School of Education

Master of Science in Counseling: School Counseling

Department web site


Program Overview

The School Counseling program leads to licensure as a school counselor in Iowa and prepares students for jobs in both elementary and secondary education.

The Master of Science in Counseling School Counseling specialization offers three options for completion:

  • Teachers who are licensed in Iowa complete a 48-credit hour master's degree to receive both elementary and secondary licensure.
  • A 45-credit hour option is available to licensed Iowa teachers who wish to receive only secondary or only elementary licensure.
  • Students who do not hold a teaching license can receive the degree with six additional credit hours of coursework.

This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). 


Program Requirements

Course Credits
Core Courses 
COUN 200 - Introduction to Counseling 3
COUN 201 - Research in Counseling 3
COUN 220 - Career Counseling 3
COUN 221 - Methods of Counseling 3
COUN 224 - Assessment 3
COUN 225 - Human Development and Life Issues 3
COUN 228 - Psychiatric Disorders 3
COUN 236 - Group Procedures 3
COUN 245 - Counseling Diverse Populations 3
COUN 250 - Trauma & Crisis Counseling 3
COUN 260 - Counseling Practicum 3
School Counseling Specialization Courses 
COUN 243 - Comprehensive School Counseling Program 3
COUN 290 - School Counseling Internship 3-6
*EDMA 225 -  Classroom Management 3
*SPED 220 - Introduction to Special Education 3
Complete a total of 3-6 credits from the following options  
COUN 286 - College & Career Readiness 3

COUN 253 - School Counseling Program Implementation

3

*These two additional classes are required for students who are not licensed teachers


Admission

  • Applications for this program are accepted for fall and spring start terms, with the following deadlines. All materials must be postmarked by the identified dates: 
    • Spring start-term: September 1
    • Summer and Fall start-term: February 15
  • Upon the receipt of transcripts, an advisor will complete a transcript evaluation in order to determine any credit or course substitutions/transfers. 
  • Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.
Counseling Admission Requirements

This program has indicated specific statement of interest requirements. This statement of interest replaces the general admission statement of interest required for other programs.

The paper should be a 5-page, double spaced statement of interest in the counseling profession.  It should include the following information:

  • Educational and professional background
  • Career aspirations with a counseling degree
  • Experience working with people who are different from you
  • What do you think is one of the more prominent or pressing issues in the area of counseling? (school/clinical mental health/rehabilitation)

The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.