School Counseling PreK-12, M.S.

Rigorous preparation to serve students, schools, and communities.

School counselors shape whether a student stays engaged, finds direction, or falls through the cracks. Syracuse prepares counselors who see the whole student and who will advocate for those school systems too often overlook.

Students in the M.S. in School Counseling (PreK-12) program study the social and cultural dimensions of counseling in depth, developing the skills to advocate for every student—regardless of background, ability, or identity—across urban, rural, and suburban schools.

Priority Application Deadline: January 15 | More admissions information
Join us for an info session September 22 or October 21!

Why School Counseling at Syracuse?

This CACREP-accredited program follows the national standards of the American School Counselor Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors, and it meets the academic requirements for initial and professional New York State certification as a school counselor.

• Field experience from day one. You will complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship across elementary, middle, and high school levels, giving you direct experience with the full range of a school counselor’s work before you graduate.
• A track record that speaks for itself. Graduates of this program have found employment at a 100% rate at graduation over the past three years.
• Live simulations before you enter the field. Through the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice, students have the opportunity to work through structured counseling scenarios with trained actors, a far more robust regimen than role-playing with classmates or interacting with AI. Whether supporting a student through a crisis or navigating a difficult conversation with a parent or guardian, you will practice hard conversations before they count.
• Faculty who know your name. Small class sizes mean sustained, direct access to faculty who know your work and your goals. Courses are taught by faculty who are active researchers as well as teachers, bringing current scholarship directly into your preparation.

“Through both the learning environment and experiential learning provided by the School of Education, I’ve practiced with peers from various cultural identities and in school districts with varying demographics. I’ve been motivated to create a space and facilitate discussions that can allow students from diverse backgrounds to feel seen, welcomed, heard, and supported.”
—Sebastian Melendez ’24, G’26

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for individuals who want to support the personal, social, academic, and career development of students in preK-12 settings.

You do not need a specific undergraduate major to apply. Strong candidates come from psychology, education, human services, sociology, and related fields, and we also welcome career changers with relevant experience working with young people.

If you are drawn to advocacy, direct student support, and data-driven program leadership, this program will prepare you to lead in those areas. Above all, strong applicants are committed to equity in practice and to ensuring that every student has access to the support they need to thrive, regardless of background, ability, or identity.

Program at a Glance

The master’s degree in School Counseling (PreK-12) is a 60-credit program that most students complete full-time in approximately two years, including two summers. Students complete a master’s exam, thesis, or special project to conclude their degree.

• Accreditation that underwrites high standards: The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), meeting rigorous national standards for training and field experience.
• 700 hours before you graduate: A 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship span elementary, middle, and high school settings, so you graduate with experience across the full preK-12 range.
• Built for the whole child: Courses cover counseling theory, group work, social and cultural dimensions of counseling, child-centered play therapy, crisis counseling, career development, substance abuse counseling, and leadership in school counseling program implementation.
• Courses cover a spectrum of counseling issues: Students are introduced to counseling in schools, psychopathology, crisis counseling, group work, substance abuse counseling, play therapy, and more.

More information on academic requirements available in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.

What Our Graduates Do

Graduates of the School Counseling (Pre-K-12) master’s degree program go on to serve as:

• School and guidance counselors
• Directors of guidance or counseling
• Career, student support, and admissions counselors
• Family support counselors
• Student assistance and ADAPEP counselors

Some graduates pursue further study in counselor education or related doctoral programs.