M.A. in Counselor Education

Master of Arts in Counselor Education (School Counseling Concentration)

USF’s Master of Arts in Counselor Education (School Counseling concentration) prepares graduates to serve as effective, compassionate school counselors in K–12 settings. This 61-credit hour, face-to-face program provides a multidisciplinary foundation in counseling theory, human development, academic guidance, and behavioral support. The program is CACREP accredited, and students learn from faculty with extensive experience as school counselors across all grade levels.

What you will learn

Students develop the skills to provide individual and group counseling, deliver classroom guidance, and design academic and behavioral interventions. You’ll learn to collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators while supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development. Coursework emphasizes ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based counseling strategies.

close up of hands holding papers and a pen sitting across from a boy with hands on a backpack

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

K–12 school counselor
College and career counselor
Student services specialist
Behavioral or academic intervention specialist

an older professional sits across a table from a young girl talking

What to Expect

This program includes a supervised practicum and internship that provide hands-on experience in real school counseling settings. Students work directly with children and adolescents while applying counseling techniques under the guidance of experienced supervisors. The curriculum blends theory with practical skill development, preparing graduates for Florida school counselor certification and future licensure opportunities.

student in couselor education program working with an elementary student

Program Objectives

To prepare students with the knowledge and skills associated with the eight-core areas identified by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). These 8 core areas are:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Social and Cultural Diversity
- Human Growth and Development
- Counseling and Helping Relationships
- Career Development
- Group Counseling and Group Work
- Assessment
- Research and Program Evaluation
To prepare students with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement and develop a comprehensive school counseling program within K-12 schools, including direct and indirect services to promote the academic, career, and personal/social development of students.
To prepare students to serve as professional school counselors, advocates, and leaders who demonstrate appropriate self-awareness, sensitivity to others, and the ability to effectively counsel diverse student populations.

Our Mission

The mission of the Master's Program in Counselor Education is to prepare interpersonally skilled and culturally competent professional counselors who facilitate the personal-social, academic, and career growth and development of those they serve as well as enrich the quality of their student/ clientele lives by assisting them to overcome or resolve the complex, interpersonal, vocational and emotional adjustment problems.