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General School Counseling
Master of Science in School Counseling
Want to help improve the future of our youth? In the MS in School Counseling, General School Counseling specialization, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to succeed in school counseling and the practical skills you need to put that knowledge to work.
Select any four counseling or play therapy courses and create your specialization within the 90-credit MS in School Counseling 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. Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credentials or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. State licensing boards review each applicant’s completed education, exam scores, supervised experience, criminal history and application materials at the time of license application to determine eligibility. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program on Capella’s website. Contact your school district for a determination on qualification for a salary advancement.
Classes start May 6
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 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 by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2,500 Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore school counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum and two internships
| COUN5279 * |
Life Planning and Career Development
In this course, learners develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Learners analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, learners explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Learners also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| COUN5217 * |
Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
In this course, learners evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Learners apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Learners also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors’ responses to those issues. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5238 |
Crisis Assessment and Intervention
Learners assess crisis intervention and emergency management models and strategies used in the counseling field and develop the crisis intervention skills needed to provide counseling services in mental health settings in a timely, effective, and ethical manner. Learners also investigate related topics, including working with situational crises, assessing suicide and other risks, and supporting the implementation of emergency management plans. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5241 * |
Group Counseling and Psychotherapy
Learners in this course examine the theoretical components and developmental aspects of groups. Topics include types of groups, group dynamics and processes, group leadership and membership roles, ethical awareness in relation to groups, and crisis management within groups. For MS in School Counseling learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861. |
4 quarter credits |
Choose any four COUN or PLAY courses
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
Learn to apply counseling and child development theories and research to school practice and provide counseling services to a diverse range of students.
As a graduate, you will be expected to uphold codes of ethics from the American Counseling Association and the American School Counselor Association, and to champion the highest standards based on the ASCA National Model for Comprehensive School Counseling.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply ethical, legal and professional standards in counseling activities
- Infuse multicultural counseling and social justice competencies into counseling activities to enhance counseling identity development
- Integrate knowledge of counseling theory, research and professional literature to choose activities that promote optimal development for individuals, groups and systems
- Communicate in a manner that is ethical, scholarly, professional and consistent with the expectations for members of professional communities
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in School Counseling cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.*
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$34,790
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$44,730
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$497 per credit, $175 resource kit fee, 90 total quarter credits, 20 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
95% of alumni with a master‘s in counseling agree that Capella faculty were well qualified and did a good job.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The most fulfilling aspect of earning my degree was being able to do it while maintaining my grades and getting my dream job. I am able to connect with students in a way that I could have never imagined.”
Kelly Anders* – MS in School Counseling graduate and PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the MS in School Counseling admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in School Counseling program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; if your GPA is lower, call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751 to discuss alternate admission options
- Your official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including any graduate or professional school coursework
- Two letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for graduate education in school counseling
- Your resume or curriculum vitae and a 3–6 page essay
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
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Helping Professions Guide
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Financing Guide
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University Guide
Learn more about how we’re taking higher education to a higher level at Capella.
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
- Elementary school counselor
- Middle school counselor
- High school counselor
- Student services advisor/specialist
- Academic success specialist
- Career counselor/coach
- School adjustment counselor
- Guidance counselor
- Director of academic advising
- Academic advisor
Employment settings to explore
- Educational services
*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.