Prepare for a meaningful career helping children and teens succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The Master’s in Counselor Education leads to PreK–12 school counseling Certification in Pennsylvania, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to serve as a professional school counselor.
This 39-credit program blends theory with real-world application, offering coursework in school policy, child and adolescent counseling, and proactive strategies for today’s diverse learning environments. Extensive fieldwork across PreK–12 settings ensures that you graduate with the confidence and competence to support students at every level.
As a candidate, you’ll gain access to expert faculty, professional networks, and tools that prepare you to guide youth toward academic, social, and career success. With a focus on current trends, collaboration, and leadership, you’ll be ready to take the Praxis II: Professional School Counselor exam and step into a counseling role that truly makes a difference.
Saint Vincent College offers a prestigious graduate fellowship program for aspiring educators—complete with full tuition scholarship and a monthly stipend—in exchange for working in a local PreK–12 school district as a teacher, substitute, or support staff. Over two years, fellows earn their master’s degree at no cost, acquire practical in-district experience, and graduate with a competitive edge for employment, boasting a 98% job placement rate post-program.
The Master’s in Counselor Education is an accelerated 39-credit program designed to be completed in about 20 months. Courses are offered year-round—in fall, spring, and summer—through 7-week sessions. Students attend class one evening per week (6–10 p.m.) and one Saturday per course.
Each semester includes two 7-week terms, allowing students to take two courses per term while maintaining a consistent one-night-per-week campus schedule.
Our education instructors at Saint Vincent College bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, combining practical knowledge with a supportive, student-centered approach. Having worked as teachers, administrators, and specialists, they understand the challenges and rewards of education firsthand. This experience allows them to provide relevant insights and personalized guidance, making them approachable mentors who are dedicated to preparing future educators for success in diverse and dynamic teaching environments.
During the school counselor practicum, you’ll go beyond the classroom and work alongside experienced, certified school counselors in real PreK–12 settings. This hands-on experience allows you to observe best practices, receive professional mentorship, and build meaningful connections with leaders in the field—helping you grow your confidence, refine your skills, and prepare for a successful career in school counseling.
Earning your Master’s in Counseler Education from Saint Vincent College positions you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students across all grade levels. With PreK–12 certification in Pennsylvania, graduates are prepared to serve in both public and private schools, offering guidance, support, and leadership in student services. The program’s strong emphasis on practical experience and mentorship ensures that you enter the field with confidence—and with a 98% job placement rate, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career in education.
Alumni have secured jobs in a variety of school districts and will go on to successful careers as:
• PreK-12 school counselors
• Youth and family counselors
• College academic advisors or admissions counselors
• Career services specialists
• Educational consultants
• School-based behavioral health liaisons
• Nonprofit youth program directors
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The Saint Vincent College counselor education graduate program is excellent for anyone who aspires to become a school counselor and wants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our youth and our communities. This program has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge to better serve my students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. I have made everlasting relationships with other school counselors and my professors, which will always give me a strong and knowledgeable support system that will encourage me to grow.”Ryleigh Testa-Wyant, G’25
High School Personal/Social Counselor, Kiski Area High School
The Master’s in Counselor Education program offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed curriculum that prepares future school counselors to support students across PK–12 settings. Students progress through a sequence that includes foundational knowledge, skill-building in specialized counseling techniques, and extensive fieldwork experiences through practicum and internship placements. By the end of the program, candidates are well-prepared to take the Praxis II: Professional School Counselor exam and make a lasting impact in school communities.
Counseling of Children and Young Adults: This course introduces you to the art and science of counseling children and adolescents, with a focus on supporting their healthy development and academic success. You'll dive into the latest theories, research, and real-world models of school counseling—while tackling the critical issues today’s youth face inside and outside the classroom. It's your foundation for becoming a confident, compassionate, and impactful school counselor.
Counseling Techniques for Violent, Addictive and Abusive Behaviors: This powerful course dives into the theories and real-world strategies used to address violent, addictive, and abusive behaviors. You’ll learn how to create psychologically safe environments, assess complex situations, and navigate the ethical responsibilities of reporting and outreach—equipping you to make a real difference in the lives of students and families.
Internship in Counselor Education: In this spring internship, you'll step into the role of a school counselor—working directly with students in a PreK–6 or 7–12 setting. Under the guidance of a certified school counselor and your college supervisor, you’ll complete 150 hands-on hours, gaining real-world experience, building confidence, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of students.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Accreditation
Saint Vincent College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), ensuring that our curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet the highest standards of educational excellence. This accreditation means that our programs have been rigorously evaluated and aligned with state requirements, preparing graduates to be highly qualified, effective educators ready to enter the teaching profession. Through PDE accreditation, students in our education programs are eligible for certification in Pennsylvania upon graduation, enabling them to teach in their specific areas of study. The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, as we regularly assess and enhance our programs to stay current with educational best practices and evolving standards in the field.
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Pennsylvania allows individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program or are already certified teachers in other states to receive Pennsylvania teaching certification through reciprocity. Pennsylvania-certified teachers can also transfer their certification to other states. Each state may have different testing and application requirements, so candidates should check the NASDTEC website for specific information on transferring their certification
