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Master of Science in School Counseling

As the need for school-based counseling services increases, school counselors are crucial to supporting the well-being of students. School Counselors advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Graduates of the program prepare for licensure as School Counselors in Iowa and licensure in other states with appropriate consultation and adjustment to the curriculum.

The Department of Counselor Education Programs is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career. Each new student is an opportunity to bring a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our program and the counseling profession. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply.

Grand View University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

WHY GRAND VIEW?

  • No GRE required
  • Can transfer up to 12 credit hours of equivalent graduate work from regionally accredited schools (B or better)
  • 60 credit hour program
  • Spring and Fall cohorts

 

Mission Statement

The Grand View University's School Counseling (SC) program aims to develop ethically sound, research-informed, developmentally competent, and culturally aware school counseling professionals. Graduates will be prepared to provide social services and assistance to improve children's and their families social and psychological functioning and maximize their well-being and academic functioning.

View Course Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Application to the Master of School Counseling program and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admissions decisions for complete files will continue on a rolling basis. Any applications completed after the program is full will be placed on a waitlist until there is an opening in the class.

  • A baccalaureate degree or a degree completion plan that meets the requirements of the program.
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater (based on all hours attempted), or a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate studies.
  • Complete the application for admission.

SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

  • Provide two references, academic or professional, who complete an online recommendation form
  • Professional Resume
  • Transcript from Baccalaureate granting institution
  • Writing Sample

- Submit a previous writing sample demonstrating your writing ability and ability to use academic citations in APA format. The writing sample does not need to be a paper written specifically for your application.

  • Dedication to Counseling Video

- Applicants must create a brief video, lasting no more than 7 minutes, to share their thoughts on the following questions:

- What motivates your interest in this program? What are your career aspirations? How do your unique skills and experiences contribute to the counseling profession, and how do you approach and overcome personal biases when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds?

Click here for Video Recording Recommendations

Applicants are allowed one recorded video submission. Applicants will be required to email video through WeTransfer file-sharing site as a MP4 file.

If you do not already have a WeTransfer account, you will need to create a free account to submit your videos.

If your video is stored on your computer, you can use this website: https://wetransfer.com/.If your video is stored on your cell phone you need to go to the Google Play Store or Apple Store, download the WeTransfer app, then create your account.

WeTransfer Account users should email their recorded video to admissions@grandview.edu.

- Please title your recorded video with your full name and include your full name in the subject line. Submitting your video without your name as the title or subject line may lead to an incomplete application.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements will be met after acceptance but prior to the start of classes:

  • American Counseling Association (ACA) Student Membership and Professional Liability Coverage (students will be instructed on how to purchase easily and affordably before starting their clinical coursework).
  • A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $125.00 will be required following acceptance to hold a student’s position in the class and will be applied to the first semester charges after the first week of the term when enrollment has been verified.

Instructional Methods

Graduate study has often kept non-traditional students away due to barriers such as finances or life circumstances (e.g., disability). This is why this program is perfect for an individual who needs flexibility. Our online, eight-week courses allow students to work around their schedules. Each week, students will be expected to review the course materials, participate in learning activities and complete required assignments. All online classes are led by faculty who are licensed practitioners, leaders, and researchers in the field of counseling and whose work is prominent in the field.

While this program meets primarily online, there will be times when students need to come to campus. The program requires that all students attend a 4.5-day on-campus Residency.

Program Requirements
 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements will be met after acceptance but prior to the start of classes:

  • A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $125.00 will be required following acceptance to hold a student’s position in the class and will be applied to the first semester charges after the first week of the term when enrollment has been verified.

  • American Counseling Association (ACA) Student Membership and Professional Liability Coverage (students will be instructed on how to purchase easily and affordably before starting their clinical coursework).

This Program Will

  • Deliver a high-quality education that meets the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requirements by enhancing knowledge of counseling and counseling concepts.
  • Provide practicum and internship experiences that prepare students to become professional counselors to meet the demands of their students and apply their knowledge and skills in an unpredictable society.
  • Provide education to train counselors to uphold ethical standards in their practice and community
  • Develop practitioners who will become lifelong learners by providing a curriculum that educates about the research process, proper use of assessment, and the importance of continuous objective re-evaluation

Did you Know?

  • In 2021, there were an estimated 336,00 school counselor jobs within the United States, with around 32,000 openings (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the career outlook for school counselors is 10% job growth from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than average.
  • "School counselors can work in public and private schools. Career counselors and advisors are employed primarily in colleges and universities but also in career centers and private practice" (BLS, 2022).