Online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development
School Counseling Specialization
Make a positive impact in students’ lives
Walsh University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development–School Counseling specialization is geared toward professionals who possess a bachelor’s degree and enjoy connecting with and supporting children of all ages by furthering their social-emotional competencies. The 60-credit hour program provides core knowledge in the areas of diagnostic assessment and treatment to facilitate individual, group, and crisis counseling.
This program will prepare you with the ability to:
- Apply counseling approaches to clients/students and families experiencing trauma or loss such as suicide, death of a parent or sibling, homicide, or unexpected death.
- Address issues such as academic achievement, mood and anxiety, oppositional and defiant behavior, sexuality, and substance use.
- Influence students’ lives through learned counseling methods.
- Consult, collaborate, and lead within the educational system through organization/administration knowledge.
- Learn counseling assessment and intervention for relational mental and behavioral problems.
- 20 courses, 60 credits
- 100 Practicum hours / 600 Internship hours completed in your community
- 20 terms / just over 3 years to complete
- 8-week terms
- 1:1 faculty guidance
- Values-based education
- Site placement services and student support at no cost
- 5 convenient starts per year
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university in any field
- GPA minimum 3.0 (No GRE or MAT with 3.0)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Notarized affidavit of good moral character
- Faculty interview
- Resume
- Personal Statement
Our Financial Aid Office is committed to working with you. We also award aid based on need. Tuition for Walsh University’s online graduate programs varies depending on the number of credits required to complete the degree. The cost per credit hour is $775 for this program.
To calculate tuition for your degree program or to discuss your financial aid options, schedule an appointment or contact an enrollment advisor today at 888.899.4046.
$10,000 stipend opportunity available to qualified students! Contact Rose Mogus at rmogus@walsh.edu or 330-490-7264, or visit walsh.edu/cope for details!
As a student, you will benefit from an exceptional learning experience from a reputable, values-focused university.
- The Walsh Online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development program is CACREP-accredited.
- We are recognized as a College of Distinction for Ohio universities, Catholic universities, and Overall for 2020–2021
- Approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
- U.S. News & World Report ranked us #58 in Best Value Schools Midwest, and #39 in Regional Universities Midwest.
Walsh University opened its doors in North Canton, OH, on November 17, 1960. Founded and operated by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, whose beginnings date back to France following the French Revolution. Walsh University grew from humble beginnings to a thriving campus community.
Today, Walsh is a Catholic liberal arts university that has grown to encompass more than 2600 students and 16,000 alumni. Our North Canton campus sprawls over 130 acres, and we offer more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. Through Walsh University’s online degree completion program, we also educate students virtually from anywhere in the world.
A Values-Based Education
As a Catholic university that welcomes students of all faiths, Walsh is dedicated to developing the whole person. Like our courageous, hard-working, and faithful founders, you will be prepared to lead in service to others. Evolve as a well-rounded individual through meaningful relationships within a diverse community of faculty, students, and mentors.
In advance of your practicum or internship, our field experience team will begin working with you to help secure approved sites to complete practicum and internship hours within your own community, at no additional cost. You will also benefit from a Student Support Advisor who supports you from enrollment through graduation.
Employment
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development—School Counseling program are prepared to enter a field where they will impact students’ lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected 10-year growth for school counselors and career counselors is 8%. Also, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 41% of the 784,000 counselors working in the nation today are school counselors. About 80% of all current positions in counseling are in school counseling and mental health counseling.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for licensed school counselors is $57,040. In 2020, there were 75,458 job postings for school counselors. The career outlook for this profession continues to be positive with faster than average growth.
Demand
Mental health challenges in a complex world drive the demand for school counselors. They are needed to examine academic success, deal with common childhood and adolescent problems, prepare teens for adult life, manage issues like substance use/abuse and a myriad of mental health disorders, and navigate crises by providing support and self-care strategies.
