Practicum and Internship
Practicum Experience
The practicum typically takes place in the spring semester of the first year and includes 100 hours of hands-on experience in a K–12 school setting.
Students shadow and assist a licensed school counselor, gaining insight into the counselor’s role and responsibilities.
- Time commitment: 5–8 hours/week
- Practicum coordinator: Offers guidance and helps with placements during the Fall semester
- Compensation: Practicum experiences are generally unpaid
Internship Experience
The school counseling internship typically takes place during the second year of the program, spanning the fall and spring semesters. Students complete 600 hours total (300 per semester), with at least 40% in direct service to students.
Interns work under the supervision of a licensed school counselor in a K–12 setting, gaining hands-on experience in delivering a comprehensive, developmental counseling program.
- Unpaid internships: 15–20 hours/week
- Paid internships (district-hired): 40 hours/week
- Internship coordinator: Provides guidance and support during the Practicum course
Internship availability and compensation vary by school district and year.