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, will prepare you to become the kind of school counselor who can empower others with skills and resources to transform their own lives.
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.
Career Opportunities
- K-12 School Counselor
- Private School Counselor
- Public School Counselor
- Charter School Counselor
Application Deadlines:
- Spring: December 1
Cohorts are online only. - Fall: July 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 one-week residencies during the course of the program. Students have the option of attending a residency in January or 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 3.00 GPA for all undergraduate coursework.
Application Process:
Step 1: Application
Submit your application using our Regent University Online Application.
Step 2: Complete an Academic Background Questionnaire Licensure Survey
Step 3: Resume
Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae to include three references with contact information. References should be able to address questions related to character, as well as your interpersonal and relational skills. Please submit to regent.edu/items.
Step 4: Submit your Unofficial College Transcripts*
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcript from a U.S.-based school, which indicates successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to regent.edu/items.
Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.
International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.
*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University’s Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution, which indicate successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. We will notify you if your previous institution will not release transcripts directly to us.
Step 5: 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: Pre-Admissions Interview
Pre-admissions interviews for all licensure programs are by invitation only and completes your process prior to submitting your file to the admissions committee for their review. 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.
International student applicants should allow at least 4-6 weeks for an admission decision to be made once the applicant has submitted all required documents to the appropriate offices and has followed all processes and procedures required for an admission decision.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4498 or email psycounadmissions@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
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $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
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $900 | 6 | $5,400 |
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $900 | 12 | $10,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 |
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $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
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $900 | 6 | $5,400 |
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $900 | 12 | $10,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $800 (Fall & Spring) $650 (Summer) |
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $650 |
*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 2023:
Residency A (On-Campus) – Sunday, August 6 – Friday, August 11, 2023
Residency B (Online) – Thursday, November 2 – Saturday, November 4, 2023
Spring 2024:
Residency A (On-Campus) – Tuesday, January 2 – Saturday, January 6, 2024
Residency B (Online) – Thursday, March 21 – Saturday, March 23, 2024
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). Residencies provide networking and mentoring opportunities for students; and facilitate discussions with faculty concerning relevant issues, course matriculation, licensure issues and state/national exams.
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.
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
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 2029.4 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
- Virginia Board of Education. (2004). Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools. [PDF file]. Richmond, Virginia: Commonwealth of Virginia.
- American Counseling Association. (2005). What is a School Counselor: A Resource Guide for Parents and Students. [PDF file].
- American School Counselor Association. (2021). State of the Profession 2020. ASCA Research Report.
- 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).
The M.A. in School Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
