Master's Degree in Student Counseling and Personnel Services
This master's degree trains students in counseling and support services for educational and community settings, preparing them for roles in student guidance and personnel services.
About
The Master's Degree in Student Counseling and Personnel Services is designed for students interested in supporting individuals in educational or community environments. It focuses on developing skills to assist students and staff through counseling, guidance, and support services. This degree suits those who want to work in schools, colleges, or community organizations helping people manage personal, academic, or career challenges.
- The program typically lasts one to two years and leads to a master's level qualification.
- It is aimed at students who have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to specialize in counseling and personnel services.
- Graduates can pursue careers as student counselors, guidance advisors, or personnel support specialists.
- The degree offers knowledge about human development, counseling techniques, and educational systems.
- It prepares students to work in various settings such as schools, universities, or community centers.
What you study
The curriculum combines theoretical courses with practical experiences to prepare students for real-world counseling roles. It often begins with foundational subjects before moving to specialized topics.
- Early courses cover psychology, human development, and counseling theories.
- Later years focus on student services, crisis intervention, and ethical practices.
- Students learn about educational systems and how to support diverse populations.
- Practical training includes internships or supervised counseling sessions in schools or community organizations.
- The program emphasizes developing communication, problem-solving, and cultural sensitivity skills.
- Students often complete projects or case studies to apply their knowledge.
How to get in
Admission to this master's program in the US requires a completed bachelor's degree and a formal application process. Candidates should demonstrate interest and aptitude for counseling and support roles.
- Applicants typically submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Some programs may require relevant experience or coursework in psychology or education.
- Standardized tests like the GRE may be requested by certain institutions.
- The selection process looks for candidates with strong interpersonal skills and motivation for helping others.
- Admissions offices evaluate academic records and alignment with program goals.
Day to day
The academic year involves a mix of lectures, seminars, and practical experiences. Students balance coursework with hands-on learning in real settings.
- Classes are scheduled throughout the semester with regular assignments and exams.
- Students engage in fieldwork or internships at schools or community centers to gain counseling experience.
- Group projects and case discussions help develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Some programs may offer part-time or evening classes to accommodate working students.
- Students often work closely with faculty mentors during their practical training.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates can find employment in various educational and community settings where counseling and support services are needed. The degree opens pathways to roles focused on student welfare and personnel support.
- Common jobs include student counselor, guidance advisor, and personnel services specialist.
- Employers include schools, colleges, community organizations, and nonprofits.
- The job market values professionals who can support mental health and educational success.
- Insertion into the workforce is generally steady, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.
- Continuing professional development is important to keep skills up to date.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, students may consider further studies or certifications to deepen their expertise or specialize. Options vary depending on career goals.
- Some pursue doctoral degrees in counseling, education, or psychology.
- Others may seek professional licenses or certifications to practice counseling.
- Additional training in areas like school psychology or social work is possible.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- University of Southern MainePortland
- Malone UniversityCanton
- New York Institute of TechnologyOld Westbury
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh
- Capella UniversityMinneapolis
- Carson Newman UniversityJefferson City
- Hofstra UniversityHempstead
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- St. Thomas UniversityMiami Gardens
- Delta State UniversityCleveland
- University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage
- University of RedlandsRedlands
- Lancaster Bible CollegeLancaster
- Ottawa UniversityOttawa
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- St. Lawrence UniversityCanton
- University of San DiegoSan Diego
- Cairn UniversityLanghorne
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti
- Walden UniversityMinneapolis
- Wilmington UniversityNew Castle
- Stetson UniversityDeLand
- Texas A&M University – Central TexasKilleen
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- Clemson UniversityClemson
- Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso
- Tarleton State UniversityStephenville
- Carlow UniversityPittsburgh
- Loyola University MarylandBaltimore
- Mercer UniversityMacon
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville
- Idaho State UniversityPocatello
- Rider UniversityLawrenceville
- University of New HampshireDurham
- Butler UniversityIndianapolis
- University of MaineOrono
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Lamar UniversityBeaumont
- West Chester UniversityWest Chester
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- National UniversitySan Diego
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo
- New York UniversityNew York
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg
- Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityDurant
- Concordia University IrvineIrvine
- Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix
- Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro
- St. Bonaventure UniversitySaint Bonaventure
- Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair
- University of La VerneLa Verne
- Alfred UniversityAlfred
