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A Regent alumnus: Pursue your Master's in School Counseling degree at Regent University online or on campus in Virginia Beach, 23464.

M.A. in School Counseling

Your Affirmation & Guidance Could Be Their Game Changer

Now, more than ever, students need compassionate leaders who will listen, challenge, redirect and advocate for them. Is this your passion? The M.A. in School Counseling, online or on campus in Virginia Beach, can prepare you to become the kind of school counselor who can empower others with skills and resources to transform their own lives.

On Campus, Online w/ Residency
60+
August 19, 2024
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Expand Your Career Potential 

Gain solutions-focused student skills to address specific, real-world problems faced by students, teachers, and families today.

Hands-On Fieldwork Experience

Enjoy experiences supervised by masters in school counseling and put classroom lessons into practice.

Collaborate With a Network of Leading-Edge Professionals

Become part of Regent’s respected community of school counselors, with the advantage of a science-faith integration to inform your career.

Presented from a Christian worldview, you’ll learn effective techniques relevant to today’s youth while you earn your master’s from highly experienced faculty in Virginia Beach and beyond.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Through this master’s in school counseling degree, you can:

  • Apply the skills needed to meet the Virginia requirements for a career in professional counseling within the public school system.
  • Advocate for the personal/social, career development, and academic success of students.
  • Practice counseling skills and classroom management strategies to increase promotion, graduation rates, and college readiness.
  • Prepare for real-world practice and consultation in public and private school settings.

Program Evaluation & Outcomes

Career Opportunities

  • K-12 School Counselor
  • Private School Counselor
  • Public School Counselor
  • Charter School Counselor
$58Thousand
Median Salary of School Counselors, 2020 U.S. News & World Report, Money
An intensive examination of the counseling strategies used with school-aged children. Assessment strategies and diagnosis will be examined. Recognition of the rights of special student populations will be given attention. Problems, concerns and dynamics underlying the behavior of children and adolescents and their treatment in counseling will be examined. Prerequisites: COUN 526 and COUN 540.
Provides an understanding of comprehensive K-12 counseling programs to include planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating. Learn how to provide preventive and remedial services that meet and enhance developmental needs and the educational program of the school, and how to be flexible in reacting to differing consumer demands and proactive in providing counseling, consulting, coordinating and guidance services within a school counseling program.
Needs assessment, data collection/analysis, design, implementation, management, and evaluation of a school counseling program are the purpose of this course. The basis is the integration of the assessment information, the American School Counselor Association’s National Model and the National Standards for School Counseling. Prerequisite: COUN 516.
Culminating experience to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the school counselor program under close supervision by a trained school counselor in an assigned school setting. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

Application Deadlines

Spring: November 1
Cohorts are online only.

Fall: June 1
Cohorts are both online and on-campus.

Important Note: If admitted to an online program, you will be required to attend and successfully complete two on-campus, one-week residencies during the course of the program. These residencies are held in January and August.

Prerequisites

Master's applicants must:

  • Hold a B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited college or university. Desirable degrees include those in counseling, psychology or related human behavioral fields. Other degree fields will also be considered.
  • Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework.

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Complete an Admissions Questionnaire

Please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This enables you to demonstrate your interest in the field of counseling. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an admissions counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.

Step 4: Submit Your Resume

Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your professional experiences, any research or academic projects you have completed, and includes three references with contact information. References should be able to address questions related to character, as well as your interpersonal and relational skills. The resume should also include thorough job descriptions of each position held. Please upload your document to regent.edu/items.

Step 5: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Step 6: Faculty Interview

Interviews for all licensure programs are by invitation only after review of the completed application. These required interviews are conducted online, and you must have both a webcam and microphone to participate. Your admissions counselor will provide information regarding interview days/times for you to register once your file is complete.

Applicants invited to the virtual interview should keep in mind that an interview does not assure admission. The School of Psychology & Counseling reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion whether a candidate is suitable for admission to the licensure program.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$2,085
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)Full time enrollment is required.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)Full time enrollment is required.

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9006$5,400
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$90012$10,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$2,085
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)Full time enrollment is required.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)Full time enrollment is required.

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9006$5,400
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$90012$10,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

The mission of the Counseling Department is to provide training in professional counseling, leadership, advocacy, and research with the integration of biblical principles consistent with professional standards of practice.

