Department website: https://www.atu.edu/tel
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling and Leadership is designed to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge needed for licensure as school counselors. The program includes 17 credit hours of leadership core courses and 28 credit hours of specialized school counseling courses. Practical, real-world scenarios that school personnel encounter daily are woven into the coursework, ensuring students gain hands-on experience.
The program is carefully aligned with both the American School Counseling Standards and the Arkansas School Counseling Standards, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to meet state and national expectations. In addition, the curriculum emphasizes the development of a comprehensive school counseling program based on the National Model, which helps students learn to create and implement effective, data-driven counseling programs that support the academic, career, and social/emotional development of students.
This program offers a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to achieve Arkansas school counselor licensure. Students will progress through the program as part of a supportive cohort.
Unconditional Admission
Students may apply for unconditional admission to the Master of Education in School Counseling and Leadership program if they meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must hold a valid, standard teaching license or a bachelor’s degree in psychology, rehabilitation science, sociology, or a related field from an accredited institution. Degrees in closely related disciplines will be considered on an individual basis.
- Applicants must meet the Graduate College’s admission requirements.
- Approval from the Program Director is required.
Students who complete the program will exhibit the following:
- Develop Comprehensive Counseling Programs:Students will design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program that adheres to the ASCA National Model and Arkansas School Counseling Standards, addressing the academic, career, and social/emotional development of students.
- Demonstrate Knowledge of Counseling Theories and Practices:Students will apply a range of counseling theories and evidence-based practices to address the diverse needs of students, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
- Promote Equity and Access:Students will demonstrate the ability to advocate for equity, access, and opportunity in schools, recognizing and addressing issues of diversity, cultural competence, and social justice to create an inclusive school environment.
- Integrate Leadership and Advocacy Skills:Students will develop leadership and advocacy skills to effectively influence school policies and practices, collaborate with faculty, staff, parents, and community stakeholders, and contribute to a positive school culture.
- Apply Ethical and Professional Standards:Students will demonstrate an understanding and application of the ethical and legal standards outlined by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and relevant state regulations, ensuring professional conduct in all counseling activities.
- Utilize Data-Driven Decision Making:Students will utilize data to assess student needs, track program outcomes, and adjust counseling services accordingly to improve student success. They will also engage in ongoing program evaluation and use data for program improvement.
- Demonstrate Knowledge of Mental Health and Wellness:Students will develop the knowledge and skills to recognize mental health issues and provide appropriate interventions, collaborate with mental health professionals, and promote student well-being through prevention and intervention strategies.
- Enhance Collaboration and Communication Skills:Students will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills with school personnel, parents, community resources, and students, fostering strong relationships and supporting student success.
- Foster Career Development and Postsecondary Planning:Students will design and implement career development programs, assisting students with career exploration, job readiness, and postsecondary planning, in alignment with national and state standards.
- Exhibit Professional Growth and Self-Reflection:Students will engage in continuous professional development and self-reflection, identifying areas for growth, staying current with trends in counseling and education, and contributing to the advancement of the school counseling profession.
