School Counseling

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Our CACREP-accredited program prepares you for school counseling certification and licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) which is essential employment in the mental health field and private practice.

You may complete this Master's of Science in Education in School Counseling program within 2.5 years or also have the option of completing the program on a part-time basis. Also, you have the option of taking classes in the late afternoon and early evening. Our graduates are very successful in obtaining employment in school and mental health settings.

Jordon Sinclair shares how the community in our School of Education helped her to reach her educational goals as she has a school counseling position waiting for her after she walks off the commencement stage. Hear from Jordan.

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Prepare to Make an Impact

Strengths of our 60-credit School Counseling program equip you to make an impact in your field.

Accreditation

Accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Some states require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program to obtain Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC).

Licensure and Certification

The program meets the academic requirements in Pennsylvania (and most other states) for both School Counseling Certification and Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC), which is essential for working in the mental health field.

Level II Certification

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.

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 the 1200 alumni who are leaving an impression on the field of mental health as leaders and innovators.

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
  • Mental health counseling positions (e.g., outpatient, in-home, family-based, etc.)

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

School Counseling Graduate Statistics

Statistics 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Number of Graduates 16 19 10 13 13
Completion Rate  NA 100% 88% 85% 78%
Praxis II Exam Pass Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Job Placement Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

For additional information and statistics, please see the Annual Report (.pdf).

Counselor Education Program - Mission Statement

The mission of the Duquesne University Counselor Education Program is to prepare professional counselors, educators, scholars and clinical supervisors who promote the well-being of individuals, families, organizations and communities.  This mission aligns with the University’s Spiritan mission to serve God by educating counselors who value social justice, meet high personal and professional standards; and promote moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.

Program Information

Our M.S.Ed. School Counseling program accredited by CACREP prepares you for school counseling certification and licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) which is essential employment in the mental health field and private practice.

Degree

Master's

Academic Department

Counselor Education and School Psychology

Duration

2.5 years

Required Credit Hours

60

Great Education, Great Value

2.5Years

Earn your Master's degree in School Counseling in just 2.5 years by taking 9-12 credits per semester.

NoPrerequisites

Our program accepts students with bachelor's degrees in a variety of areas. There are no undergraduate prerequisites, other than having a bachelor's degree.

15%Tuition Award

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

StudyPart-Time or Full-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.

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.

    Note: In the case of GPA exceptions, we adhere to this State-mandated requirement:

    In accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), a school counseling applicant must have earned a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.8 for their last 48 credits. Upon receiving the applicant's transcripts, Duquesne university calculates the applicant's GPA, and notifies the applicant if the GPA is below 2.8. Those applicants who have earned at least a 2.8 but less than a 3.0 GPA for their last 48 credits, must submit either the GRE or MAT scores with their application.

  • 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.

 

All Applicants

  • 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 School of Education
Office of Graduate Admissions
214A Canevin Hall
600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Electronic:
soegradFREEDUQUESNE

 

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

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.

Early Start Program - School Counseling, M.S.Ed.

Our M.S.Ed. School Counseling program offers an early start option for School of Education undergraduate students. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.

Graduate Perspective

Headshot of Jordan Sinclair against background of greenery outside

The program directors and professors have supported me entirely in my educational goals and worked closely with me to help me maintain my responsibilities as a full-time working mother and student. I am proud to have accepted a School Counselor position even before graduation, which in part comes from the prestigious reputation of excellence in the Duquesne Counselor Education program.

Jordan Sinclair M.S.Ed. School Counseling '24

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Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

CACREP accreditation indicates that the program has a rigorous curriculum and provides comprehensive fieldwork supervision. Graduates of CACREP programs have greater portability for licensure and certification.

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