- William & MaryWilliamsburg
- Marshall UniversityHuntington
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- Brandman UniversityIrvine
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- California State University, FresnoFresno
- California Lutheran UniversityThousand Oaks
- University of West AlabamaLivingston
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- College of New JerseyEwing
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs
- University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte
- Regent UniversityVirginia Beach
- University of North TexasDenton
- Kean UniversityUnion
- University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha
- Fort Hays State UniversityHays
- University of North Carolina at PembrokePembroke
- East Texas A&M UniversityCommerce
- University of LouisvilleLouisville
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Harding University Main CampusSearcy
- Seattle UniversitySeattle
- Wichita State UniversityWichita
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- University of MemphisMemphis
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- California State University, East BayHayward
- University of DenverDenver
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- University of Missouri–St. LouisSaint Louis
- Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville
- Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton
- University of FloridaGainesville
- Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange
- Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk
- McDaniel CollegeWestminster
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaMoraga
- Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain
- Cleveland State UniversityCleveland
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- Buena Vista UniversityStorm Lake
- The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- University of Wisconsin–WhitewaterWhitewater
- New Mexico Highlands UniversityLas Vegas
- University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney
- University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City
- International Institute for Restorative PracticesBethlehem
- Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles
- Valdosta State UniversityValdosta
- Mississippi State UniversityStarkville
- Portland State UniversityPortland
- Western Illinois UniversityMacomb
- Cambridge CollegeBoston
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion
- University of St. Thomas - TexasHouston
- University of West GeorgiaCarrollton
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- University of ArkansasFayetteville
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityGreensboro
- Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion
- University of the SouthwestHobbs
- Doane UniversityCrete
- Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno
- University of MontevalloMontevallo
- University of Wisconsin–SuperiorSuperior
- University of Central OklahomaEdmond
- Kutztown UniversityKutztown
- University of HoustonHouston
- Creighton UniversityOmaha
- Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg
- University of Central ArkansasConway
- Teachers College at Columbia UniversityNew York
- Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville
- University of Wisconsin–OshkoshOshkosh
- California State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Drake UniversityDes Moines
- Lewis & Clark CollegePortland
- University of MississippiOxford
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham
- Radford UniversityRadford
- California State University, BakersfieldBakersfield
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Villanova UniversityVillanova
- La Sierra UniversityRiverside
- Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater
- Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne
- Merrimack CollegeNorth Andover
- Providence CollegeProvidence
- Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond
- Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville
- Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston
- Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- New Jersey City UniversityJersey City
- North American UniversityStafford
- Augusta UniversityAugusta
- University of VermontBurlington
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Gonzaga UniversitySpokane
- East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City
- Albany State UniversityAlbany
- University of Tennessee at MartinMartin
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago
- Wayne State CollegeWayne
- University of Massachusetts BostonBoston
- Concordia University WisconsinMequon
- Auburn UniversityAuburn
- Southern Arkansas UniversityMagnolia
- University of WyomingLaramie
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Emporia State UniversityEmporia
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- Concordia University ChicagoRiver Forest
- University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville
- Jackson State UniversityJackson
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply for this master's degree?
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree. Relevant background in psychology or education can be helpful but is not always required.
Are internships part of the program?
Yes, practical experience through internships or supervised fieldwork is a key component to develop real counseling skills.
Can this degree lead to licensure as a counselor?
This degree provides foundational knowledge, but additional certification or licensure requirements vary by state and may require further training.
Is the program offered full-time or part-time?
Many programs offer full-time study, but some also provide part-time or evening courses to accommodate working students.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?
Graduates typically work as student counselors, guidance advisors, or personnel support specialists in educational or community settings.
Is this master's degree selective in admissions?
Admission is generally selective, focusing on candidates with strong academic records and motivation for counseling roles.
Can I continue my studies after this master's degree?
Yes, many graduates pursue doctoral programs or professional certifications to specialize or advance their careers.
Does the program include training on ethical issues?
Yes, ethical practices and decision-making are important parts of the curriculum to prepare students for professional responsibilities.





















