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Online Master of Arts in Counseling - Professional School Counseling
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Overview
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Why study professional school counseling?
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Student enrollment in U.S. schools — from kindergarten through college — continues to surge. As a result, there’s an ongoing nationwide demand for licensed professional school counselors.
In fact, the American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of one school counselor for every 200 to 250 students, but the current ratio in U.S. schools hovers around one school counselor per 471 students. That’s less than half the number deemed sufficient. This is where you could make an immediate impact in the lives of today’s school-aged children and young adults.
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CALENDAR
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Fall 2026
Application Deadline:
July 8, 2026
Upcoming Start Date:
August 26, 2026
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Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs.
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Prepare for the National Counselor Exam.
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Graduate with a direct path to licensure.
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Choose your site supervisor, with guidance and approval from the university.
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Complete clinicals locally.
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Study the groundbreaking practice of neurocounseling.
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Careers
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Change Lives. Transform Futures.
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Earning a Master of Arts in Counseling online from a top-tier university like Bradley can open the door to new opportunities in a wide variety of settings. Let’s explore a few career paths now.
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Professional School Counselors Careers:
- Professional School Counselor
Work with students — from kindergarten through college — to support academic achievement, nurture social development, encourage personal growth and bolster self-esteem. - College Advisor
Counsel students who are having difficulty selecting a major or identifying career goals; help them navigate the collegiate environment and position them for academic and personal success. - Guidance Counselor
Help students in elementary, middle and high school work through academic challenges and address emotional struggles (such as stress and peer pressure).
- Career/Vocational Counselor
Prepare individuals to start, change or advance their career; serve as a coach as you help them explore their professional interests and set realistic goals for growth. - College Readiness Counselor
Offer guidance to students as they prepare for college selection, admission and acceptance; ensure they’re thriving academically and ready to transition to higher education.
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Where can you work?
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- Private schools (K-12)
- Public schools (K-12)
- Higher education institutions
- Education-based corporations
- Government — state or federal department of education
- Education-based nonprofit organizations
- Career centers
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Curriculum
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To graduate with your Master of Arts in Counseling, you must successfully complete 60* credit hours of coursework, including one practicum and two internships.
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*61 credit hours for non-teachers
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Program foundation courses
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COU 620 Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice / 3 Credits
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Basic counseling skills for career planning, exploration, and decision-making across the life span. Theories of career development, assessment in career counseling, career guidance programs for primary, secondary, and higher education, and career issues for special populations are addressed. Opportunity for practical experience in interviewing, assessment, and career information gathering and distribution is provided.
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COU 607 Neurocounseling: Bridging Brain & Behavior / 3 Credits
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Instruction, simulations, demonstrations, practice and evaluation of concepts of the human brain, its functions and its interconnection to the field of counseling based on current efficacy research and practice.
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Program Core Courses
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COU 624 Theories & Techniques of Counseling / 3 Credits
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This course is a study of counseling theories and models that facilitate client conceptualization, selection of appropriate interventions, and development of a personal model of counseling.
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A COU 621 Career Counseling / 3 Credits
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Basic counseling skills for career planning, exploration, and decision-making. Basic counseling skills for career planning, exploration, and decision-making across the life span. Theories of career development, assessment in career counseling, career guidance programs for primary, secondary, and higher education, and career issues for special populations are addressed. Opportunity for practical experience in interviewing, assessment, and career information gathering and distribution is provided.
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COU 630 Diagnosis & Treatment of Mental Health Disorders / 3 Credits
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An overview of psychodiagnostics and psychopathology. Basics of psychodiagnostics and psychopathology will be covered. Students will gain a working knowledge of the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as well as a basis of treatments for mental disorders.
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COU 551 Prevention & Treatment of Substance Related & Addictive Disorders / 3 Credits
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Students study theories and etiology of addictions and addictive behaviors, including strategies for prevention, intervention, and treatment.
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COU 540 Human Growth & Development Across the Lifespan / 3 Credits
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In this course, students gain an understanding of the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts, including common theories, neurobiological behavior, models of resiliency, exceptional abilities, factors that affect normal and abnormal behavior and wellness over the life span. Experiential activities emphasize personal contact and on-site work with people of different ages and stages of physical and psychological development.
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COU 623 Pre-Practicum in Counseling / 3 Credits
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Instruction, demonstration, practice and evaluation in basic interviewing and response skills. Emphasis on practice and skill development. (Area d)
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COU 604 Research Methodology & Evaluation / 3 Credits
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This course covers research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation utilized in counseling, education, and human service administration. Emphasis is placed on the use of research to inform evidence-based, ethical practice in decision-making.
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COU 586 Counseling Diverse Populations / 3 Credits
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Students are introduced to value systems and diverse groups and the use of theories and models of diversity in establishing effective helping relationships.
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COU 625 Principles of Group Counseling / 3 Credits
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This course teaches group theory and experiential understanding of group counseling dynamics, including group purpose, practices, methods and group leader facilitation skills for a multicultural society. Students receive supervised practice and experience in group counseling as both a leader and a participant.
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COU 641 Assessment in Counseling / 3 Credits
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Development of a framework for understanding the individual. Methods of data gathering and interpretation, individual and group testing, case study approaches and study of individual differences — ethnic, cultural and sex factors. (Area b)
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COU 631 Trauma Crisis & Grief Counseling / 3 Credits
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An overview of responses to crises of various types including those that are more individual, those that affect families and those that have a wider impact for entire communities. When these crises occur, normal problem-solving methods are typically insufficient to address the level of emotional and social difficulties involved. Practical intervention techniques are practiced, and opportunities to observe people in the field are offered.
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COU 661 Intimate Partner Relationships & Family Counseling / 3 Credits
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Theories and techniques of couples and family counseling. Emphasis is on working with couples, families and children to promote human development, including the role of the family counselor within the network of school and clinical mental health settings.
