The MEd in School Counseling program is designed to prepare students to be a K–12 licensed professional school counselor. This program is approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education and leads to New Hampshire licensure in school counseling. Program requirements, policies, and resources are all available in the student handbook that all students review during the Professional Orientation and Ethics course, have access to via our Sharepoint site, and can be requested from the program coordinator. It may also be requested from the program coordinator listed above. PSU’s school counseling program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It is the only school counseling program in New Hampshire to hold this prestigious distinction.
This professional school counseling preparation program emphasizes personal and interpersonal growth in addition to academic excellence. The program aims to support the development of school counseling students’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills that are essential to promoting the social, emotional, academic, and career development of all children. As part of this developmental process, school counseling students engage in several pre-practicum experiences that progressively assist students in connecting theory with practice. For example, pre-practicum experiences are integrated into selected professional courses (Foundations of School Counseling and Career Counseling and Development) and include brief experiences in schools or other settings. Upon successful completion of core courses and pre-requisite specialty courses, students begin their field-based experiences of practicum and internship. During these experiences, students are placed in public schools to allow them the opportunity to engage in the full range of activities that are associated with the role of the school counselor.
PSU's program meets New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) licensure requirements. Licensure requirements are subject to change and candidates can find the latest NHDOE standards at https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/deputy-commissioner/office-of-governance.
Practicum and Internship
All required professional courses must be successfully completed before students can enroll in the practicum and internship experiences. Students must attend a mandatory field placement webinar orientation and meet with the school counseling program coordinator during the term prior to their practicum experience in order to make appropriate arrangements.
Students in the School Counseling program must successfully complete a 100-hour comprehensive public school practicum and a 600-hour comprehensive public school internship. At the end of these two culminating field-based experiences, students will have gained experience in school counseling at the elementary, middle, and high school levels that demonstrates development in relevant competencies. Practicum and internship must be completed in school settings that have as their primary function the education of public school students. In addition, students must be supervised on site by a licensed school counselor and must be able to attend fieldwork supervision seminars over zoom during the terms they are involved in their practicum and internship experiences. Practicum and internship must be completed during the academic year and must be approved in advance by the Counselor Education faculty. In order to be recommended for licensure as a school counselor, students must successfully complete program requirements including three credits of Practicum and six credits of Seminar and Internship in School Counseling.
PSU was recently awarded a $1.9 million Federal Behavioral Health and Workforce Education Training program grant.
Curriculum & Requirements
Required Concentrations in this Major
Complete one concentration
School Counseling, K–12 Certification
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Counselor Education Component | ||
| CO 5010 | Professional Orientation and Ethics | 3 |
| CO 5020 | Counseling Skills | 3 |
| CO 5040 | Diversity and Advocacy in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CO 5050 | Advanced Human Development | 3 |
| CO 5070 | Research Design in the Helping Professions | 3 |
| CO 5130 | Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health | 3 |
| CO 5230 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| CO 5260 | Counseling Theories and Personality | 3 |
| CO 5430 | Assessment for Counselors | 3 |
| CO 5460 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5720 | Addictions & Related Disorders | 3 |
| CO 5770 | Psychopathology: Disorders of Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood | 3 |
| CO 5100 | Practicum | 3 |
| School Counseling Specialization Component | ||
| CO 5030 | Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5080 | The Counselor in the Classroom | 3 |
| CO 5650 | Critical Issues in Schools | 3 |
| CO 5780 | Working with Youth and Systems | 3 |
| CO 5850 | Seminar and Internship in School Counseling | 6 |
| Complete 3 elective credits in CO, SY, IN, or OL. | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
School Counseling, K–12 Specialist Certification Only
Students must already have a master’s degree or be awarded a master’s degree at the same time this credential is awarded.
