School Counseling, M.Ed.
Georgian Court’s School Counseling program provides candidates a theoretical foundation for working with students individually and in groups and opportunities to develop skilled practice in the major functions of a school counselor. Early in the program, candidates complete a 100-hour observational practicum in a school setting as part of EDC6301 Foundations of School Counseling. This first field-based experience focuses on observation of the scope, issues, and practices associated with the professional practice of school counselors. It allows candidates early in their preparation to link theoretical knowledge to current practice and to develop reflective skills needed throughout their careers. In subsequent courses, knowledge and skills are built through modeling and in-class developmental skill building activities. Note: candidates who are not teachers are encouraged to obtain a substitute teacher credential during the program in order to get more experience with students and schools prior to their observational practicum.
The School Counseling internship is a 600-hour, 6-credit experience during which candidates take on greater responsibility for providing services to students and collaborating with other school personnel to create a positive environment for student development and success. Candidates typically engage in individual, small group, and large group counseling and development sessions on a broad range of topics (e.g., self-esteem, college choice, time and stress management) and participate fully in school counselor functions within the school and/or district including academic, personal-social, and career counseling; scheduling; transition services; test administration and analysis; and interventions prior to child study referrals. During the internship, candidates are mentored by school-based certified counselors and by GCU faculty members. The counseling interns are also supported by peers during the periodic seminars linked with the internship.
Throughout the internship experiences, candidates maintain logs of their hours, case studies, and summaries of each domain of school counseling documenting their experience. The case studies include reflective essays that link theory to practice, analyze situations and consider options, and evaluate outcomes.
*Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) courses (6 courses - 18 credits) are embedded in the M.Ed. School Counseling program. Students wishing to pursue the SAC NJDOE certification will graduate with their M.Ed. School Counseling and apply to the SAC program in order to take the final course, EDC6096 Substance Assistance Coord. Internship.
Upon successful completion of the program of studies for the 48-credit graduate school counselor program, the student will earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, along with a State of New Jersey certification as a school counselor, and will have given evidence of the following program outcomes:
- In-depth knowledge of the area of school counseling applicable to the school-age child, their families and caregivers, school faculty and administration, and school and community support services, as evidenced by research-based course assignments evaluated by rubric scoring.
- Development as a skilled practitioner as a school counselor through 300 hours of school counseling monitored internship experiences, where the student reflects on these experiences and receives individual coaching and external evaluation of his/her performance.
- Advanced professional leadership within the area of school counselor services as evidenced through effective communication with a wide variety of school constituents, case study analysis, and reflection on practice.
Requirements for Admission
- Completed application including an application fee (a check or money order for $40 (nonrefundable) payable to Georgian Court University;
- Official transcript(s) showing the award of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended. Transcripts may be sent from your prior institution directly to the GCU Office of Admissions, or you may submit them. All transcripts must be in sealed and signed envelopes. If the original seals have been broken, the transcripts are considered unofficial and cannot be used in support of the application;
- Evidence of a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; and
- A personal interview with the school counseling program director or chair may be required.
Master of Education
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDC5001 | Philo & Psych Found of Incl Ed | 3.0 |
| EDC5010 | Curr Leadership for the Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5014 | Methods of Res for Leaders in Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5032 | Comm Serv for Stdts at-Risk & w/ Except | 3.0 |
| EDC5037 | Psych & Ed Assess of Studnts w/ Disabl | 3.0 |
| EDC5038 | Psychology of the Exceptional Child | 3.0 |
| EDC5040 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3.0 |
| EDC5101 | School Law | 3.0 |
| EDC6092 | School Counseling Internship I | 3.0 |
| EDC6093 | School Counseling Internship II | 3.0 |
| EDC6301 | Foundations of School Counseling | 3.0 |
| EDC6302 | Theory & Procedures of Counseling | 3.0 |
| EDC6303 | Counseling & Interview Techniques | 3.0 |
| EDC6304 | Career Counseling & Development | 3.0 |
| EDC6307 | Substance Abuse Counseling I | 3.0 |
| EDC6308 | Substance Abuse Counseling II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 48.0 | |