School Counseling in Georgia
Are you passionate about guiding students through their academic and personal growth? Online school counseling programs in Georgia might be the perfect fit for you! These comprehensive programs are designed to help you develop the necessary expertise to excel as a school counselor while accommodating your busy life.
Whether you are an established educator looking to expand your skillset or an enthusiastic newcomer eager to make a difference, this article will serve as your roadmap to navigate the world of online school counseling programs in Georgia. Get ready to explore the possibilities and take the first step towards a meaningful and rewarding career, impacting the lives of countless students.
Let’s start this exciting journey and unlock the potential of online school counseling programs in Georgia together!
Online School Counseling Programs in Georgia
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online school counseling programs in Georgia:
- Clark Atlanta University
- Capella University
- Fort Valley State University
- Grand Canyon University
- Georgia Southern University
- University of West Georgia
Clark Atlanta University
Established in 1988, Clark Atlanta University is a private educational institution with an urban setting and a campus that spans 126 acres. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar and has over 3,000 undergraduate students enrolled.
The university was created through the union of two historically African-American institutions, Clark College and Atlanta University. Presently, Clark Atlanta University offers a diverse student body almost 40 fields of study, including graduate degrees in business and education.
Students can maximize their educational experience by accessing the Career Planning and Placement Center, where they can engage in mock interviews, refine their resumes, secure internships, and attend job fairs.
At Clark Atlanta, students can participate in student government or join any of the 60+ campus clubs, including various fraternities and sororities.
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Earning a Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling prepares individuals for roles as counselors in private and public schools. Those who complete the program will be equipped to evaluate students’ academic needs and offer individual or group guidance to children and teens in various environments.
This degree meets the educational requirements for school counseling certification in the state of Georgia, adhering to the standards set by relevant accrediting organizations.
Upon finishing the counseling program, students will be able to:
- Know and follow professional ethics, understanding the counseling profession’s history and philosophy.
- Recognize human diversity and its impact on relationships and issues within diverse societies.
- Use scientific approaches, theories, and concepts to address human behavior, service systems, and challenges across developmental stages.
- Acquire knowledge on career-related theories, decision-making processes, planning, and assessments within the counseling field.
- Master essential skills for effective counseling and consultation with individuals and groups in various settings.
- Examine group theories and practices related to group dynamics, counseling techniques, and strategies.
- Learn about various assessment methods for individuals and groups and their application in diverse societies.
- Understand research techniques, statistical analyses, needs assessments, and program evaluations, as well as ethical research considerations.
The program’s objectives include:
- Teaching students theories and concepts related to human behavior, service systems, and challenges across developmental stages.
- Preparing students to offer individual and group counseling on personal matters, community services, education, lifestyle development, and career planning in a variety of settings.
- Equipping students for licensure in Georgia as a professional counselor and eligibility for the National Counselor Examination.
- Preparing students for advanced studies and professional counseling careers in a range of community settings.
- Training students to integrate individual and group counseling techniques and practices.
- Conducting follow-up research with appropriate stakeholders.
- Encouraging diverse student and faculty populations.
Capella University
Capella University, a private, for-profit online university, has its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The university holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and was founded in 1993 with a commitment to offering flexible, professionally-aligned online degree programs to support working adults in advancing their careers.
The university offers a total of 52 degree programs, including more than 1,900 online courses. Approximately 38,000 students are enrolled from all 50 US states and 61 other countries, with doctoral programs comprising 23 percent of the student population, master’s programs 47 percent, and bachelor’s programs 27 percent.
Online Master of Science in School Counseling
Earning an online Master of Science in School Counseling from Capella University provides a flexible and comprehensive program, as part of a CAEP-accredited Education Preparation Provider (EPP) unit. The program blends theoretical coursework with hands-on experiences, preparing you for state licensure as a school counselor upon graduation.
The curriculum equips you with essential knowledge and practical abilities to excel in your profession. It covers subjects like counseling theories for children and teens, group counseling, college and career readiness, and recognizing mental health issues in young people.
To get this degree, you need to earn a total of 72 credits. This includes completing six main courses, seven specialized courses, two in-person learning sessions, and two internships.
This program aims to help you apply counseling and child development theories and research in educational settings, while providing compassionate counseling services to a diverse student population. Upon graduation, adherence to ethical guidelines from professional counseling associations and best practices in school counseling is expected.