Goal A: Quality Curriculum

To deliver the high-quality education required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Student Learning Objectives:

A.1. Students will demonstrate knowledge about the profession of counseling including history, organizational structures, ethics, standards and credentialing.

A.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of social and cultural foundations to be effective in a multicultural and diverse society.

A.3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of human growth and development in order to understand the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts.

A.4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of career development and related life factors.

A.5. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in group development, dynamics, counseling theory, group counseling methods, and group work approaches.

A.6. Students will demonstrate understanding and knowledge about individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.

A.7. Students will demonstrate knowledge about various research methods and, statistical analysis, needs assessments and program evaluation.

A.8. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation processes.

Goal B: Faith Integration

To provide leadership in the integration of sound and ethical clinical practice, skills and techniques within the context of Biblically based values.

Student Learning Objectives:

B.1. Students will demonstrate professional maturity and self-awareness to work with faith-based issues that arise in counseling.

B.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills to incorporate explicit and implicit spiritual/religious counseling strategies and techniques consistent with the values and ethical principles of the profession.

Goal C: Competent Students: (Disaggregated by Program)

To graduate students who demonstrate proficient knowledge and skill in working with individuals and groups from a multicultural and pluralistic society in mental health service delivery modalities.

Student Learning Objectives:

School Counseling

C.1.SC. Students will design and implement a data-informed comprehensive school counseling program that promotes academic, career, and Social/Emotional development of all P-12 students.

C.2.SC. Students will identify and evaluate the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all P-12 students and develop interventions to address those needs.

C.3.SC. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities, roles, and functions of school counselors in the settings in which they practice.

C.4.SC. Students will demonstrate skill in culturally responsive counseling, equity, social justice, and advocacy with all individuals, groups, and families.

Goal D: Faculty:

To provide students with didactic and supervised clinical experiences to meet the requirements to become licensed and certified as Professional Counselors or School Counseling and leaders in the field.         

Student Learning Objectives:

D.1. Students will receive practicum experiences consistent with CACREP requirements.

D.2. Students will receive internship experiences consistent with CACREP and state licensing board requirements.

Upcoming Residency Dates

Fall 2024:

Residency A (On-Campus) – Sunday, August 4 – Friday, August 9, 2024 (For online students that started M.A. programs in Fall 2024).

Residency B (On-Campus) – Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9, 2024 (For online students that started the M.A. programs in Fall 2023).

Spring 2024:

Residency A (On-Campus) – Tuesday, January 2 – Saturday, January 6, 2024 (For online students that started the M.A. programs in Spring 2024).

Residency B (Online) – Thursday, March 21 – Saturday, March 23, 2024 (For online students that started the M.A. programs in Spring 2023).

Any questions regarding residency should be directed to Academic Services Manager, Linda Harrell at lindha5@regent.edu.


Online students in our master's counseling programs are required to participate in two week-long residencies from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Residency A provides networking and mentoring opportunities for students and facilitates discussion with faculty concerning relevant issues, course matriculation, licensure issues, and state/national exams. During Residency B, students will gain more intensive instruction in their specialty programs (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, and School Counseling.

During residency, students will begin a course that will be completed during the remainder of the fall semester. First-year students will receive an orientation to Regent and participate in sessions on graduate level writing and online learning technology. The School of Psychology & Counseling usually provides lunch and two breaks daily when courses are in session.

Students should consider the following residency costs: transportation, lodging, meals and textbooks purchased prior to residency. We discourage students from bringing their families during residency as the coursework is intensive and requires a considerable amount of study and preparation time, leaving no time for extracurricular activities.

Waiving of residency requirements will not be considered.

What do school counselors do?

School counseling is a dynamic and gratifying career. School counselors “provide support to students in pre-K through grade 12 in academic, career, and personal/social development.”1 These professionals advocate and care for students. The role of a school counselor is to consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families “to help all students be successful academically, vocationally and personally.”2

The importance of a school counselor’s role is difficult to deny. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) revealed that school counselors are making a difference in their schools by addressing systemic racism, reducing inequities, and promoting mental well-being.3

How can I become a school counselor?

The role of a school counselor is to better the development and educational progress of students. It is a career path worthy of consideration and admiration. 