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Counselor Education Component | ||
| CO 5010 | Professional Orientation and Ethics | 3 |
| CO 5260 | Counseling Theories and Personality | 3 |
| CO 5050 | Advanced Human Development | 3 |
| CO 5020 | Counseling Skills | 3 |
| CO 5070 | Research Design in the Helping Professions | 3 |
| CO 5040 | Diversity and Advocacy in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CO 5130 | Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health | 3 |
| CO 5230 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| CO 5460 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5430 | Assessment for Counselors | 3 |
| CO 5720 | Addictions & Related Disorders | 3 |
| CO 5770 | Psychopathology: Disorders of Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood | 3 |
| CO 5100 | Practicum (100 hours) | 3 |
| School Counseling Specialization Component | ||
| CO 5030 | Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5080 | The Counselor in the Classroom | 3 |
| CO 5650 | Critical Issues in Schools | 3 |
| CO 5780 | Working with Youth and Systems | 3 |
| CO 5850 | Seminar and Internship in School Counseling (600 hours) | 6 |
| Complete 3 elective credits in CO, SY, IN, or OL. | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Optional Second Concentrations in this Major
School Counseling, Eating Disorders
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Counselor Education Component | ||
| CO 5010 | Professional Orientation and Ethics | 3 |
| CO 5020 | Counseling Skills | 3 |
| CO 5040 | Diversity and Advocacy in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CO 5050 | Advanced Human Development | 3 |
| CO 5070 | Research Design in the Helping Professions | 3 |
| CO 5130 | Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health | 3 |
| CO 5230 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| CO 5260 | Counseling Theories and Personality | 3 |
| CO 5430 | Assessment for Counselors | 3 |
| CO 5460 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5720 | Addictions & Related Disorders | 3 |
| CO 5770 | Psychopathology: Disorders of Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood | 3 |
| CO 5100 | Practicum | 3 |
| School Counseling Specialization Component | ||
| CO 5030 | Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5080 | The Counselor in the Classroom | 3 |
| CO 5650 | Critical Issues in Schools | 3 |
| CO 5780 | Working with Youth and Systems | 3 |
| CO 5850 | Seminar and Internship in School Counseling | 6 |
| Eating Disorder Component | ||
| CO 5160 | Eating Disorders: Awareness and Prevention | 3 |
| CO 5170 | Treatment Modalities for Eating Disorders | 3 |
| CO 5185 | Medical Aspects and Nutrition Counseling of Eating Disorders | 3 |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
School Counseling, Play Therapy
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Counselor Education Component | ||
| CO 5010 | Professional Orientation and Ethics | 3 |
| CO 5020 | Counseling Skills | 3 |
| CO 5040 | Diversity and Advocacy in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CO 5050 | Advanced Human Development | 3 |
| CO 5070 | Research Design in the Helping Professions | 3 |
| CO 5130 | Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health | 3 |
| CO 5230 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| CO 5260 | Counseling Theories and Personality | 3 |
| CO 5430 | Assessment for Counselors | 3 |
| CO 5460 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5720 | Addictions & Related Disorders | 3 |
| CO 5770 | Psychopathology: Disorders of Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood | 3 |
| CO 5100 | Practicum | 3 |
| School Counseling Specialization Component | ||
| CO 5030 | Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| CO 5080 | The Counselor in the Classroom | 3 |
| CO 5650 | Critical Issues in Schools | 3 |
| CO 5780 | Working with Youth and Systems | 3 |
| CO 5850 | Seminar and Internship in School Counseling | 6 |
| Play Therapy Component | ||
| CO 5210 | Dynamic Play Therapies | 1 |
| CO 5220 | Child Centered Play Therapy | 1 |
| CO 5240 | Expressive Play Therapies | 1 |
| CO 5250 | Special Populations in Play Therapy | 1 |
| Add 4 Elective Play Therapy Courses | 4 | |
CO 5200 | Adlerian Play Therapy | |
CO 5270 | Special Topics: Play Therapy | |
CO 5280 | Group Play Therapy | |
CO 5290 | Nature Based Play Therapy | |
CO 5370 | Play Therapy in School | |
CO 5380 | Family Play Therapy | |
CO 5390 | Play Therapy with Traumatized Children | |
| Total Credits | 65 | |
Graduate Certificates
Addictions Treatment Certificate
Program Coordinator: Rachele Hartley, PhD.
E-mail: rachele.hartley@plymouth.edu
The Addictions Treatment Certificate provides a specialized education to professionals and students interested in providing treatment for individuals and families affected by substance abuse and addictive behaviors. The certificate provides a comprehensive overview of assessment, treatment planning, and relapse prevention. Prevention and intervention treatment models are also examined.