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Concentration Courses: Professional School Counseling
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COU 655 Professional School Counseling, Secondary Schools / 2 Credits
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In this course, students study secondary professional school counseling programs, including administration; finance and accountability; and cognitive and experiential skills. Also addressed are the history and development of school counseling; secondary school education and counseling programs (similarities and differences); group and individual counseling, the counselor’s role in school testing; and career planning and exploration. Practical experiences are provided.
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COU 669 Education Law, Advocacy, & Leadership / 2 Credits
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This course reviews all disability categories related to special education services and addresses appropriate staffing and instructional methods for students with exceptionalities. Course content provides information on state and federal requirements relative to students for whom English is not the primary language as well as the statutory provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also provides an examination of stakeholders and participants in special education services, identification/evaluation of services, appropriate instructional methods, least restrictive environment, related services, and free and appropriate education.
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COU 585 Understanding Schools A Primer for Non-Teachers* / 1 Credit
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This course is a combined survey and field observation experience intended for non-teachers seeking state licensure as a school counselor. Students learn about the structure, organization and operation of the U.S. educational system, P-12. Using current neuroscience and neurocounseling research on teaching and learning, students are introduced to concepts in curriculum and instruction to include reading methods and reading in the content area.
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COU 653 Professional School Counseling, K-8 / 2 Credits
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Students learn about the history and development of elementary and middle school counseling programs, including their administration, financing, and accountability. Using current neuroscience and neurocounseling research on teaching and learning, students are introduced to reading methods; reading in the content areas; cognitive, experiential and social-emotional learning skills; methods for group and individual counseling; and methods for counseling students with disabilities and students from diverse populations.
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Experiential Program Courses – Professional school counseling
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COU 690 Practicum / 3 Credits
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Supervised counseling experience with individuals and groups in student’s area of interest.
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COU 691 Internship I / 3 Credits
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Supervised post-practicum work experience appropriate to student’s career goals.
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COU 692 Internship II / 3 Credits
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Supervised post-practicum work experience appropriate to student’s career goals.
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COU 640 Clinical Supervision / 2 Credits
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Offers students the opportunity to better understand the supervisory process. Evidenced-based supervision (EBS) will be at the core. Students will learn the different models of supervision and a common factors approach.
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COU 654 Consultation / 1 Credit
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A conceptual understanding of effective consultation and its relevance to the helping professional. Demonstration of knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective consultative services in schools and clinical mental health agencies.
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*Required for non-teachers
Note: Curriculum is subject to change.
Note: Curriculum is subject to change.
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Admission Requirements
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To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Students may be admitted unconditionally if they have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants with previous graduate coursework must have achieved a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in all graduate coursework and have completed a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours for the graduate grade point average to be considered for admission.
You must also submit the following:
- Completed online application, which includes providing the following information:
- Non-refundable $40 application fee
- Official transcripts of academic credentials
- Resume
- Statement of Interest:
- Achievements and work experience that you consider relevant to your interest in and capacity for graduate study
- Career objectives and how the graduate program you have selected will assist you in attaining these goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- Virtual interview (The virtual interview can be scheduled after applicant has submitted the application and met all other requirements.)
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FAQs
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How long does the online MA in Professional School Counseling program take to complete?
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The online MA in Professional School Counseling can be completed in approximately three years. The program is structured to allow students to progress part-time while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
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Is the online MA in Professional School Counseling fully online?
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Academic coursework in the online MA in Professional School Counseling is delivered online. During the second half of the program, students complete required synchronous coursework, practicum, and internship experiences in approved clinical settings located in their home community.
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What happens during the practicum and internship portion of the online MA in Professional School Counseling?
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In the practicum and internship phase, students apply counseling skills in real-world settings under supervision. These experiences take place in person at approved sites and are designed to meet professional training and licensure preparation requirements.
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Can I work while completing the online MA in Professional School Counseling?
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Yes. The online MA in Professional School Counseling is designed with working adults in mind, and many students continue working while completing coursework. However, practicum and internship courses require a significant time commitment, and work schedules may need to be adjusted during the final year.
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Does Bradley University help with practicum and internship placement?
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Bradley provides guidelines, resources, and support to assist online MA in Professional School Counseling students in identifying and securing appropriate practicum and internship sites in their local area. Bradley reviews and approves all sites to ensure they meet program and professional standards.
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What areas of counseling does the online MA in Counseling prepare graduates for?
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The Online MA in Counseling prepares students with foundational counseling knowledge and skills applicable to settings such as community mental health agencies, human services organizations, public and private schools and universities, and other helping professions, depending on the student's chosen pathway and state regulations. Bradley University offers degree tracks in Professional School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
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Is prior counseling or psychology experience required for admission to the online MA in Professional School Counseling?
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Prior experience in psychology, counseling, or human services can be helpful, but it is not required for admission to the online MA in Professional School Counseling. Students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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Is the online MA in Professional School Counseling accredited?
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Bradley University is regionally accredited, and the online MA in Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students are encouraged to review the program's accreditation status and how it aligns with their professional goals and state licensure requirements, which can vary by location.
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Will the online MA in Professional School Counseling prepare me for counseling licensure?
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The online MA in Professional School Counseling curriculum is designed to provide the academic foundation required for professional counseling roles. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Licensing requirements vary by state, so students should verify specific educational and clinical requirements in the state where they plan to pursue licensure.
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Do counseling licensure requirements vary by state?
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Yes. Counseling licensure requirements differ by state and may include specific coursework, supervised clinical hours, and post-graduation requirements. Students completing the online MA in Professional School Counseling are responsible for understanding the regulations in the state where they intend to practice.
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