Here’s What an Online School Counseling Program Student Says
"As an educator, I am fortunate to be in a school system daily and interact closely with students. From the moment I began the program, I gained knowledge and critical skills that enhanced my abilities as both an educator and future school counselor. The faculty truly cares about the success of each grad student, and they took the time to personally invest in each of us. Questions were never left unanswered, and feedback was always given promptly and in a helpful and constructive manner. The small class sizes provided opportunities for connections to be made and collaboration to occur. The students in my cohort became family, with many hours spent together finishing notes, studying for tests, or working on projects. While the coursework was challenging and the standards were high, I walked into exams and licensure tests confident and well-prepared. With that being said, I am confident that I will feel just as prepared when I enter the school counseling field as a licensed professional.”
-Teresa Rufo, School Counseling Program
Core I
Intro to Counseling/Counseling Profession
Orientation to the counseling profession through an examination of the history and philosophy of the counseling profession; professional roles of counselors; professional counseling organizations; and legal, ethical, and professional issues in professional counseling. Introduction to stages and strategies in the counseling process. Development of attending skills, basic and advanced counseling skills, as well as an introduction to case conceptualization skills. Includes an intensive laboratory focused on developing interviewing skills and mastering counseling procedures.
Foundations of School Counseling
Introduction to School Counseling is a foundational course designed to introduce students to the school counseling profession. This course explores the history of the school counseling profession; the roles, functions, and professional identity of the school counselor; and the current models of school counseling programs such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model. Students will develop knowledge of the current issues and directions for the profession, and the requirements and challenges of being a professional school counselor. Prerequisites: BSC 560, CHD 602, 603, 610, 624, 730, 740
Career Counseling
This course examines historical and current theories, principles, and practices of vocational and career counseling over a lifespan. The course addresses interrelationships of career, family, and other roles which affect work. The impact of multicultural and lifestyle issues on career is considered. Strategies for assessing abilities, interests, values, personality and other factors are explored. Students explore their own career development and how it aligns with their counseling identity.
Marriage and Family Counseling
This course provides an overview of theories and treatment strategies in marriage and family counseling. The course highlights the application of systems theory to the understanding and treatment of human problems. Students will also consider development, cultural, and gender issues in the practice of family and couples counseling. Students will practice creating genograms and other forms of family assessment and applying theory and approaches to case studies.
Theory and Practice of Addictions Counseling
Theories and practice of addiction focuses on knowledge and skills needed for the development and implementation of theories of addiction counseling, treatment approaches, and procedures, prevention, and recovery maintenance in the addictions field. Emphasis is placed on selection and utilization of evidence-based practices. Prerequisite: CHD 635
Practicum: Counseling Techniques
This course involves a supervised experience of professional counseling at an approved clinical or school site. Students will receive both individual and group supervision during the Practicum course. Students are required to complete 100 logged hours of counseling related services, 40 of which are direct client or student contact hours. During this course, students will develop and enhance counseling-related skills and competencies. Students will also practice applying ethical and professional principles to the work environment. Case conceptualization that utilizes the biopsychosocial cultural and spiritual model is a critical part of this course and students are required to process both client/ student cases and professional identity with the instructor and course peers. Prerequisites: CHD 620 CHD 626, CHD 655 and their prerequisites
Research Methods/Program Evaluation
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret and synthesize empirical research and apply common research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and techniques. This course introduces research problems and questions, research methods and designs, sampling procedures, types of variables, reliability and validity measures, threats to internal and external validity, simple statistics, and statistical tests commonly used to address counseling research problems and evaluate counseling program effectiveness. The course will cover needs assessments, counseling outcome measures, evidence-based practices in counseling, and the ethical, legal, and cultural considerations regarding counseling research and program evaluation.
Group Process
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the various group counseling theories and link various theoretical perspectives in group dynamics to their practice in therapeutic settings. In addition students will learn how to assess interpersonal and group dynamics, identify and practice group facilitation skills, manage group process, and recognize how and when group treatment may or may not be a beneficial treatment process for particular individuals or problems.
Consul, Collaboration & Leadership
This course is designed to provide an overview of the major consultation and leadership theories and techniques and to help students develop consultation, collaboration, and leadership skills which may be applied in higher education, K-12, community agencies, or other settings. The School Counseling and SAHE students will explore consultant and leadership characteristics, sociocultural factors, and legal and ethical considerations as it applies to their respective specialties. Students will also learn about the qualities, principles, skills, and styles of effective leaders and consultants.