The certificate is in alignment with the professional licensing standards in the State of New Hampshire for alcohol and other drug abuse counselors. It is for practicing licensed therapists or students enrolled in master’s level clinical programs.
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CO 5720 | Addictions & Related Disorders | 3 |
| CO 5730 | Addictions Treatment Modalities | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Play Therapy Certificate
Program Coordinator: Stephen Flynn, Ph.D.
E-mail: svflynn@plymouth.edu
Play is the universal language of children. Play Therapy is a natural form of communication that allows children to communicate their awareness of what is occurring in their world in a manner that is cognitively and developmentally appropriate.
The Play Therapy post-master’s certificate provides school and mental health counselors and school psychologists with useful, research-based tools and techniques to help children and adolescents through a variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, aggression or impulsive anger, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and low self-esteem.
PSU’s play therapy courses prepare post-master’s counseling professionals and master’s degree students with prior coursework in counseling children with the necessary 150-hour educational requirement to gain the Registered Play Therapist credential through the Association for Play Therapy.
Registered Play Therapists and Registered Play Therapists-Supervisors are licensed or certified practitioners, including school-based counselors, who have earned a master’s degree or advanced mental health degree; have taken 150 or more hours of specialized play therapy training; and have documented 500 hours of clinical and play therapy-specific experience under supervision with a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Supervision is not provided by the University, but is available from Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors in the area.
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CO 5210 | Dynamic Play Therapies | 1 |
| CO 5220 | Child Centered Play Therapy | 1 |
| CO 5240 | Expressive Play Therapies | 1 |
| CO 5250 | Special Populations in Play Therapy | 1 |
| Add 4 Elective Play Therapy Courses | 4 | |
CO 5200 | Adlerian Play Therapy | |
CO 5270 | Special Topics: Play Therapy | |
CO 5280 | Group Play Therapy | |
CO 5290 | Nature Based Play Therapy | |
CO 5370 | Play Therapy in School | |
CO 5380 | Family Play Therapy | |
CO 5390 | Play Therapy with Traumatized Children | |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
- Articulate and demonstrate the professional and ethical role of a counselor.
- Discuss and demonstrate techniques of cross-cultural counseling and advocate on behalf of multicultural populations.
- Describe the role that human growth and development plays in counseling interventions and modify these interventions as appropriate.
- Explain theories of career development and implement career interventions.
- Define and utilize counseling skills and advanced counseling interventions.
- Articulate theories of group counseling and utilize leadership skills in facilitating various types of groups.
- Identify and utilize various types of counseling assessments.
- Describe and conduct methods of research and program evaluation.
- Articulate and apply foundational knowledge of school counseling.
- Articulate and demonstrate various types of counseling, prevention, and intervention – including methods of program development and crisis response.
- Discuss issues of multiculturalism, demonstrate multicultural competency skills, and advocate on behalf of multicultural populations in school counseling settings.
- Analyze and utilize various types of school counseling assessments.
- Critically evaluate and utilize research methods in the practice of school counseling.
- Describe methods of promoting social, emotional, and academic development.
- Demonstrate methods of effective collaboration and consultation with school staff, students, parents, and community members.
- Explain the importance of and assume leadership roles in their respective schools.
Admission Information
Requirements
The MEd in School Counseling requires the following materials to be submitted through our online application
- Recommended 3.0 or better GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Official transcripts from any/all college level work
- Three professional recommendations
- Current Resume
- Participation in the Group Interview – Register
- Statement of interest
- NH Residency Verification form (NH residents only)
Deadlines
Students pursuing the School Counseling program can apply for admission to any of the upcoming semesters. Here are the annual application deadlines:
- Fall semester – August 1
- Spring semester – December 1
- Summer semester – April 15
*We suggest submitting your documentation at least two weeks prior to the posted date to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed by the deadline.
2024-25 Estimated Graduate Per Credit Tuition and Mandatory Fees
| New Hampshire Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $584 | $43 | $627 | |
| CAGS | $625 | $43 | $668 | |
| EDD | $681 | $43 | $724 | |
| Out-of-State Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $809 | $43 | $852 | |
| CAGS | $782 | $43 | $825 | |
| EDD | $866 | $43 | $909 | |
More information is available through the Student Financial Services Office.
