School Counseling
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School Counseling M.S.
We focus on building your interpersonal skills, multicultural competence, and knowledge base regarding child and adolescent development so you can best help K-12 students with academic, personal, social and career counseling.
Our on-campus clinical rooms are equipped with two-way mirrors, video recording technology, and other training tools to allow you to practice counseling under the close supervision of experienced counselor educators.
You’ll work closely with experienced and practicing school counselors in your internships to best prepare you for work as a school counselor in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Our students participate in state and national conferences, professional advocacy activities, and service in area schools gaining firsthand training and experience in the work of school counseling.
Our program is 1 of only 4 in Minnesota to earn accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Our program is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. That ensures you receive an excellent education and aids in your ability to obtain licensure and employment as professional school counselors.
CACREP Accreditation
The School Counseling program at St. Cloud State University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under 2016 standards. The accreditation runs through October, 2024.
Program Mission and Objectives
The mission of the School Counseling Program at St. Cloud State University is to educate students in the areas of school counseling, developmental guidance, and related psychological and educational services. In this program, students develop the professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to help those they serve achieve their maximum level of independence and functioning. The School Counseling Program embraces a multicultural and developmental philosophy in preparing students to provide counseling and related services in a democratic and pluralistic society. The Program’s philosophical framework encompasses enhancing personal growth and development; creating awareness of self in relation to society; developing an identity as a counseling professional and professional school counselor; and providing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work effectively with others.
School Counseling Program Objectives
To develop student professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions including helping students:
- learn to be effective counselors.
- learn to communicate effectively.
- develop a greater self-understanding.
- learn and adhere to the legal and ethical guidelines of the profession.
- develop increasing levels of multicultural competence.
- learn to work effectively with K-12 students, school personnel, and parents.
- learn and apply evidence-based best practices to school counseling work.