Online MSED
School Counseling

Program at a Glance

Curriculum Highlights

Program Curriculum

Below is a sample list of courses you will be required to complete for the online Masters in School Counseling program. To view a full list, please fill out the form and download a program guide.

CE 540. Abnormal Psychology: 3 Credits

Core Courses

To acquaint the beginning graduate student with the field of abnormal psychology with an emphasis on the definitions and distinctions between the various abnormal disorders, an introduction to the current research in the field, a discussion of the numerous continual controversial issues and a review of the data-based 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 to understand the nature, needs, and problems of a multicultural and diverse society.

CE 550. Group Counseling: 3 Credits

Core Courses

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.

CE 638. Multicultural Counseling: 3 Credits

Core Courses

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 620A. Internship I in School Counseling: 3 Credits

School Counseling Specialty Courses

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 630. Management of School Counseling Programs: 3 Credits

School Counseling Specialty Courses

To provide students with knowledge and skills in the management of school-based counseling programs. Topics to be examined include: needs assessment, program development, time management, consultation within the system and community, intervention strategies, evaluation and public relations.

CE 634. Interventions for School and CMH Counseling: 3 Credits

School Counseling Specialty Courses

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.

662 Residency 1: Professional Practice of Counseling

This residency course will provide beginning opportunities for students to explore special topics regarding their tracks of study of mental health and school counseling. It will also allow students to lead experiential activities within the areas of individual and group counseling skill development. Additionally, students will be given opportunities to consult with faculty to receive direction, feedback, and supervision. There will be modules, lessons, and assignments before and after this four-day, in-person residency.

663 Residency 2: Advanced Professional Practice of Counseling

This residency course will provide advanced opportunities to build upon special topics regarding their tracks of study of mental health and school counseling. It will continue to allow students to lead experiential activities within the areas of individual and group counseling, through role play and simulation. Students will be given further opportunities to consult with faculty to receive direction, feedback, and supervision. There will be modules, lessons, and assignments before and after this four-day, in-person residency.

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Academic Excellence and Value

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.

In particular, online students can:

Tailor degrees based on educational background, work experience and goals.
Receive one-on-one attention from faculty members who focus on you as an individual.
Contact faculty by email, video, and telephone throughout your courses.
Master new skills and concepts through readings, scenario-based projects, videos and other methods.
Leverage virtual professional development opportunities from our career center to support your future career success.

Licensure and careers

With rising student enrollment in elementary, middle, and high schools, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of school counselors will grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029. That’s twice the national average. Along with an increase in enrollment, the number of students needing services is expected to grow as well.

St. Bonaventure’s online master’s in school counseling will prepare you to meet all the requirements of the highly specialized role of a licensed school counselor. In our accredited program, you’ll take an educational path that combines quality and affordability. Our graduates have a 98 percent pass rate on the licensed professional counselor exam. We credit this outstanding result to a focused curriculum, internship placement assistance, and dedicated support from faculty and advisers.

Develop the Skills to Serve Our Youth

Individual and Group Counseling Competencies – Learn different approaches for prevention, intervention, and crisis intervention, and analyze and use data to improve the efficacy of your programs.
Cultural Competencies – Explore the issues of diversity, equity, advocacy, and opportunity, and understand the factors that influence the personal, social, and intellectual functioning of different cultures.
Communication – Master the vital skills of listening, socialization, boundary setting, and empathy.
Critical Thinking – Evaluate relevant research with a scientific mind to make assessments, diagnoses, and develop a treatment.
Business of Counseling – Examine the profession of counseling, learning a counselor’s role and ethical and legal responsibilities.

To speak with an enrollment adviser about how these skills can shape your career, contact us.

Graduates Work in:

Colleges
Junior Colleges
Not-for-Profits
Public and Private P-12 Schools
Specialized Educational Facilities
Universities

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MSED School Counseling Graduate Statistics

Statistics	2020-2021
# of Graduates	24
Completion Rate	71%
Licensure/Certification Examination Pass Rate	95%
Job Placement Rate	100%

Counseling Field Experience

online masters in school counseling

Receive counseling internship placement support

An important aspect of the School Counseling program is gaining hands-on experience in the field during a 100-hour practicum and two internships, which each require 300 hours.

Because we believe this field experience is a cornerstone of your counseling education, we have a dedicated coordinator on staff who will work with you to identify internship sites in your local area. While St. Bonaventure is located in Western New York, we’ve placed our online students as far away as Hawaii! We will reach out well in advance to learn of any site preferences you have and will handle outreach on your behalf to secure the placement.

The program also includes two 4-day residencies on our beautiful campus. These are usually among students’ favorite parts of the program as they offer an opportunity to forge deeper connections with faculty and your classmates.

*Note: Due to COVID-19, the residencies are currently taking place virtually. The health and safety of our faculty and students is our top priority, and we will continue to evaluate this.

Hear From a Student

What is it like to be in our online School Counseling program?

Our program is designed to thoroughly prepare you to become a licensed school counselor. In this video, current online student Jessica Stein talks about studying online, faculty, classmates, practicum and more.

Watch Jessica’s video to learn more about being a St. Bonaventure University master’s in school counseling student.

Extraordinary role

School counselors ensure that students reach their fullest potential and become well-adjusted adults. They maximize students’ academic, career, and social and emotional development by organizing a sophisticated support system at school, at home, and in the community.

As a licensed school counselor, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with diverse people, observe successful outcomes, and build a stable and positive career.

Are you looking to transition to a role where you can work more closely with students in need? An online master’s in school counseling is your first step towards greater career satisfaction.

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Meet Your Dedicated
Enrollment Advisor

Whether you have a simple question or need advice to determine if this program is right for you, our knowledgeable advisors are here to help. They can chat with you on your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process, so you can feel confident moving forward with your online St. Bonaventure University program.

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