Online Master’s Degree Program

MS Guidance and Counseling

Serve Youth in P-12 Educational Environments as a School Counselor

S A C S C A S I Accredited Council on Accreditation and School Improvement
Program Detail

Next Start Date

August 19

Est. Program Length

2-3 years

Credit Hours

60

Course Length

8 weeks

Cost Per Credit

$429

Degree Overview

Prepare to serve students in P-12 educational environments with the online master’s in guidance and counseling. This program is an exact replica of our MEd in School Counseling certification program, but is designed for students who are not eligible for the school counseling program because they lack a teaching certificate. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), so you know you are getting industry-standard instruction.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to provide advocacy, assessment, evaluation and a range of counseling services to students. Earn your degree fully online, at one of the most affordable institutions in the state.

Please note that the program may not lead to a job as a school counselor. Candidates will need to check with their own state for guidance on pursuing a career in this field.

Who is this degree for?

  • Individuals seeking employment opportunities in a school setting or other similar setting.
  • Those without a teaching certificate who want to enroll in a CACREP-accredited counseling program.

Mentor Collective

The UWA Mentor Collective program enhances your online learning experience by linking you one-on-one with a mentor. Students learn what to expect in school, while mentors build their networks and develop skills to become better professionals and leaders.

Program Detail

Next Start Date

August 19

Est. Program Length

2-3 years

Credit Hours

60

Course Length

8 weeks

Cost Per Credit

$429

Submit your information to be contacted by phone/email.

Course Details

Professional Courses: 9 hours

Concentration Courses: 45 hours

Electives: 6 hours

Total Hours: 60

Program Completion Requirements

  1. A grade-point average of not less than 3.25 on a four-point scale on all work attempted with no grade less than “C.”
  2. A satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination (Praxis II) covering all the content of the program.
  3. Satisfactory performance in one practicum for 100 clock hours and 600 clock hours supervised jointly by a site supervisor and a UWA counseling program faculty member.

Admissions

Phase I: Graduate School Admission

  • Meet the requirements to be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
  • Provide verification of background clearance/fingerprints.

Phase II: Counseling Program Admissions Portfolio

Candidates must submit a portfolio to the counselor education program for review. The portfolio affords a candidate to provide valuable information regarding:

  • Relevance of career goals
  • Aptitude for graduate-level study
  • Potential success in forming effective counseling relationships
  • Respect for cultural differences

Portfolio should include all of the following:

  1. Resume including educational background, a record of employment and volunteer activities
  2. Professional goals essay
  3. Three completed recommendation for admission forms
  4. Video Interview

Tuition

Graduate tuition is $429 per credit hour. There is a $60 technology fee each semester.

The University of West Alabama is dedicated to keeping education costs affordable and providing students with a full range of grants, scholarships and loans. Approximately 80 percent of UWA students receive some type of financial aid to support their studies. To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school code for UWA is 001024.

Transfer

UWA may accept up to 9 hours at the Graduate level for matching courses and curriculums for most programs.

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