COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s in School Counseling program at Southeast Missouri State University is designed to prepare students to become professional school counselors who support the academic, social, emotional, and career development of children and adolescents in elementary and secondary school environments. The program provides a strong foundation in counseling theory, human development, ethics, and multicultural understanding through core courses such as Counseling Orientation and Ethics, Developmental Theories, Counseling Theories, Social and Cultural Aspects of Counseling, and Counseling Skills. Students also build essential professional competencies in areas such as Group Counseling, Assessment in Counseling, Foundations of School Counseling, and Crisis Intervention and Consultation, all of which prepare them to address a wide range of student needs in diverse educational settings. Specialized coursework in Psychodiagnostics and Treatment, Applications of School Counseling, Introduction to Play Therapy, Advanced Play Therapy, and Addictions Counseling further enhances students’ ability to support students facing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. A significant emphasis is placed on practical training through supervised clinical experiences, including Counseling Practicum and multiple internship placements in elementary, secondary, and school counseling settings, where students apply counseling techniques directly with students under professional supervision and gain real-world experience. The program also includes training in research through Research Methods and Program Evaluation in Counseling, enabling graduates to evaluate counseling programs and contribute to evidence-based improvements in school systems. Students must also complete a comprehensive final examination to demonstrate mastery of counseling knowledge and skills. Depending on their background, students may be required to complete prerequisite coursework in education, psychology, learning theory, or instructional strategies before entering the program. Overall, the Master’s in School Counseling program prepares graduates for certification and professional practice as school counselors who are equipped to promote student well-being, academic success, and personal development while making a meaningful impact within school communities through ethical, informed, and effective counseling practices.