Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a specific area of focus in this program?
How many credits is the School Counseling degree?
How long is the program?
How many credits would I take per semester?
When are classes offered?
Can I work and go to school?
Are classes available online?
What are the class sizes?
What are my options for internship training?
Is the University of Utah program CACREP accredited?
Is the degree portable to other states?
Can I do a research thesis?
What are the tuition costs?
Is funding available for graduate students at the master's level to offset tuition
costs?
What do I need to know about applying to the program?
What kind of jobs do graduates of this program find?
Who do I contact for information?
Is there a specific area of focus in this program?
The Master's Program in School Counseling has a specific content focus that teaches you general counseling skills. It is assumed that you will receive training to facilitate your development as a professional helper in the schools. This program is part of a larger infrastructure that also encompasses master's training in professional counseling and doctoral training in counseling psychology. It espouses a "strength-based" approach to counseling that teaches you strategies that capitalize on a student's inherent capability to adapt and find meaning in living.
How many credits is the School Counseling degree?
Forty-eight (48) semester hour credits are required to complete the degree program. This is because the educational requirement for state licensure mandates 48 semester hours of graduate study in designated content areas germane to school counselors.
How long is the program?
The Program Handbook indicates that the SC degree is completed in two years and students typically finish in this two year time frame. The second year involves a 6 credit-hour internship in a local school. Some students elect to take fewer credits per semester and this spreads their total time to degree completion over a three year period. Students who wish to deviate from the two-year program sequence must secure approval from the training director prior to implementing this modified course of study.
How many credits would I take per semester?
The program is designed to be finished in two years. The specific sequence of classes is described in detail in the Program Handbook and Course Sequencing documents. Any changes to this course sequence must be approved by the training director prior to implementation. A three year course of study is possible but must be negotiated with the training director prior to implementation.
When are classes offered?
Courses are offered in a fixed and specified sequence as described in the Program Handbook and Course Sequencing documents. Fall and Spring courses meet once per week, Monday through Thursday from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Summer courses are scheduled at varying times (including daytime hours).
Can I work and go to school?
The vast majority of our students work during the day and begin taking courses at 4:30 p.m. Working during your second year becomes difficult as you are expected to be at your internship site for no less than 15 – 20 hours per week.
Are classes available online?
No. At this time, the nature of the coursework involves active attendance and face-to-face involvement in the curriculum and with other students. The reason for this is that part of our commitment to high quality programming involves fostering a close, collegial atmosphere with your instructors and your peers.
What are the class sizes?
The majority of courses enroll between 10 and 20 students. It is our goal to keep class size small so that you can become personally familiar (and interact closely) with your instructors and peers.
What are my options for internship training?
The program is affiliated with several local school districts in which students may be placed for internship. The internship experience (EDPS 6900) is individually coordinated by a departmental faculty member and placements are based on maximizing your unique strengths and interests.
Is the University of Utah program CACREP accredited?
No. However, the program exceeds CACREP educational requirements.
Is the degree portable to other states?
Because the program exceeds most CACREP and State standards for mental health licensure, our graduates generally have no trouble obtaining licensure in other States and/or Jurisdictions in the United States.
Can I do a research thesis?
The M.Ed. is predominantly a practice-based degree with the goal of helping you to become a licensed school counselor. Our past experience has been that the requirements of School Counseling licensure are not compatible with the master's thesis. Given that the master's thesis is not required to become a licensed school counselor, this option does not currently exist in this degree track.
What are the tuition costs?
Tuition and fees (per semester) run between $3,400 and $4,200 for residents of the State of Utah. Exact, up-to-date tuition rates can be found by consulting the appropriate link below:
Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule
Non-Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule
In addition, as is typical for many professional graduate programs, students are charged differential tuition of $53.90 per credit hour.
Is funding available for graduate students at the master's level to offset tuition costs?
There are no scholarships specifically geared to School Counseling master's degree students. There are, however, occasional opportunities to work on campus or assistantships that come available that can be filled by master's level students. TThere are some general scholarships provided through the College of Education for which students may apply. University of Utah Scholarship information is here. The vast majority of students elect to work off campus.
What do I need to know about applying to the program?
Most of what you need to know about the process of applying to a Master's Program in School Counseling is contained within the standard application process for the Department of Educational Psychology. You can also download the Information for School Counseling Applicants PDF file for details. When completing your application be sure to check the box to indicate your interest in being considered for the Master's Program in School Counseling. Students are strongly encouraged to attend one of many information sessions offered in the department throughout the year. A schedule of upcoming information sessions is listed in the lower right corner of ed-psych.utah.edu/school-counseling.
What kind of jobs do graduates of this program find?
Most of the graduates from this program pursue professional practice in the schools. This may be in the school where you complete your internship.
Who do I contact for information?
The training director for the Master's Program in School Counseling is AJ Metz. Email at ed-schoolcounseling@lists.utah.edu.
You may also contact our Academic Programs Specialist, by phone at 801.581.7148.