Skip to main content

Criminology and School Counseling

  • Dual M.S. Program

Dual Program

The dual Master of Science programs in Criminology and School Counseling offer a unique blend of preparation for employment in juvenile criminal justice and school-based counseling. The curriculum is blended to offer candidates one-of-a-kind credentials that will result in competitive employment working with school-aged youth. According to the occupational outlook, professions combining youth corrections, counseling, abuse treatment, education, and others are expected to grow 22%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This dual program will certify graduates in K-12 School Counseling which will open employment opportunities in public and private schools.

Students can earn two Master of Science degrees in two calendar years by attending coursework in the evening two nights a week during the fall and spring terms. All courses during the Fall and Spring terms begin at 6 p.m. allowing candidates to continue employment while attending full-time. Courses are scheduled at various times during the summer and certain online courses occasionally will be available. Applicants should apply in the spring for entry into the program in the summer or fall. Students entering the program in the Spring may require and an additional semester. In seven (7) semesters candidates will have two degrees.

What Can I Do With a Dual Masters' in Criminology and School Counseling?

The dual master program will prepare you for advancement in the following positions:

  • School Counselor
  • School-Based Crisis or Intervention Specialist
  • Youth Corrections
  • Juvenile Counseling
  • Probation or Parole Services
  • Child and Youth Agency Administration
  • Career and Lifestyle Counseling
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Managers
  • Outreach or Training Specialist
  • Re-entry Education and Mentoring

Curriculum Requirements

  • Dual Master of Science Degrees in Criminology and School Counseling Coursework

    *M.S. in Criminology Coursework (30 Credits)
    GCLS-600 (FA 1) - Research Methods (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCLS-610 (FA 1) - Policy Analysis (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCLS-620 (FA 1) - Advanced Criminological Theories - 3 credits
    GCLS-630 (SP 1) - Legal Issues (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCLS-640 (SP 1) - Statistics - 3 credits
    GCLS-660 (SP 1) - Professional Seminar (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCLS-504 (SU 1) - Elective-Ethical Decisions and Dilemmas in Criminal Justice - 3 credits
    GCLS- (SU 1) - Elective-Criminology - 3 credits
    GCCE-601 (FA 1) - Elective-Orientation to Counseling, Services, and Technology (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCCE-631 or GCCE-641 - (FA 1) Elective-Theory and Practices of Group Counseling or -Counseling Techniques for Violent, Addictive, and Abusive Behaviors (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCLS 700 Comprehensive Exam

    *M. S. in Counselor Education Coursework (27 Credits)
    GCCE-601 (FA 1) - Orientation to Counseling, Service, and Technology - CY1
    GCCE-631 or GCCE-641 (FA 1) Theory and Practices of Group Counseling or Counseling Techniques for Violent, Addictive, and Abusive Behaviors - CY1
    GCCE-651 (SU 2) - Pre-Practicum in School Counseling (7 weeks) - 1 credit
    GCSE-607 (SU 2) - Family and Professional Collaboration (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCCE-611 (SU 2) - Career and Lifestyle Counseling (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCCE-631 or GCCE-641 (FA 2) Theory and Practices of Group Counseling or Counseling Techniques for Violent, Addictive, and Abusive Behaviors (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCED-615 (FA 2) - Curriculum Systems Design (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCCE-661 (FA 2) - Practicum in School Counseling - 1 credit
    GCCE-621 (SP 2) - Counseling of Children and Young Adults (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCED-650 (SP 2) - Human Learning (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCCE-671 (SP 2) - Internship in School Counseling - 1 credit
    GCED-620 (SU 3) - Assessment and Diagnostics (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCSE-697 (SU 3) - Teaching Culturally Diverse Students (7 weeks) - 3 credits
    GCCE 800 Comprehensive Exam (SU 3) 

    *In order to complete this program, students must enter the program in summer or fall terms. Above coursework is no automatically reciprocal if completed out of the approved sequence. 

Program Highlights

Goals

  • Candidates will be prepared through the combination of two graduate degree programs (criminology and counseling) resulting in possible career advancement in fields juxtaposed in society and education.
  • Candidates will utilize theory and practices of criminology to serve as part their requisite preparation for working with juveniles in school or related counseling settings for prevention and intervention in real-world problems. 
  • Candidates will successfully earn PDE K-12 school counseling certification by completion of the dual program and through passing of the required licensure exams.
  • Candidates will demonstrate their mastery in both fields through successful completion of the comprehensive exams required of criminology and school counseling.

Certification

Since the dual program leads to public school certification issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all candidates must maintain a 3.0, current FBI clearances, Act 151, Act 34 and Act 126 and tuberculosis test. These documents are kept on file in the Education Department and are needed prior to beginning field practicums.

Admissions Information

  • Admissions Requirements

    1. Possess an earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Official transcripts must be submitted from each institution attended to the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education.
    2. Have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0. For a GPA lower than 3.0, applicants will be reviewed for provisional acceptance.
    3. Send three recommendations to the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education.
    4. Personal statement explaining your desire to obtain a graduate degree.
    5. Completed Application for Graduate Admission in Education.
      Online Application
  • How To Apply

    Regular Admission 
    Possess an earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.  Official transcripts must be submitted from each institution attended to the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education.

    1. Have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0. For a GPA lower than 3.0, applicants will be reviewed for provisional acceptance. 
    2. Send three recommendations to the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education. 
    3. Personal statement explaining your desire to obtain a graduate degree. 
    4. Submit completed Graduate School Application.
      Online Application

    Provisional Acceptance 
    If a student does not meet the above requirements for regular admission to the graduate programs in education, consideration will be given for acceptance on a provisional basis.  The student will be required to maintain a 3.75 GPA over the course of completing three graduate classes.  If the student is able to maintain a 3.75 grade point average he/she will be reviewed for regular admission. A student within this status will not be allowed to take more than 9 credits of graduate coursework.  If the student is not able to maintain a 3.75 GPA after completing 9 credits of graduate coursework, regular admission will be denied.  The provisional acceptance will still allow a student to qualify for financial aid if needed. 

    Graduate Non-Degree Status 
    If a student does not want acceptance to a graduate program but would like to register for graduate classes the student may apply as a graduate non-degree seeking student.  This allows the student to register for up to 9 graduate credits without applying or being accepted to a program.  In order to register under this status a student must complete the graduate non-degree application and submit official transcripts to the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education.  Once this information is received the student will be contacted regarding registration for classes. A student within this status is not eligible for financial aid. 

    Note: The Graduate Non-Degree Status also serves the student who decides to apply to a program right before the semester begins without ample time to complete the application.  The student can begin taking classes as a Graduate Non-Degree student while completing the application for admission.