1. Acquire a bachelor’s degree.
Although it is commonly assumed, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in psychology to become a school counselor. At Regent University, we do suggest applicants for the School of Psychology & Counseling have at least nine credit hours of psychology-related coursework. Again, this is not a prerequisite for admission. Recommended courses include:
• Intro to Psychology
• Research Methods/ Statistics
• Personality Theory
• Human Development
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychological Test & Measurements
• Social Psychology
• Physiological Psychology

2. Earn a master’s degree in school counseling.
Entrance into Regent’s School of Counseling & Psychology mandates the applicant to have an entrance exam from the GRE or the MAT. Waivers are only considered if the applicant has completed a doctoral degree with at least a 3.5 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university.

The Master of Arts in School Counseling at Regent includes an internship for all students. It can even be completed online! With our suggested three-year plan, you can quickly move forward to get licensed.

3. Complete your licensure requirements.
Licensure requirements can differ by state, so it is important to know that it may alter your completion timeline depending on where you choose to be licensed. The general standard for licensure is:
• The completion of an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. in School Counseling or an M.A. Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
• Two years of supervision (post-degree)
• A state licensure exam is what most states require to become licensed as a professional counselor or its equivalent.

School Counseling licensure or certification is determined by the Board of Education in most states. Find out more about how Regent complies with licensure criteria by state. (Usually an M.A. in Counseling in School Counseling is sufficient.) Students should examine the requirements for licensure in the state or states they would like to practice in the future.

Once you complete all these steps, you can seek employment and become a school counselor!


What is the salary for a school counselor?

According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics,  the mean pay for school counselors was $61,000 per year or $27.42 per hour in 2019.4 The average school counselor salary differs by state. School counselors are in demand. The job outlook shows an expected 8% increase in employment for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors — an increase of 26,800 jobs — for a total of 360,400 jobs by 2029.This is a much higher growth rate than the average 4% in other career paths.


What is it like being a school counselor?

Dr. Jasmine Knight, an associate professor who worked for several years as professional school counselor, has valuable real-life insight into the profession. School counseling is a “fast-paced, solution-focused, student-first” profession. Main responsibilities include:
• Designing and delivering comprehensive school counseling programs that promote equity and access for all students
• Proactively addressing student needs and improving student success
• Engage in professional advocacy to highlight the work they do impacts student development and learning

Being a school counselor can be very rewarding! School counselors are the primary people in the schools “focused on the holistic development of the child.” They are “uniquely positioned to the support the student, the family, and improve academic success through their efforts.” As a school counselor, Dr. Knight says that one will be expected to fulfill different roles and complete duties that sometimes fall outside the role of a counselor which can be challenging.

Still, students are facing many struggles, obstacles, and mental health concerns. “For many students, a school counselor is the only counselor they have access to.” School counselors make a difference in the lives of students every day. Dr. Knight advises those who are considering pursuing a career in school counseling to speak with a practicing school counselor, learn about the expectations of the role, and be sure they have a heart for children.

References

  1. Virginia Board of Education. (2004). Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools. [PDF file]. Richmond, Virginia: Commonwealth of Virginia.
  2. American Counseling Association. (2005). What is a School Counselor: A Resource Guide for Parents and Students. [PDF file]. 
  3. American School Counselor Association. (2021). State of the Profession 2020. ASCA Research Report.
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020, April 10). School and career counselors: Occupational outlook handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved April 3, 2021.

To review syllabi for specific courses offered within the Counseling Department please email the Academic Services Manager, Linda Harrell (lindha5@regent.edu).

“Learn all that you can while you're a student at Regent. Take everything the professors say and learn from their wisdom and expertise, because soon you will be the leader in your field.”

Kelly James, Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, 2011 Licensed Professional Counselor, Professor, Author & Radio Host

“I realized this is a place where I could grow and really be empowered in my future.”

Bethany Eisenhart, Psy.D., 2018 Clinical Psychology

“I'm grateful for my Regent mentors. Their emphasis on relationships and guidance has helped me navigate a challenging yet rewarding journey.”

Alexandra Melchiorre, M.S. in Psychology, 2018 Registered Behavioral Technician

“I wanted a rigorous doctoral program that could travel with me wherever I was in the country. I found this and more at Regent.”

Heather Paessler-Chesterton, Ph.D., 2009 Counselor Education and Supervision

“I am extremely grateful for the excellent education that Regent provides through the School of Psychology & Counseling.”

Trina Young Greer, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, 2000 Owner & Executive Director of Genesis Counseling Center