Assessment and Treatment Planning in Addictions
This course focuses on the conceptual framework for the use of assessment tools as they relate to the assessment and development of treatment planning for substance use and other addiction disorders. Signs, symptoms, and patterns of use will be examined, as well as psych-social and family dynamics. This course will assist clinicians in identifying strategies for screening and assessing clients and development of effective treatment plans. Prerequisite: CHD 642
School Internship (300 hours)
Internship in School Counseling serves as the culminating experience for the school counselor-in-training. Counseling interns will complete 600-hours of internship experience at a school site over two semesters (CHD 795I and CHD 795II), with a minimum of 240 clock hours in direct service to students (CACREP 2024 section 4). The basic purpose of the internship is to provide each intern with a field experience and the opportunity to integrate the application of counseling theories and skills to counseling practice with individuals, groups, families, children, and/or adolescents in a school setting. Evaluation of skills is made through close supervision by the supervising school counselor and the instructor. Counselor-trainees work under the supervision of a school counselor who has been licensed/certified for a minimum of 2 years (CACREP 2024 Section 4). A complete description of internship and its specific requirements is in the Field Experience Manual, distributed at Field Experience Orientation. Students are required to retain liability insurance while enrolled in internship. Prerequisite: CHD 790 and Perquisites
- Applications are currently being accepted for next intake
Assessment in Counseling
This course provides an overview of psychological assessment instruments used in counseling. This course also introduces basic statistical methods for interpreting scores and evaluating various psychological instruments. Students will acquire knowledge in analyzing client/student data generated via standardized and non-standardized (interviews, biopsychosocial evaluation) assessment methods. Types of psychological instruments reviewed will include intelligence, personality, symptom checklists, aptitude, achievement, and vocational instruments. Furthermore, the course provides an overview of the history and current context of psychometric assessment, including ethical, legal, social, and cultural perspectives. Students will practice introductory test and assessment administration, interpretation, and counseling assessment report writing.
Addictions
Provides an overview of addictive disorders and addictions counseling. Discusses the neurobiological, genetic, psychological, developmental, behavioral, and sociocultural perspectives on the etiology, development and recovery processes associated with substance use disorders. Explores assessment, diagnosis, intervention strategies, determination of appropriate level of care, and specific treatment modalities and counseling approaches for substance use disorders listed in the DSM-5. Discusses the impact of addictions on families, the self-help movement, relapse prevention approaches and the prevention of addictive disorders. Considers treatment issues with diverse cultural groups. Provides an overview of special ethical issues involved in addictions counseling.
Evidence based Practice in Addiction Counseling
This course focuses on advanced theories and techniques in family, relationship and group counseling specific to psychoactive substance abuse and addiction, assessments, dysfunctional relationships, family systems, effects of growth and development, group dynamics, diversity ad facilitation, pharmacology of both drugs of abuse as well as detoxification and treatment of addiction and mental/emotional disorders, drug tolerance, sensation/perception and legal/ethical issues in pharmacology. Prerequisite: CHD 643
Developmentally Informed Trauma, Crisis & Grief Interventions
Students will develop an understanding of counseling clients/students during crisis, disaster, and other trauma/grief causing events. This course will examine theories, models, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies. The counselor’s collaborative role in crisis preparedness and response is examined, including self-care strategies. The differences in responses to trauma/grief will be explored, along with counseling strategies to facilitate a healthy recovery. Counseling approaches for clients/students and families experiencing the trauma/loss such as suicide, death of a child/sibling, homicide, and unexpected death will be included. Prerequisite: CHD 612
School Internship (300 hours)
Internship in School Counseling serves as the culminating experience for the school counselor-in-training. Counseling interns will complete 600-hours of internship experience at a school site over two semesters (CHD 795I and CHD 795II), with a minimum of 240 clock hours in direct service to students (CACREP 2024 section 4). The basic purpose of the internship is to provide each intern with a field experience and the opportunity to integrate the application of counseling theories and skills to counseling practice with individuals, groups, families, children, and/or adolescents in a school setting. Evaluation of skills is made through close supervision by the supervising school counselor and the instructor. Counselor-trainees work under the supervision of a school counselor who has been licensed/certified for a minimum of 2 years (CACREP 2024 Section 4). A complete description of internship and its specific requirements is in the Field Experience Manual, distributed at Field Experience Orientation. Students are required to retain liability insurance while enrolled in internship. Prerequisite: CHD 795 I
Theories of Counseling
This course provides an exploration of selected theories of counseling and their corresponding techniques. Students will explore the nature and process of counseling and learn the critical role theories play in case conceptualization and treatment planning. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students will learn to apply theory using case conceptualization techniques, selecting interventions, and consultation. Students are encouraged to begin to define their own theoretical approach to their work with individuals, couples, and families.
