Master of Science in School Counseling

Change Your Life ... Change Theirs

School counselors play a vital role in shaping and supporting the academic progress, social and emotional development, and college and career readiness success of PreK–12 students, and in raising the bar for overall achievement in the schools they serve. Uniquely attuned to holistic students’ aptitudes, challenges, and circumstances, school counselors help clear barriers and open doors to the realization of students’ highest aspirations and potential.

Our graduate program in school counseling develops culturally competent professionals with the collaborative and data-driven decision-making skills needed to meet the priorities of 21st-century schools and to advocate for diverse student populations. Candidates are taught to become leaders, social justice advocates, team players and collaborators, and coordinators of resources, while utilizing the most contemporary models of counseling technique and theory. Technology applications are integrated in every course.

In addition to our program’s cohort model based on small class sizes, degree candidates receive mentoring and ongoing advising, can participate in faculty research projects, and complete extensive in-school fieldwork under the supervision of a certified school counselor. The program is personalized, technology infused, and innovative to help you gain real-world experience.

New York Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in School Counseling has achieved national recognition as a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

All programs are offered in a combination of face-to-face and online learning. Classes meet weekday evenings and/or on Saturdays. Full-time students complete the program in two years; part-time students in three.

Program Mission

The mission of the School Counseling program is to prepare culturally competent, ethical, and skilled school counseling professionals to meet the growing needs of students. The competency-based program prepares professional school counselors to deliver comprehensive programs that promote success for all students in the areas of academic, career and college readiness, and social-emotional development.

Through advocacy, collaboration and teamwork, individual and group counseling, use of data and technology, school counselor candidates will be prepared to support, promote, and enhance student achievement as agents of change and leaders in the profession.

Features Unique to This Program

Classes offered in a blended format; a combination of face to face and online learning
Flexible three-year (part time) or two-year (full time) cohort models for the 60-credit Master of Science
School-based fieldwork integrated throughout coursework to prepare for practicum and internship
Innovative practices and counseling program models to meet the needs of today’s PreK–12 students
Opportunities to develop skills in counseling, leadership, collaboration, advocacy, teamwork, cultural competence, evidence-based practice, accountability, program development, and implementation
Focus on expertise using technology applications specific to school counseling
Cross-cultural studies at home and/or abroad
National school counseling honor society, Chi Sigma Iota
Action research, data-informed practice, and comprehensive program development are integral themes
Student learner outcomes are grounded in the Transforming School Counseling Initiative, CACREP 2016 standards, and the American School Counselor Association National Standards and National Model

M.S. in School Counseling with Bilingual Extension

The Master of Science in School Counseling with Bilingual Extension is intended for those candidates who wish to complete the 60-credit school counseling degree and simultaneously the additional required coursework for the New York State provisional certificate with the bilingual extension.

The Master of Science in School Counseling with Bilingual Extension includes the development of knowledge and skills in a cultural context necessary to work in today’s schools, with ethno-linguistically diverse students and families, in addition to the CACREP accredited program of study in professional issues and ethics, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling and helping relationships, and group work. Candidates will participate in a bilingual practicum experience, which will prepare school counselors to specifically work with bilingual/ELL students and their families.

Depending upon elective selections, candidates for the bilingual extension will need to enroll in a minimum of six additional credits and will meet with her/his advisor to plan accordingly.

Additionally, NYSED certification will require documented proficiency in the target language by independently passing the New York State Bilingual Assessment (BEA) that is administered by the New York State Education Department.

The Master of Science in School Counseling follows a cohort model, and all candidates are required to enroll in two courses each semester (part-time) or three courses each semester (full-time), including the summer session. Applicants are accepted and begin study in the summer or fall term. Applicants with academic backgrounds in psychology, education, sociology, law, or a related behavioral science are especially encouraged to apply, as are those with work experience in schools, social agencies, hospitals, criminal justice, or community action programs.

Admission Requirements

B.S. degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
Academic background in psychology, education, sociology, law or related behavioral science, or work experience in a school, social agency, hospital, criminal justice, or community action program ideal but not required
Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Applicants whose GPA is 2.85 to 2.99 may be accepted and will have to achieve a 3.0 GPA in their first 12 credits to continue in the program. Applicants may be accepted “with conditions” and will be required to achieve a 3.0 GPA in their first 12 credits to fully matriculate.
Participate in a structured individual or group interview with program faculty, if selected.

Application Materials

Completed application
$50 nonrefundable application fee
Submit a department portfolio, which includes:
- Goal Statement: In 250 words or less, address the following:
  - Describe how your career path has led you to the school counseling profession
  - What excites you about working as a school counselor
- Three department reference forms (from an employer, a professor, and someone who can give a personal character reference) attesting to your leadership, advocacy skills, and potential to succeed in graduate studies. References can directly submit their completed forms. If you would like to submit your materials in one packet, please have your references sign and seal the completed form in an envelope prior to returning it to you.
- Signed Candidate Statement of Understanding.
Copies of undergraduate transcripts for all schools attended. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
Copy of college diploma or proof of degree
Official exam score (GRE Code: 2561, MAT Score: 1487)
International student requirements: English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE), I-20, and transcript evaluation

Special Note
New York education law now permits nonresident aliens to qualify for an initial license. Individuals with U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status may qualify for a permanent or professional New York State Teaching Certificate.