School Counseling for Certified Teachers

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Our 36-credit program results in school counseling certification. You may complete our Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in School Counseling for Certified Teachers program on a full- or part-time basis. You also have the option of taking classes in the late afternoon and early evening.

The stimulating curriculum is designed to include experiential learning, self-reflection papers, case study analysis, and group activities. Nearly all of the courses are taught in a traditional rather than a distance education format.

 

Pursue Your Bigger Goals

Our M.S.Ed. School Counseling for Certified Teachers degree prepares you to make an impact in educational settings. Graduates May Obtain Employment as/in:

  • School counselors in public, private, charter, cyber and alternative schools as well as in intermediate units
  • School-based therapists
  • University career, admissions and advising office

Visit Us Request Information M.S.Ed. Application

 

Program Information

Our 36-credit M.S.Ed. School Counseling for Certified Teachers program results in school counseling certification in K-12 schools.

Degree

Master's

School

School of Education

Academic Department

Counselor Education and School Psychology

Duration

2-year

Required Credit Hours

36

Prepare, Impact Anywhere

Level IICertification

This program satisfies the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) academic requirements for level II instructional (teacher) certification for persons with a level I instructional (teacher) certificate.

50%Tuition Award

You are eligible to receive a 15% tuition award for taking 6 credits per semester.

Tuition Award

StudyFull or Part Time

You have the option to complete the program on a full-time, half-time or part-time basis. Choose what works for your lifestyle as you pursue your bigger goals.

 

Great Value, Great Education

In 2 years, our 36-credit program gives you the flexibility, skills and experience so you can pursue your bigger goals.

Our program meets the academic requirements in Pennsylvania (and most other states) for School Counseling Certification.
You have the opportunity to experience a variety of schools and mental health agencies for fieldwork.
As a graduate of our program, you will be amongst the more than 1200 alumni who are leaving an impression on the field of mental health as leaders and innovators.

Application Process

M.S.Ed. Application

All Applicants

  • 3.0 GPA*
    *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.
  • Bachelor’s Degree
    All majors welcome to apply

International Applicants 

English Proficiency Requirements
Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants who attended a university outside of the United States.

Score Requirements
The University requires the following minimum scores* for general admission consideration:

  • TOEFL (iBT) 80
  • IELTS 6.5**
  • Duolingo English Test 105

Transcript Credit Evaluation
If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.

The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

 

  • Application
  • Resume/curriculum vitae
  • Graduate education essay
    • The essay is limited to 250 words
    • Prompt: Discuss your professional plans upon acquiring a master's degree in counseling
  • Two (2) Recommendations
    • Names and email addresses of recommenders are needed
    • Recommender will receive an email prompting the recommender to upload their recommendation for the applicant
    • Recommendations must be from individuals who can speak about the applicant’s academic/professional abilities (i.e. faculty/supervisor recommendations)
    • Note: Family, friends and professional colleagues are not acceptable references
  • Official transcripts
    Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended, sent directly from the institution. We are unable to accept transcripts sent directly from applicants.

International Applications 

  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
    (please see score requirements in the previous section - "Admission Requirements, International Applicants")
  • Transcript Credit Evaluation
    • If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.
    • The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.
    • You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

Applications for Fall 2026 applications are open.

Qualified applicants will be notified starting in the late Fall 2025 for Spring 2026 interviews.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes - Program Objectives
  • Use a culturally sustaining and ecological-systems framework in conceptualizing client’s/student’s presenting issues and needs.
  • Understand and follow legal and ethical standards.
  • Understand and demonstrate use of counseling theories in conceptualizing and providing individual and group counseling and consultation to clients/students and their important others.
  • Effectively use active listening skills in forming professional helping relationships with clients/students and their important others.

Our Faculty Experts

Jered Kolbert, Ph.D.

Jered Kolbert, Ph.D.

Program Director | Professor

Michael Sickels, Ph.D.

Michael Sickels, Ph.D.

Clinical Facilitator | Clinical Assistant Professor

David Delmonico, Ph.D.

David Delmonico, Ph.D.

Professor

Matthew Joseph, Ph.D.

Matthew Joseph, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

ZiYoung Kang, Ph.D.

ZiYoung Kang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Kathryn Linich, Ph.D.

Kathryn Linich, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor

It's Time for Bigger Goals

 
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Graduate Admissions

Learn about admission requirements and the application process.

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Graduate Education Programs

Make an impact as a teacher, administrator school psychologist, counselor, and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

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Contact Us

Counseling

Susan Burich

Assistant to the Program Director