Counseling Children & Adolescents
The course covers the clinical management of common problems with children/adolescents. The importance of family and parent training is emphasized, as well as the critical need to intervene with children using play as the language of the child, Issues such as academic achievement, mood and anxiety, behavioral management, oppositional and defiant behavior, sexuality, substance use and abuse, self-harm and suicide are explored from a developmental perspective. Assessment, service planning and building a community-based system of care will be described based on current research literature. Creative interventions, including symbolic and art techniques, will also be explored. This course will be delivered in a hybrid format.
Social/Cultural Diversity in Counseling
This course provides an exploration of social and cultural diversity in counseling, including diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural heritages and sexual identities and socioeconomic statuses. It includes a study of historical and current issues of equality as applied to socially marginalized groups; personal reflection on the impact of one’s own attitudes, beliefs, worldview, and racial and cultural identity on the counseling process; strategies for employing culturally competent counseling in individual, group, and family modalities, including specific behavioral skills and application of various theories of racial and cultural identity development; the role of the counselor as an advocate for members of marginalized groups and for the pursuit of social justice; and ethical and legal obligations of counselors in dealing with social and cultural diversity.
Lifespan Development
Overview of human development processes and stages. Analysis of predictable conflicts and crises associated with progression throughout lifespan, as well as the impact of cultural and environmental factors upon development. Overview of developmental theories (physical, psychosexual, cognitive, emotional, and social development) that describe development from conception to death. Concentration upon applying theoretical concepts to counseling various populations across lifespan.
Developmental Issues & Disorders
An overview of the range of childhood/adolescent behaviors in childhood/adolescent psychiatric disorders, addictions/substance use disorders, and developmental issues that may arise. Disorders/ issues are viewed from various etiological perspectives, including neurobiological, psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral. Review of current research regarding etiology and treatment across behaviors/disorders. Delineation of symptoms, etiology, developmental course of the disorders, commonly accepted treatment modalities and prognosis across culturally diverse populations. Review of psychotropic medications, including their drug actions, common side effects and their use in the treatment of specific disorders/ issues. Consideration of the prevention of behaviors and issues related specifically to children/adolescents from socially diverse groups. This course will be delivered in a hybrid format.
Ethics/Issues in Counseling
This course introduces students to concepts regarding ethical and legal issues encountered by licensed professional counselors and school counselors. Students are asked to identify and apply ethical principles and professional codes of ethics to a variety of ethical dilemmas using the Ethical Decision-Making model. Current legal issues facing professional and school counselors are identified and discussed.
Trauma Assessment/Treatment
This course is an introduction to current theory and practice models related to trauma and crisis intervention. Trauma-related issues including suicide risk/ideation, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief, and crises in schools are introduced and addressed Emphasis is given to treatment approaches that are caring and socially responsible in working with diverse individuals and families. This course is taught from a strengths-based/wellness perspective.
Issues in School Counseling
This course is designed to provide an overview of current issues in school counseling, such as achievement gap, academic success, preventing school dropout, at-risk youth, exceptional abilities, homelessness, etc. This course emphasizes developmentally appropriate prevention, intervention, and responsive counseling services for working with the diverse populations within the school setting. Included topics are program planning, implementation and evaluation, use of date and accountability, advocacy, and ethical and legal practices in the context of the school environment. Prerequisite: CHD 620.