The course will explore various theoretical approaches to group practice, as well as the four group work specializations developed by the Association for Specialists in Group Work: Task, Psychoeducational, Counseling, and Psychotherapy.

Support from Bona’s

The Bona’s community is like no other, and you’ll feel that from day one in the program. You’ll be well-supported throughout the program from:

  • Caring, talented faculty who are committed to your success and hold online office hours
  • Dedicated student success advisors who will be a regular source of support
  • Placement coordinator who will work with you to identify quality internship sites in your local area

As you graduate, you’ll join a close-knit Bona’s alumni community and have access to all of the university’s Career Services, including resume review, mock interview practice, job board, career coaching and more.

The skills and knowledge that I have gained through the MSED School Counseling program are invaluable. Without having yet graduated, I was able to obtain a full-time School Counselor’s position at a high school in Maine. I would strongly recommend St. Bonaventure to someone considering an MSED because of the outstanding standards that it holds. The CACREP accreditation of the program, as well as the extensive course offerings and hands-on experiences in the field, made me an unsurpassable candidate.

—Michelle Robertson, Online MSED School Counseling Program student

 

CE 560 – Psychological Testing and Assessment (3 credits)

To acquaint the student with the basic foundations of testing and assessment and to provide the student with broad knowledge and experience in test selection, use and interpretation within the counseling process. The course also provides practical experience in test selection, administration and interpretation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost per credit hour is $825 for the MSED in School Counseling program. Guided by our Franciscan values, we strive to make a graduate education available to as many students as possible.

We will work with you to identify the different financial aid options available to you as an online student. To learn more about your financial aid options, schedule an appointment with an enrollment advisor today.

About SBU

Established in Western New York in 1858, St. Bonaventure University offers nearly 50 undergraduate programs and 20 graduate programs, eight of which can be completed entirely online from virtually anywhere in the world. St. Bonaventure has expanded to more than 2,300 students, and our tight-knit community of alumni exceeds 32,000 worldwide.

Bonnies come from all different backgrounds and faiths. In fact, The Princeton Review ranks St. Bonaventure #5 nationally for diversity and inclusion. At Bona’s, we’re united by universal human values, driven to surpass intellectual boundaries and connected across all faiths and cultures—long after virtual office hours, basketball season and years from graduation.

CE 570 – Career Counseling (3 credits)

To introduce the student to the psychology and sociology of career development and to the theory and practice of career counseling and education. The focus on development from childhood through adulthood provides an examination of career counseling strategies in both schools and community agencies.

CE 610 – Practicum In Counseling (100 hours)

This course is designed to expose the student to the practice of counseling with individuals under direct supervision. Students will meet with actual clients in a school-based setting. The course is designed to facilitate the integration and application of theory and skill gained in earlier coursework. Prerequisites: Formal faculty approval following successful completion of prior required courses and proof of appropriate Practicum entry clearances.

CE 634 – Interventions for School and CMH Counseling (3 credits)

This is an intermediate class designed to improve the clinical skills of graduate students in Counselor Education by providing them with an in-depth application experience in the Multidimensional Approach to the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders of children and adults. This approach emphasizes the genetic, biological, race, gender, class, religious difference, sexual orientation and social learning factors as they influence the individual and their psychological disorder.

CE 620A – Internship I in School Counseling (300 hours)

This course is designed to provide counseling interns with an opportunity to perform all activities that a regularly employed school counselor would be expected to perform. Students seeking certification in school counseling must complete a minimum of 300 clock hours in an approved school setting under the supervision of a certified school counselor with at least two years of experience. Professional portfolios are developed. Prerequisites: Formal faculty approval following successful completion of the Practicum.

CE 638 – Multicultural Counseling (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to cross cultural counseling. The course examines three distinct areas: cultural awareness, knowledge of other cultures, and allows students to look at the skills component. Students are taught through lectures, exercises, videotapes and guest speakers. The course offers an introduction to the lifelong continuous journey of counseling clients from diverse populations.