After completing this program, you should be able to:
- Employ counseling theories, research, and evidence-based practices in educational settings
- Utilize assessment skills for delivering school counseling services
- Provide culturally-sensitive counseling services to a diverse student body
- Adhere to ethical and legal standards
- Facilitate college and career planning for students
- Develop and implement school counseling services following best practices
- Communicate effectively, demonstrating empathy, understanding, respect, and professionalism
To apply for the MS in School Counseling program, submit the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions, including graduate or professional courses
- Two recommendation letters from individuals who can evaluate your potential for graduate success
- A resume or CV
- A 3-6 page essay
- A valid government-issued photo ID
GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley State University, previously known as Fort Valley State College and Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School, is a public land-grant institution with historic roots in the African American community. Located in Fort Valley, Georgia, it is a part of the University System of Georgia and is affiliated with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
As Georgia’s 1890 land-grant university, Fort Valley State University has over 2,500 students enrolled, with around 90% of them being African American. Undergraduate students have an average age of 24, while graduate students are typically 33 years old. About one-third of students reside on campus, and 85% are enrolled full-time.
The university is situated in Peach County, where the state’s peach industry originated. Spanning 1,365 acres, Fort Valley State University’s main campus is the largest in area among Georgia’s public universities.
Master of Science of Education (M.S.Ed.) in School Counselor Education
The 48 credit-hours School Counselor Education (M.S.Ed.) program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, abilities, technical expertise, and attitudes necessary to excel as school counselors in today’s world. The program focuses on providing experiences in various educational environments, ensuring that graduates are attuned to the needs of all students.
Graduates can work in primary, elementary, middle, and high schools, fostering an environment where every student can learn. The program fulfills all the educational requirements for the Professional School Counselor Certificate, Level 5. While it’s possible to complete the program in roughly two years by taking three courses per semester, most students will choose to take fewer courses and extend their programs.
Students begin a capstone research project in their first semester and complete it before graduation. This project encourages future school counselors to use data in their work and contribute to their school’s educational goals.
The program requires three semesters of hands-on field experience, totaling 700 hours. During the practicum (100 hours), students observe their site supervisors and gain 40 contact hours with students. Throughout the internship (600 hours, split into two semesters), students take on the responsibilities of a school counselor under the guidance of an experienced professional.
Students should consult with their advisor about placement and apply for the practicum and internship the semester before they begin. The practicum may be completed in a school or clinical setting, while the internship must take place in a school.
Graduates of the M.S.Ed. in School Counselor Education program can pursue certification and work as school counselors in primary, elementary, middle, and high schools. They may also take state and national exams to qualify for private practice.
Throughout the program, students gain exposure to a range of educational environments, from pre-K to grade 12, enhancing their chances of finding a job in the field upon graduation and certification.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private institution established in 1949. With an undergraduate enrollment of over 63,000 students, it occupies a 100-acre campus and follows a semester-based academic schedule.
GCU provides affordable, cutting-edge education that emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. The university boasts 30 labs available for students at no extra cost, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and committed faculty who ensure interactive learning opportunities from the very first year.
The university offers a wide range of programs through its nine colleges, encompassing doctoral studies, business, education, fine arts and production, humanities and social sciences, nursing and health care professions, science, theology, as well as engineering and technology.
Online MEd in School Counseling (Leads to Initial Licensure)
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education in School Counseling program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to pursue a career as a school counselor and obtain certification. Earning a master’s degree can help further your career in both education and counseling fields.
This online MEd program equips future school counselors with the necessary knowledge and skills to create comprehensive, data-driven school counseling plans. Students will learn how to support P-12 students in their academic, career, and social-emotional growth.
The MEd in School Counseling program is based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, which encourages academic achievement, career development, and social-emotional growth. The program also emphasizes collaboration with school stakeholders and promotes equal access and opportunities for all P-12 students to become responsible global citizens.
Key features of this MEd program include:
- Regional accreditation
- Alignment with the ASCA National Model
- Designed to accommodate adult learners with a focus on strengths
- Instructors with expertise in child and adolescent development, counseling theory, group and individual counseling, college and career counseling, trauma, and psychopathology
Graduates of the Master of Education in School Counseling program will be prepared to apply theories and research in grief counseling, child and adolescent development, and school practice. To complete the program requirements, students must have access to approved P-12 schools. This program involves 25 field experience hours, 100 practicum hours, and 600 internship hours, for a total of 725 hours.