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Graduate Programs
- Master of Science in Applied Communication - Applied Communication Studies
- Master of Science in Applied Communication - Health Communication
- Master of Science in Applied Communication - Technical and Professional Writing
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in Counseling - School Guidance Counseling PreK-8 and/or 5-12 (Initial Licensure)
Master of Science
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Master of Science in Counseling - School Guidance Counseling PreK-8 and/or 5-12 (Initial Licensure)
Degree Overview
The School Guidance Counseling NCATE accredited master’s level program is designed to prepare highly skilled professional school guidance counselors to work with all students and the entire school community including culturally diverse populations and students with serious emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disorders.
School Guidance Counselor coursework trains students to create comprehensive and developmental school guidance counseling programs and services that support all students with their academic, personal/social, and career development. As partners in student achievement, program graduates learn diagnosis and consultation skills to prepare them to be integral members of school teams that promote academic achievement, strive to close achievement gaps, and assist all students to graduate career and college ready.
Requirements and Curriculum
The master’s degree program is designed for 2 calendar years of academic study plus an additional practicum year that runs from September through May. All school guidance counselor specific coursework integrates components of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) endorsed Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, the Massachusetts Career Development Benchmarks, and includes multiple field site experiences throughout coursework.
Academic requirements prepare students to apply for initial Massachusetts licensure as a school guidance counselor at the elementary level (grades PreK-8) and/or secondary level (grades 5-12). For a single license, a minimum of 54 credits is required including a 12 credit practicum of 600 hours. Candidates seeking dual licensure (PreK-12) graduate with 57 credits
This degree is not a cohort model and students may begin studies in spring, summer, or fall. The program allows a maximum of 6 years to complete degree requirements. Coursework is offered late afternoons, evenings and Saturdays.
Master’s Program Prerequisites:
- Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Any developmental psychology course
- Passing MTEL Exam in Communication and Literacy
Phase I |
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| PSY 7010 Counseling Theories | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 7020 Group Dynamics | 3 S.H. |
Phase II |
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| PSY 7000 School Counseling: Professional Practice, Standards & Ethics | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8010 Issues in Development: Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8015 Research and Program Evaluation | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8100 Childhood Trauma and its Impact on School Based Services | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8190 Social and Cultural Foundations: Issues in Counseling | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8200 Principles of Guidance and Counseling | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8205 Psychology of Learning: Theory and Applications | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8210* Occupational Information and Career Counseling (for Secondary Certification, 5-12) | 3 S.H. |
| or (both required for dual licensure) | |
| PSY 8220* Counseling in the Elementary School (for Elementary Certification, PreK-8) | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8300 Psychological Testing and Assessment: Theory and Practice | 3 S.H. |
| PSY 8500 Counseling Techniques and Case Analysis: Individuals and Families | 6 S.H. |
| PSY 8705 Group Work and Leadership in School Counseling | 3 S.H. |
Phase III |
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| PSY 9085 Practicum in School Counseling | 12 S.H. |
Total for Degree (Single and/or Dual Licensure) |
54 S.H. 57 S.H. |
* Candidates seeking dual licensure (PreK-12) take both PSY 8210 and PSY 8220, graduating with 57 S.H.
Career Opportunities
Program graduates have the credentials to apply for initial licensure as an elementary school (PreK-8) and/or secondary school (5-12) guidance counselor. Students also have the opportunity to seek dual licensure (PreK-12) with additional coursework. Past graduates of our program have been employed in the Leominster, Clinton, and Gardner school districts as well as at Fitchburg State.
“ Fitchburg State University delivered a vigorous graduate counseling program. It included the theoretical and practical application of current curriculum practices, as well as future trends in the growing field of school guidance counseling. Dynamic professors ensured that every competency required for school counselor licensure was mastered. I am grateful to the University instructors, field site supervising practitioners and my peers for providing me with a solid foundation on which to build and sustain an effective school counselor practice, one rooted in “care, knowledge, ethics, skill and reflective leadership."”–Joan Glasheen D’Onofrio, 2012
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online or request a print application
WHAT NEXT?
Contact Admissions Office: (978)665-3144, admissions@fitchburgstate.edu
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Graduate and Continuing
Education
(978) 665-3182
gce@fitchburgstate.edu
Location:
Anthony, Room 112
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8-6:30 pm
Friday 8-5 pm