CE 639 – Human Sexuality Issues in Counseling (3 credits)

This course will provide opportunities for students to develop an understanding of basic concepts of sexuality across the lifespan including physiology, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, intimate relationships, and cultural contexts surrounding issues in sexuality. Further students will develop an understanding of skills, assessment, intervention, and key ethical consideration of sexuality issues that present in professional counseling. Finally, students will explore their personal attitudes, biases, affect, and perceptions about sexuality issues. Students will be given opportunities to consult with faculty to receive direction, feedback, and supervision. There will be modules, lessons, and assignments.

CE 620B – Internship II in School Counseling (300 hours)

To provide school counseling interns with an opportunity to build upon the learning experiences of CE 620A. Whereas 620A focuses on the indoctrination of the intern into the school setting and the development of a professional identity, 620B focuses on the integration of the intern within the school system. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of the school counselor within the education system and the interdisciplinary teamwork necessary to promote a successful school counseling program. In particular, this second portion of the internship will focus on an understanding of education system topics, such as state education standards, administration functions, special education, consultation with other education professionals, classroom management, school law, and community resources.

CE 628 – Foundations of School Counseling (3 Credits)

This course is an introduction to the profession of school counseling. Emphasis is placed on historical foundations and current perspectives; development and implementation of a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program through the lens of the ASCA National Model; appropriate roles and functions of school counselors at various school levels; culturally competent school counseling; and other professional topics relative to school counseling.

CE 629 – Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counseling (3 Credits)

This course is an introduction to the ethical practice of school counseling. It will examine the ethical, legal, and professional issues specific to school counselors. Application of ethical codes and practices related to certification, special client populations and diverse settings, and other professional topics relative to school counseling will be explored.

CE 632 – Child and Adolescence Counseling (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of theories and techniques of counseling children and adolescents, preparing students to address the developmental needs and common emotional needs of children and adolescents as they apply to the school counseling profession within P-12 school settings. Through didactic and experiential instruction, students will be provided with the opportunity to develop skills necessary to counseling children and adolescents individually and in a group, while using age appropriate techniques (e.g., expressive arts, play, role play). Collaboration with families and communities will also be discussed.

CE 633 – Special Topics in School Counseling (3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide school counselors with a forum to explore and discuss the literature, practices, and current issues associated with school counseling. Sample topics for discussion include culturally sustaining school counseling, leadership and advocacy, crisis- and trauma-informed school counseling, assessing suicidality, safety management, substance use, addictions, ethical and legal issues in school counseling, professional relationships with stakeholders, self-care, and other trending special topics related to school counseling.

CE 656 – Introduction to Play Therapy (3 credits)

 

This course is an introduction to facilitating the counseling relationship with children by utilizing play media to facilitate expression, self-understanding, and personal growth and development. This course provides students with the philosophical basis for play therapy, including a review of the history of play therapy, how to develop a relationship with a child through a theoretical framework, and an introduction to play therapy best practices. Students will become familiar with play therapy micro-skills, the purpose and application goals of play therapy, therapeutic stages and themes, ethical issues, cross cultural / diversity implications, basic developmental and neurological implications, and applications to a variety of populations and therapeutic contexts.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated enrollment advisors so you can learn more about earning your online MSED in School Counseling degree with St. Bonaventure University. We’re here to answer any question you may have, guide you through the application process, discuss your career goals, and explain how Bona’s helps working professionals succeed from enrollment to graduation.  If you don't see an appointment time that works for you, please email us 2-3 options that best fit your schedule, and an advisor will be in touch!

CE 650 – School Counseling & Special Education (3 credits)

This graduate counseling course is aimed at providing school counselors, especially those without a prior teaching degree, with a general introduction to the special education field as it relates to counseling. The following areas will be explored: 

  1. Classification categories, terminology and education laws
  2. Counseling assessment, intervention and case management tools
  3. Roles and responsibilities of school counselors within the special education team
  4. Current issues