School Counseling Specialization
Most students who specialize in School Counseling pursue careers as counselors in a secondary or elementary school setting. Other students obtain positions in Area Education Agencies or related educational environments. Graduates find employment in all types of schools in the State of Iowa.
Mission Statement
The mission of the School Counseling program is to prepare exceptional school counseling professionals who strive to improve the lives of people in the school community. To this end we will offer degree program, provide university and community services, and conduct research on issues related to school counseling. Faculty, students, and staff will work collaboratively with children, adolescents, families and schools to provide a comprehensive and diverse learning experience that is both educationally and personally challenging. We expect that our graduates, through direct intervention, collaboration, research, advocacy and leadership, will be proficient and excel in identifying and removing the barriers that impede equal access to educational and career opportunities for all students.
Program of Study
The School Counseling track of the Masters of Science in Counseling contains coursework that provides graduates with the opportunity to become a licensed school counselor in the State of Iowa at either the elementary or secondary level. It is a 51-hour program for students already certified as teachers in Iowa. Non-certified students will be required to complete 6 additional credit hours of course work to prepare them to work as a school counselor. Students typically enroll in 6 credit hours each semester and complete the degree in 2 years.
Required Courses
To download a list of the recommended sequence and pre-requisites, click here.
COUN 200: Introduction to Counseling
COUN 201: Educational Research
COUN 215: Theoretical Foundations of Individual and Family Counseling
COUN 220: Career Development and Occupational Information
COUN 221: Methods of Counseling
COUN 224: Assessment of Individual and Family
COUN 225: Human Development
COUN 228: Psychopathology and Psychiatric Disabilities
COUN 236: Group Counseling
COUN 240: Family Counseling
COUN 243: Comprehensive School Counseling Programming
COUN 245: Theoretical Foundations of Individual and Family Diversity
COUN 260: Counseling Practicum
COUN 270: Advanced Practicum
COUN 290: Internship
Certification and Licensure Requirements
The licensure requirements for the School Counselor endorsements can be found at the following website: http://www.state.ia.us/boee/additional.html and then scroll down to section 172.
Drake University offers a 36 credit hour certification program for individuals who already possess a masters degree and are interested in becoming a school counselor or who already have a school counseling degree and are wanting to acquire additional endorsements (elementary or secondary guidance). Students interested in pursuing the certification program should work with their advisor to determine if this is an appropriate option and the coursework they need to complete.
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics for School Counselors can be accessed at this site: http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.cfm?L1=12&L2+2
Program Contact
Dr. Bengu Erguner-Tekinalp
bengu.tekinalp@drake.edu
515-271-2170
212J School of Education
3206 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311