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans only. You will need to complete the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid – please review our international admission requirements to learn more.
More information can be found on the Student Financial Services website.
Each year, Plymouth State offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted graduate students. Selection criteria include academic and professional achievements, commitment to graduate study, and achievement or pursuit of personal or professional goals. Visit the PSU Scholarship Opportunities webpage for additional information.
Explore Program Details
For the 2022-2023 academic year, approximately 33 students were enrolled in the School Counseling program.
In the 2022-2023 academic year there were 18 graduates of Plymouth State University’s School Counseling master’s degree program. Over the past several years, approximately 76% of initially enrolled students completed the program in 3-4 years.
School Counseling students take the PSU Counseling Comprehensive Exam (CCE). During the 2022-2023 academic year, 100% of all students successfully passed the exam on the first attempt.
Among all program graduates, the current three-year job placement rate remains at approximately 89% of those actively seeking positions.
The linked report below is compiled on a yearly basis, and outlines the assessment data gathered for both the CMHC and School Counseling programs, an analysis of this data, an overview of current program strengths, and specific plans for change in response to this data over the next academic year:
The below are taken from the 2016 CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) standards for counseling programs, and used as measures of student learning outcomes. These outcomes are specific standards from each of the eight core content instructional areas, along with one from each of the program specialty areas. Outcomes are measured through assignments to assess knowledge and skills related to each standard, and reviewed regularly at program meetings to determine areas of improvement within the program.
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice – 2.F.1.b: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) the multiple professional roles and functions of counselors across specialty areas, and their relationships with human service and integrated behavioral health care systems, including inter-agency and inter-organizational collaboration and consultation.
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice – 2.F.1.i: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) ethical standards of professional counseling organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling.
- Social and Cultural Diversity – 2.F.2.b: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) theories and models of multicultural counseling, cultural identity development, and social justice and advocacy.
- Human Growth and Development – 2.F.3.e: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) biological, neurological, and physiological factors that affect human development, functioning, and behavior.
- Career Development – 2.F.4.h: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) strategies for facilitating client skills development for career, educational, and life-work planning and management.
- Counseling and Helping Relationships – 2.F.5.a: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) theories and models of counseling.
- Counseling and Helping Relationships – 2.F.5.g: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) essential interviewing, counseling, and case conceptualization skills.
- Group Counseling and Group Work – 2.F.6.g: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) ethical and culturally relevant strategies for designing and facilitating groups.
- Assessment and Testing – 2.F.7.e: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) use of assessments for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes.
- Research and Program Evaluation – 2.F.8.a: (Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession, including how to critique research to inform counseling practice.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling – 5.C.3.b: (Clinical Mental Health Counseling students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) techniques and interventions for prevention and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues.
- School Counseling – 5.G.1.b: (School Counseling students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to) models of school counseling programs.
Linked below are example syllabi for all of our courses from both the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs.
These can be used to get a sense of course topics, assignments, policies, etc. – but please keep in mind that all of the above can vary depending on the instructor of the course or changes in the field. For the latest and most accurate copy of a course syllabus, please contact that course instructor via email.
- CO5010 – Professional Orientation and Ethics
- CO5020 – Counseling Skills
- CO5030 – Foundations of School Counseling
- CO5040 – Social Behavior and Diversity
- CO5050 – Advanced Human Development
- CO5070 – Research Design for the Helping Professions
- CO5080 – The Counselor in the Classroom
- CO5100 – Counseling Practicum
- CO5130 – Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health
- CO5230 – Career Counseling and Development
- CO5260 – Counseling Theories and Personality
- CO5430 – Assessment for Counselors
- CO5460 – Group Counseling
- CO5600 – Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- CO5650 – Critical Issues in Schools
- CO5670 – Working with Children and Families
- CO5710 – Crisis and Trauma Counseling
- CO5770 – Psychopathology
- CO5780 – Working with Youth and Systems
- CO5790 – Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
- CO5850 – Seminar and Internship in School Counseling
- CO5880 – Seminar and Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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