Master of Science in Education – Professional School Counseling

What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Professional School Counseling?

Students who graduate with a master’s in school counseling appreciate the program’s focus on application, allowing them to “hit the ground running” as an advocate and advisor for elementary through high school students upon completion of their 48 credit hours. 

The master’s in school counseling program is supported and accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Iowa Department of Education. Curriculum is designed to meet the educational requirements for Iowa School Counseling licensure and follows the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model seen in school districts. 

Why Study Professional School Counseling at BVU?

Learn Online and In Person

Through online, 7.5-week terms with a virtual class one night each week, this two-year master’s in school counseling program is designed to be taken alongside your current career. The weekly virtual class each week allows students to engage in rich conversations and interactions. Students in the master’s in school counseling program then further enhance their learning with a four-day in-person residency in Storm Lake once each year.

• Courses (48 credit hours)

  Coursework (48 credit hours)

  • GPSC 519 Professional and Ethical Orientation to Counseling
  • GPSC 520 Counseling Children and Adolescents
  • GPSC 527 Assessment and Appraisal Techniques in Counseling
  • GPSC 528 Research Methods in Counseling
  • GPSC 529 Human Development and Learning Through the Lifespan
  • GPSC 530 Theories of Counseling
  • GPSC 535 Program Evaluation and Consultation in Counseling
  • GPSC 536 Advanced Counseling Practices and Crisis Interventions
  • GPSC 540 Psychopathology and Psychological Disorders
  • GPSC 544 Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
  • GPSC 546 Methods and Procedures in Counseling
  • GPSC 548 Group Counseling
  • GPSC 549 Career Development and Assessment
  • GPSC 551 Supervised Practicum I in School Counseling
  • GPSC 552 Supervised Practicum II in School Counseling
  • GPSC 553 Internship I in School Counseling
  • GPSC 554 Internship II in Secondary School Counseling
  • GPSC 555 Internship III in Elementary Counseling
  • GPSC 598 Capstone Professional Portfolio in School Counseling
• Application Requirements
  • Official transcripts 
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation  
  • Autobiographical Questions 
    • Describe significant personal experiences that influenced you to pursue the counseling profession.
    • Describe significant professional experiences that influenced you to pursue the counseling profession.
    • Discuss how you would make a contribution as a professional school counselor to the counseling profession both within a local school district and the profession at large.

  After we receive all of your application materials, you will be invited to an informal zoom meeting with the program director, after the March 15 priority application date.