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.

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Strengths of our 36-credit School Counseling for Certified Teachers Program Include:

Certification

The program meets the academic requirements in Pennsylvania (and most other states) for School Counseling Certification

Tuition Award

Students receive a 15% tuition award for taking 6 credits per semester

Level II Certification

Satisfies the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) academic requirements for Level II certification for persons possessing a Level I instructional (teacher) certificate

Full-time and Part-time options

You have the option to complete the program on a full-, half- or part-time basis if desired

Variety of Fieldwork Options

You have the opportunity to experience a variety of schools and mental health agencies for fieldwork

Large Alumni Base

As a graduate of this program, you will be amongst more than 1,200 graduates who serve as leaders in the education profession

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 offices

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.

Counselor Education Program Objectives

The educational experiences of Duquesne's Counselor Education program:

  • Are grounded in theories of wellness, holism and development
  • Involve community engagement and are informed by an understanding of systemic context and multicultural theory
  • Focus on the core elements of an effective helping relationship
  • Emphasize self-awareness, personal development and experiential learning

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

Academic Department

Counselor Education and School Psychology

Duration

2-year

Required Credit Hours

36

Application Process

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.

 

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  • Application for Fall 2025
  • 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
    Submit transcripts to one of the following:

Hard Copy:
Duquesne University
Office of Graduate Admissions
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Electronic:
gradadmissionsFREEDUQUESNE

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.

Fall 2025 Applications

The Fall 2025 applications are open.

The deadline to apply is February 1, 2025.

Qualified applicants will be notified starting in the late fall for spring interviews.

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Graduate Admissions

Learn about admission requirements and the application process.

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Graduate Education Programs

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

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Counseling

Susan Burich

Assistant to the Program Director