Master of Science in School Counseling

Promote Educational Success and Well-Being for All Students

Prepare for More with a Degree from Butler University

Butler University’s MS in School Counseling features courses designed to prepare students for licensure as a professional school counselor through online classes and hands-on experience. The program meets the requirements for licensure in Indiana. Requirements vary by state. Check your state’s requirements.

The rigorous curriculum, taught by expert faculty, ensures you’ll be ready to succeed as a school counselor at the K-12 level. Course topics include legal and ethical issues in counseling, human development, diversity, career and life planning, and more. Through a combination of electives and one additional course, you may become licensed as a mental health counselor.

Our classes are aligned with national standards, emphasizing emerging trends, diversity and inclusion, and evidence-based practices. Six elective credits give you the opportunity to study abroad or dive deeply into an area that interests you. The program accepts up to 12 transfer credit hours. Graduate in 2.5-3 years.

Butler University’s online programs allow you to engage directly with faculty and peers through online and immersive experiences. At Butler, we cultivate innovation and holistic learning, whether you choose to learn online or on campus. You’ll graduate prepared with the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career and life goals.

60 Credit Hours

2.5-3 Years

No GRE Required

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Focused, Master’s-Level Counseling Curriculum

The 20 required courses in the MS in School Counseling program include 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours at a location convenient to you. No in-person classes or visits to campus are required. A sampling of classes includes:

ED 575 Human Development Over the Lifespan

An introduction to developmental theory, developmental characteristics over the lifespan, and developmental assessment for counselors-in-training. Issues in today’s PK-12 schools will be viewed with a developmental focus.

ED 685 Trauma and Crisis: Prevention & Response

Approaches to preparing for, preventing, responding to, and assessing traumatic events and crises at the individual, group, and systemic levels.

ED 672 Advanced Counseling Theories and Techniques

This course examines various theories of counseling, principles and techniques of counseling and its application to professional counseling settings. The course will provide students the competence to select the form of counseling approach that will be most effective and appropriate for the client’s worldview.

ED 501 Assisting Grieving Children

This workshop will teach techniques to assist the bereaved child and explore the unique grief styles of children and their families. You will learn developmental stages, grief reactions, communication tools, group processes, and the facilitator’s role in companioning grieving children.

Quality Online Education from a Top-Ranked University

No matter your goals, Butler University can help you get there. Our online programs are designed to provide the flexibility you need along with the detailed instruction that prepares you to positively impact communities and individuals. You’ll study with expert-level faculty who bring their real-world understanding into the virtual classroom. Online or in person, you’ll receive a top-tier education at Butler.

Make a Difference in Life-Changing Roles

Our graduates pursue careers in the K-12 setting. Those who pursue dual-licensure in mental health counseling work in clinics, private practice, and more. Some roles that you can pursue with your master’s degree in School Counseling include:

  • Licensed School Counselor
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Mental Health Counselor

Our Mission

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating, intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings:

  • 2022-2023 No. 1 in Regional Universities Midwest
  • 2022-2023 No. 1 in Best Colleges for Veterans in the Midwest
  • 2022-2023 No. 1 Most Innovative School in the Midwest

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