Master's in School Counseling (M.A. or M.Ed.)Loyola School of Education

Students enrolled in the M.Ed. program complete two electives (6-credits) in school counseling. Elective offerings are available in courses pertaining to College Advising, Diagnosis and Treatment, Mindfulness, Crisis and Trauma, School Counselor Leadership, Social Emotional Development and Instructional Strategies to Engage Students in the Classroom. M.Ed. leads to certification as a school counselor.

Students enrolled in the M.A. program complete a master’s thesis in lieu of school counseling electives. This program of study is designed for the practitioner-researcher who wishes to further examine school counselor practice. Mentored by program faculty, students enrolled in the M.A. program complete a master's thesis in lieu of electives. M.A. leads to certification as a school counselor. 

Students complete a supervised, 100-hour in-school experience throughout the 15-week semester. Practicum students should expect to work in schools during the school day, generally one full day or two half days. Practicum can be taken either in the fall or spring semesters. Practicum students receive supervision from a Loyola professor and professional school counselor throughout the 15-week experience.

During practicum, students provide individual and small group counseling and classroom instruction within schools. Further, practicum students are exposed to school culture and observe consultation practices.

Students complete a supervised, 600-hour in-school experience. Internships can be over two academic semesters or in one academic semester. Interns should expect to work in schools during the regular school day, either 3 days a week (two academic semesters) or 5 days a week (one academic semester). Interns receive supervision from a Loyola professor and professional school counselor throughout the 15-week experience. The internship is offered during the fall and spring semesters.

Interns deliver direct and indirect student services that align with the goals of a comprehensive school counseling program. Interns build upon what they learned in Practicum to further their counseling skills related to individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom instruction. Students use evidence-based interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of those interventions. Additionally, interns are mentored on how to collaborate with stakeholders to implement a comprehensive school counseling program.

Loyola’s M.Ed. and M.A. in School Counseling programs are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) through March 2029. As a CACREP-accredited program, school counseling master's students complete a 60-credit hour program, in which 9 credits are in Practicum and Internship.

The master's programs are recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

These programs meet the educational requirements necessary for licensure as a Maryland licensed professional counselor and certification as a school counselor in Maryland. For graduates interested in working outside of Maryland, it is important to learn that state’s licensure requirements. For more information review our Professional Licensure Disclosure website.