School Counseling MA
- Master's
- In-Person
- Denver
- Greeley
- Loveland
Program Overview
Take the next step in your career with UNC’s master’s degree in school counseling as you gain valuable, real-world counseling experience working in community schools (K-12) through our 600-hour internship program. Work closely with top faculty with professional counseling experience in small classes that include doctoral student supervisors. You’ll be eligible to become a nationally certified counselor when you graduate.
This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), enabling you to become a nationally certified counselor when you graduate and ensuring that foundational academic requirements are met for licensure across the nation.
Innovative Training, Flexible Options
Whether you are a working professional or a full-time graduate student, we have an option to fit your needs. Our Greeley campus, which includes our state-of-the-art Psychological Services Clinic, offers a more traditional graduate school experience in a semester-long format.
We also offer this master’s program at our Denver center at Lowry and Loveland center at Centerra, where classes are delivered in an intensive weekend format designed specifically for working professionals. Students take one class at a time over two weekends, allowing you to work full time while earning 9-12 credits per semester.
Complete your master’s degree with 63 total credits, including elective options that can help you meet certificate and licensure requirements.
Students pursuing Colorado licensure must pass the required proficiency examinations. For more information, contact the Teaching/Special Services Licensing Office.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by the program faculty. Admission is competitive and based on both academic achievement and professional potential.
To qualify for admission, applicants must have:
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A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in their most recent or current degree program.
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Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 must submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. A total score of at least 291 (verbal and quantitative combined) and a minimum of 3.5 on analytical writing is recommended.
Pre-Admission Workshop
All applicants are required to attend a pre-admission workshop. In cases where attendance presents a significant hardship, special arrangements can be made.
Admission decisions are based on:
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Clarity of professional and career goals
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Intellectual and academic preparation
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Professional and interpersonal qualities, as demonstrated through interviews, communication style, and references
Admission Deadlines for Greeley Campus
- Fall and Summer admission: December 1 (submit to both the Graduate School and the department)
- Applications received after the deadline may be considered on a case-by-case basis—contact the department before applying.
All applications are pre-screened by the department. Selected applicants will be invited to a pre-admission workshop, which is part of the evaluation process.
Denver and Loveland Locations
Applications will not be reviewed until all materials are submitted and the pre-admission workshop is attended. If you will not have your materials complete before the workshop, contact the Program Coordinator Jennifer Murdock-Bishop to discuss options.
Our program is accredited by Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which means it meets strict standards for counseling education.
Finding Answers to Complex Challenges
Your Future in School Counseling
School counselors perform a variety of important roles. They connect with students, help teachers assess students’ abilities and interests, ensure that proper care and education is provided to students with different needs, help with college applications and so much more. At UNC, you’ll get the strongest possible career preparation for school counseling, working alongside skilled faculty who bring professional counseling experience to the classroom.
Is School Counseling the Right Path for You?
You’ll learn:
- How to respond to K-12 student needs through individual and group counseling
- How to facilitate skill-building activities in classroom settings
- How to work with parents, teachers and school administrators
- History and current trends in school counseling
- Ethical and legal aspects of school counseling
Sample courses:
- Foundations of School Counseling
- Organization and Administration of School Counseling Programs
- Understanding Children, Adolescents and their Systems
- Theories and Practices in Group Guidance for School Counselors
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- Understanding and Counseling Diverse Populations
- Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
- Psychological Trauma and Intervention for Individuals, Families and Communities
Professional Licensure
UNC’s professional licensure programs are designed to lead to Colorado licensure.
Each state sets their own requirements, so a UNC program might not lead to licensure in other states. Visit the UNC Professional Licensure page to learn more about which states UNC programs meet educational requirements for licensure. It’s important to understand requirements in the state where you plan to work. Visit the State Licensure Boards page to find each state’s licensing agency and contact information.