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MS in Counseling, School Counseling

In Drake University’s Master of Science in Counseling program with a School Counseling specialization, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to work with K–12 students, supporting their academic, personal, social, emotional, and career growth.

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School of Education | On-Campus

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What You'll Learn

Grounded in the values of equity, justice, and advocacy, the program prepares you to design and lead comprehensive, culturally responsive school counseling programs.

In-person classes meet in the evenings or on weekends, so you can continue to work full-time while you work toward your degree. Customize your path with a wide variety of elective classes. The core counseling courses are in human development, methods of counseling, group counseling, counseling with children and adolescents, and college and career readiness.

Through the program’s strong emphasis on diversity and social justice, you will develop specific skills to support students from all backgrounds.

You will better understand yourself and the diverse backgrounds of your clients and students through the multicultural competence and commitment to social justice that is woven throughout the program.

You will explore areas of counseling that inspire you, connect your interests to the needs of clients and communities, and create a plan for ongoing development in our student-centered program.

You’ll then see how these theories unfold in a K-12 setting with courses that instruct you in developing and implementing comprehensive school counseling programs, steering students’ post-secondary plans, and evaluating school counseling services. You’ll then complete 700+ hours of supervised school counseling practice in a school of your choice.

As part of your practicum, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized Positive Discipline Parent Educator Certificate—a first-of-its-kind offering that distinguishes Drake graduates as innovative leaders in student, family, and school engagement.

Admission Requirements

Objectives

Students will develop skills to form counseling relationships with students that lead to skill development and growth.
Students will deliver school counseling programming to diverse students in a K-12 setting.
Students will demonstrate commitment to professional, ethical, and legal standards in the practice of counseling.
Students will articulate ways to advocate for and empower individuals through openness to clients, regardless of identity, ability, or any difference.
Students will develop and implement an equity-oriented, culturally responsive, and data-driven comprehensive school counseling program.

Program Facts

Mix of evening and weekend classes
Part-time program designed for working adults
Two years to complete, including summer sessions
Start in the fall, spring, or summer
700+ hours of hands-on experience
39-42 credit hours

School Counseling Specialization, Licensed Teachers

If you’re already a licensed teacher in Iowa, you’ll add the School Counseling degree to your existing credential after completing your master’s degree. The program is 39 credit hours for K-12 Licensure.

School Counseling Specialization, Non-Licensed

If you aren’t a licensed teacher, you are required to take an additional course for licensure. Upon program completion, you’ll be eligible for the Initial Professional Service License, which can be converted into a Professional Service License after two years.

Earn Multiple Specializations

You can choose to complete an additional specialization in Clinical Mental Health and/or Rehabilitation Counseling to gain additional expertise and licensures.

Certification Options

Students can stay up to date on emerging methods with classes on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Play Therapy, Positive Discipline: Parent Education, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) education.

Matt Bruinekool, Ed.D.

Associate Professor, Counseling Education; Director of the National Rehabilitation Institute

Bengü Ergüner-Tekïnalp, Ph.D.

Professor, Counselor Education

Wade Leuwerke, Ph.D.

Professor, Education

Molly Wilson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Counseling Education

Professional Experiences

You’ll prepare for your role as a school counselor through a 100-hour practicum and 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in a setting aligned with your career goals. You’ll engage with professional organizations, articulate your counseling philosophy, and establish your professional identity to prepare you for your service in schools. Our program will help you develop your professional counselor identity through topics rooted in reflection, theory, and advocacy.

Scholarships and Grants

The department offers two generous scholarships for students in the School Counseling program that can significantly offset the cost of your degree. See our scholarships page for more information.

Griff II in graduation regalia looking at the sky

Qualify for a School Counseling License in Iowa

Whether you’re already a licensed teacher or are moving into school counseling from a background outside of education, you will be eligible to apply for an Initial Professional Service License in Iowa.

Careers & Skills

As schools strive to empower each student’s academic, personal, social, and career success, your specialized training in school counseling positions you to support diverse K-12 students.

Satisfying state requirements for education and clinical experiences makes you eligible for the school counselor endorsement and initial licensure. With this credential, Drake graduates consistently find success not only as K–12 school counselors but also in broader educational and counseling roles.

Job Titles

College and career counselor
Educational testing coordinator
Elementary school counselor
Secondary school counselor
Student support services coordinator

Skills

Build meaningful counseling relationships that empower student growth.
Develop and implement data-driven, equity-oriented school counseling programs.
Advocate for students and families across lines of identity, ability, and background.
Meet professional and ethical standards in all areas of practice.

A student speaking with colorful spots in the foreground

Salary & Growth Outlook

Median salary for school and career counselors and advisors in 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Leveraging his training at Drake into over a decade of skilled service at Carlisle Middle School, Benjamin was recognized as the Middle Level School Counselor of the Year by the Iowa School Counselors Association.

Benjamin Barry, MS’09
Middle School Counselor, Carlisle Community School District

The MS in Counseling, School Counseling program is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education, fulfilling requirements for licensure as a school counselor in the state.

Master's in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Track, MS

Equip yourself with clinical judgment and counseling techniques to offer skilled care as a licensed mental health counselor.

Master's in Counseling: Rehabilitation Counseling Track, MS

Access the training you require to help others overcome obstacles to live lives of greater independence and enhanced well-being.

Master's in Leadership, MSL

Embark on a journey toward greater impact as you acquire the skills for strategic, ethical, and visionary leadership.

Take the Next Step

Students need encouragement more than ever. Empower them to thrive with expert, equitable school counselor training from Drake.

Contact

Dr. Bengu Erguner-Tekinalp
Professor of Education
Director of School Counseling
bengu.tekinalp@drake.edu
515-271-2170

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