Master of Science (M.S.)

School Counseling

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), McNeese's Master of Science in school counseling pairs expert instruction with field experience working with K-12 students.

Program Highlights

School Counseling Master's Degree Program Highlights

School counselors provide vital services to elementary, middle and high school students nationwide. From helping students navigate emotional and interpersonal challenges to advising on academic issues, school counselors make a lasting impact on students and encourage their lifelong success.

McNeese’s master’s degree program features extensive field experience that gives students the opportunity to work in elementary, junior and high schools with students, parents, teachers and administrators. Guided by expert faculty, this rigorous program equips school counseling majors with the knowledge, hands-on experience and practical skills needed to succeed in this rewarding and essential career field.

Career development opportunities

In addition to a master’s degree in school counseling, which equips students to work in any K-12 school environment,  McNeese’s school counseling majors also earn 48 of the 60 hours required in Louisiana to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Because of this, a degree from McNeese provides an excellent foundation for those looking to expand their employment opportunities or to eventually establish a career in private practice.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Master of Science (M.S.)

Program Length: 60 credit hours

Availability: in person

Program overview

Explore More for School Counseling Majors

With one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state, McNeese's graduate program in school counseling also offers a number of additional benefits:

Hands-On Experience:

School counseling graduate students get critical hands-on experience through a 600-hour internship and 100-hour clinical practicum. Students work in local elementary, junior and high schools in individual and group settings for their internships. Once they’ve completed their internship hours, students then select two of the three schools to focus on for their practicum study, giving them a broad base of knowledge and expertise in working with students of different ages and backgrounds.

An Insider's Approach:

During students’ internship and practicum experiences, they also have the opportunity to meet with current school counselors, administrators and principals and attend meetings for all of the school counselors in their parish. This gives students extensive and up-to-date knowledge in the changing demands of the profession and a close look at the most current issues that counselors face.

Support from Professional Organizations:

School counseling graduate students have the opportunity to join professional counseling organizations including the Louisiana School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association, which provide a number of resources to help students succeed both professionally and academically.

Excellence With a Personal Touch:

Faculty in the Department of Psychology strive to accommodate school counseling majors whatever their current situation might be. Whether students are working full-time, part-time or have other personal responsibilities, faculty and staff work with students on a one-on-one basis to help them excel in their studies.

Take the Next Step!

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a School Counseling Degree?

Over 95% of McNeese's graduate students in school counseling are employed after graduation, either as counselors in public, private or charter elementary, junior and high schools, or in positions closely related to school counseling. Here are just a few career and continued education opportunities graduates can pursue:

Graduate Schools or Programs

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology
  • Doctor of Education in Counselor Education

Potential Job Titles or Employers

Acadia Parish Public Schools
Allen Parish School Board
Beauregard Parish School Board
Bossier Parish School Board
Calcasieu Parish School Board
Cameron Parish School Board
Jefferson Davis Parish School Board

School Counseling

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Program Contact

Kevin Yaudes
kyaudes@mcneese.edu