School Counselor Education (Master of Science in Education)

DEEPER UNDERSTANDINGS TO foster better LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Gain advanced knowledge, skills, technical competencies, and dispositions to function proficiently as school counselors in the 21st century.

The Fort Valley State University school counseling program emphasizes experiences in educational settings where our graduates will be sensitive to the context of all candidates. Proficient school counselors work in primary, elementary, middle, and high school settings and create an atmosphere where all candidates can learn. The program meets all the educational requirements for the Professional School Counselor Certificate, Level 5. The program can be completed in almost two years by taking three courses per semester, but most candidates will take fewer courses and extend their programs. The program considers candidates’ backgrounds and adds knowledge, skills, values, and professional practices, allowing them to be employed in Georgia schools and build upon their interests and experiences. Classes are held at the Warner Robins Center.

The program is administered through the College of Education.

Course Requirements for the MS in School Counselor Education (60 Hours)

Total 60 Hours

Important Note: Program candidates who wish to receive a clear renewable certificate as a school counselor must complete and pass GACE, a state technology competency certification, and the Introduction to Exceptional Child course (EDUC 5253). The Exceptional Child course is required in addition to the course work specified on this balance sheet if candidates have not previously taken a course in the identification and education of children with special needs, as required by “House Bill 671”. A capstone research project is proposed in the program’s first semester and completed before graduation. This activity encourages school counseling candidates to be data-oriented and helps them contribute to the school’s educational mission. Three semesters of clinical field experience totaling 700 hours are required. During the practicum (100 hours), candidates observe and shadow their site supervisors while gaining 40 contact hours with students. During the internship (600 hours, 300 per semester), candidates perform the actual duties of a school counselor under the supervision of a practicing school counselor. Candidates should discuss placement with their advisor. Applications for the practicum and internship should be made the semester before practicum/internship field experiences begin. Candidates should pick up a practicum/internship handbook and become familiar with its content before the application is made. Practicums may be performed in a school or a clinical setting; internships must be performed in a school setting. The graduation requirement for this program is a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, passing scores on the GACE content exams (GACE 103 and 104), which serve as the department’s comprehensive exam, and successful completion of an action research project. MS. Ed in School Counselor Education graduates are eligible for certification and school counseling positions in primary, elementary, middle, and high school settings. They may also register for state and national examinations to be eligible for private practice. Candidates will be exposed to all levels of educational settings, pre-K through 12, throughout the program. This will enhance their ability to obtain a position in the field upon graduation and certification.

Admission Application Requirements

1. New students are admitted each year during the spring and begins in the summer semester, which begins the end of May. There may be flexibility for fall admissions, depending on any transfer courses and departmental capacity.
2. Before entering the program, students must have passed the GACE Program Admissions exams (Basic Skills tests in Reading, Writing, and Math), have certification as a teacher in Georgia, or be exempt with SAT, GRE, or ACT scores.
3. A Completed Graduate Application due to the Office of Graduate Studies by April 15. Application materials and criteria are here: Graduate Application. Please note that the required undergraduate GPA is 2.75.
4. Application Processing Fee (non-refundable)
   • $20 – Domestic Applicants
   • $75 – International Applicants
5. A Professional Resume
6. A Statement of Purpose
   • The statement must be between 550-600 words. The Statement of Purpose should be in essay format and include personal characteristics/disposition, professional goals, academic background, research, work/volunteer experience and why you wish to pursue a graduate degree in the respective area.
7. Three Professional Recommendations
   • Letters of recommendation must be submitted using the FVSU Recommendation form for Graduate Admission.
8. Submit Official Transcripts from each postsecondary institution (College/University) attended showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. The transcript should show all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades earned.
9. Immunization records
   • International Transcript Evaluation: Transcripts from educational institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by any current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (https://www.naces.org/members.html) with a course-by-course evaluation and grade point average (GPA) included. The transcript must be received directly from the evaluation service/agency.