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General School Counseling
Master of Science in School Counseling

Pursue your passion and play a vital role in the academic, social and emotional well-being of students in pre-K through 12th grade. Capella’s master’s in school counseling, General School Counseling specialization takes a comprehensive approach to the delivery and management of school programs. You’ll develop the skills needed to use theory, current research and professional literature to assess students and design intervention plans that promote their optimal development. Built on national standards and models, the curriculum explores individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, collaborating with teachers and administrators and communicating with parents and guardians.

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 addictions field or 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 experiential learning

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

Professionally aligned knowledge, values and ethical standards

Accredited by CACREP and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, our program honors the principles and ethics of the American School Counseling 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 PhD-level faculty who bring real-world experience in school counseling 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, General School Counseling.

Job titles to explore*

  • Academic advisor
  • Admissions counselor
  • College counselor
  • Elementary school counselor
  • Guidance counselor
  • High school counselor
  • Middle school counselor
  • School counselor
  • Student success coach

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.