LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College’s Master of Science in Counselor Education program has been recognized among the top programs in Pennsylvania in Masters In Counseling’s 2027 rankings.
The College’s program is ranked No. 10 out of nearly 30 counseling master’s programs operating across Pennsylvania, and second in the Pittsburgh Metro Area.
“Recognition of our counselor education program is a reflection of the dedication of our faculty and the accomplishments of our students,” said Dr. William Rullo, an assistant professor of education who oversees the counselor education program at Saint Vincent College. “Our focus has always been on preparing counselors who are knowledgeable, compassionate and ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students, families and communities they serve. The continued growth of the program and the success of our graduates demonstrate the value of that commitment.”
Masters In Counseling staff factored in cost and net price, institutional graduation rates, accreditation status, program format flexibility and career outcomes to surface the strongest program options in the state.
This recognition reflects the continued commitment of the counselor education program to providing students with a high-quality, practical and personalized graduate education. The program has achieved a 98% employment rate in school counseling upon graduation, Rullo noted, demonstrating a strong connection between graduate preparation and professional opportunity.
“A distinguishing strength of the program is its experienced faculty who have served as teachers, clinical counselors, school counselors and school administrators, which brings direct professional experience into the classroom,” Rullo said. “Students benefit from instruction that connects counseling theory to the practical realities of working with students, families, educators and school communities.”
Saint Vincent’s accelerated 39-credit Master of Science in Counselor Education program, accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, prepares students for a career helping children and teenagers succeed academically, socially and emotionally. The master’s degree curriculum focuses specifically on the Praxis II: Professional School Counselor exam for PreK-12 school counseling certification in Pennsylvania and emphasizes a 150-hour internship—guided by certified mentors—working in a school counselor role directly with students in a PreK-6 or 7-12 setting.
Courses are offered year-round through seven-week sessions; the program is designed to be completed in roughly 20 months. The program also continues to experience growing student enrollment, reflecting increasing interest in the counseling profession and in Saint Vincent’s approach to preparing future counselors.
Looking toward the future, the program is expanding its professional pathways through the addition of a licensed professional counselor component for students interested in clinical mental health counseling. This expansion will provide students with an opportunity to broaden their professional preparation and, upon meeting applicable licensure requirements, pursue additional career opportunities, including private practice, in addition to school counseling.
The program’s recognition, strong employment outcomes, growing enrollment, experienced faculty and expansion of professional opportunities demonstrate the continued momentum of Saint Vincent College’s counselor education program and its commitment to preparing the next generation of counseling professionals.
For more information about the counseling education program or to arrange a campus visit to observe a class, please contact Rullo at william.rullo@stvincent.edu.
Masters In Counseling helps students explore counseling and behavioral health education, career pathways and professional opportunities. Its annual rankings highlight programs helping prepare the next generation of professionals in these fields.
