COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s Degree in School Counseling at the University of Akron requires completion of 60 credit hours of coursework designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in counseling theory, practice, and professional development. The program includes educational foundations courses such as Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, and Individual and Family Development Across the Life-Span, which equip students with the knowledge to understand diverse student populations and evaluate counseling programs effectively. Required core courses cover Professional Orientation and Ethics, Introduction to School Counseling, Counseling Theory and Philosophy, Tests and Appraisal in Counseling, Career Development and Counseling Across the Life-Span, Techniques of Counseling, and Group Counseling, providing students with the essential skills to work with individuals, families, and groups in school settings. Students also select one program elective, such as Counseling Youth at Risk, Counseling Children, or Addiction Counseling I: Theory and Assessment, to tailor their studies to specific interests. The curriculum emphasizes school counseling specialty courses, including Traumatology, Introduction to Play Therapy, Counseling Adolescents, Marriage and Family Therapy, Leadership, Consultation, and Collaboration in School Counseling, School Counseling Seminar, Practicum in Counseling, and two semesters of Master’s Internship, ensuring practical, supervised experience in real-world school environments. The program prepares graduates to implement the ASCA National Model, provide leadership, and support student development in diverse educational settings.