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Child and Adolescent Counseling
Master of Science in School Counseling

Focus your counseling career on the unique needs of young people and help students reach their full potential. Capella’s Master of Science in School Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling specialization examines the social and emotional development of children and adolescents, pre-K–12. You’ll explore developmentally appropriate interventions and strategies for addressing typical childhood disorders. The curriculum emphasizes developmental and multicultural considerations as well as ethical and legal issues in working with children and teens from all populations.

As part of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited program, this specialization is designed to help prepare students to pursue professional licensure as a school counselor.*

*This specialization is not designed to prepare students to pursue professional licensure in the education field. It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.

Expand counseling skills through hands-on learning

Develop school counseling programs and clinical skills through residency, practicum and internship courses that offer hands-on practice in school counseling supporting students in pre-K–12.

Professionally aligned knowledge, values and ethical standards

Accredited by CACREP, our program honors the principles and ethics of the American School Counselor Association while providing a robust understanding of the field.

Expert guidance at every step

Receive personalized support from enrollment counselors, academic coaches and internship coordinators while learning from faculty who bring real-world experience to the courseroom and clinical training.

Classes start October 6

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

  • GuidedPath
  • Online & in person
  • 13 Core courses
  • 4 Specialization courses
  • 2 Residencies
  • 1 Practicum
  • 2 Internships
  • CACREP and CAEP accreditations

Reduce your tuition up to $2,500

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master's degree.

What can you do with an MS in School Counseling degree?

Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Master of Science in School Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling.

Job titles to explore*

  • Behavioral health consultant
  • Case management specialist
  • Elementary school counselor
  • Guidance counselor
  • High school counselor
  • Middle school counselor
  • School counselor
  • School therapist

Employment settings to explore*

  • Child care services
  • Colleges, universities and professional schools
  • Community colleges
  • Educational support services
  • Elementary and secondary schools
  • Individual and family services
  • Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.