Master of Arts in Educational Counseling
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Massachusetts Global’s Educational Counseling Program is to provide students with an accessible, inclusive, and transformative education that fosters innovation, compassion, and leadership. Our program prepares Educational Counselors to be scholars, advocates, and practitioners who collaborate across diverse educational settings, supporting the academic, personal, and social development of all learners and empowering them to reach their full potential in a dynamic world.
This program is pending U.S. Department of Education approval.
Program Learning Outcomes
- PLO 1: Foundations of School Counseling: Professional, Legal, and Ethical Standards - Apply core counseling theories, ethical decision-making models, and relevant laws, codes, and policies to analyze case studies, current trends, or real-world scenarios in educational counseling.
- PLO 2: Social, Emotional, Academic, and College and Career Development: - Implement evidence-based counseling strategies to support individuals' social-emotional well-being, academic achievement, and postsecondary readiness, fostering their successful transition to college and career pathways.
- PLO 3: Leadership and Advocacy in Social Justice, Equity, and Access: - Design and evaluate a comprehensive counseling plan that promotes social justice, equity, and access within educational systems, advocating for policies and practices that remove systemic barriers for all students.
- PLO 4: Counseling Program Development, Research, and Technology: - Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to design, implement, and assess counseling programs using data-driven decision-making and technology to enhance student success and improve educational outcomes.
University of Massachusetts Global offers a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling. The program in educational counseling prepares students to serve as counselors in all educational settings with a special focus on the public schools for grades PK-12.
Program Start Dates
The Master of Arts in Educational Counseling program starts three times a year in Fall I, Spring I, and Summer I. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Admission Requirements
Acceptance into the graduate program in educational counseling will be based on multiple criteria. These criteria include academic potential, experience with children and youth, and compatibility with program philosophy. To be considered for admission candidates must complete the following:
Submit a graduate application with the following:
- A current resume which includes experiences working with children or in educational settings.
- An autobiographical essay (2-3 pages) describing the life experiences that have influenced your approach to working with individuals in educational settings. Discuss what led you to pursue a career in educational counseling and your commitment to the field.
Program Information and Requirements
The Educational Counseling program requires 39 semester credits of coursework.
Transfer Policy
No more than 12 semester credits may be transferred into the educational counseling program from other graduate institutions upon approval by course transfer request to the Associate Dean. Transferred courses must have been awarded a grade of “B” or better and cannot be older than seven years at the completion of the program. CSPU 618 Best Practices in Counseling, must be taken at University of Massachusetts Global.
School of Education Program Support Fee
A program support fee is assessed every enrolled session for students in the School of Education credential and degree programs. This fee supports essential services, tools, and coaching that enhance academic success through support systems. This fee directly supports the School of Education’s commitment to preparing highly effective educators and educational leaders through high-quality, student-centered programs. Please see Tuition and Fees section of this catalog for corresponding fee.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CSPU 500 | Introduction to Counseling and Interpersonal Relations: Concepts and Skills | 3 |
| CSPU 511 | Introduction to the Ethical Practice of School Counseling | 3 |
| CSPU 512 | Advanced Counseling and Intervention | 3 |
| CSPU 513 | Group Leadership and Intervention | 3 |
| CSPU 514 | Cultural and Community Issues in Counseling and School Psychology | 3 |
| CSPU 516 | Children and Youth in Developmental Context | 3 |
| CSPU 616 | Leadership and Systems Change | 3 |
| CSPU 617 | Transition to Work and Career | 3 |
| CSPU 618 | Best Practices in Counseling | 3 |
| CSPU 640 | Consultation and Indirect Intervention | 3 |
| EDUU 511 | Inclusive Practices for Student Success | 3 |
| EDUU 600 | Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 |
| EDUU 602 | Positive Behavior Supports | 3 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Note: Candidates enrolled in the MA standalone program who wish to change to the Master of Arts in Educational Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling (PPSC) with Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization must submit a new application for admission to the new program by the conclusion of their fifth course. Additionally, candidates must fulfill all non-coursework requirements, including submitting the Certificate of Clearance and a negative TB test. The Master's plus Credential option requires the completion of three additional courses: CSPU 619, CSPU 620, and CSPU 621.