The 48-credit School Counseling Specialization provides the required graduate training for individuals who wish to work as guidance counselors for students in grades PreK-8 or grades 5-12.
• Qualify for
initial licensure in guidance counseling in Massachusetts
• Gain valuable field experience
• Complete the program in as few as two academic years of full-time study
• Study full or part-time
From classroom to communitiesStudents in Lesley’s School Counseling Specialization blend theoretical study with practical, hands-on experience. Experience in the school setting will allow you to explore the diverse facets of guidance counseling and help you launch your career.
Work and study in a dynamic urban communityBoston’s diverse population provides enormous opportunities to work with, and learn from clients with broadly varied cultural backgrounds. Lesley’s multicultural curriculum emphasizes self-knowledge and fosters a better understanding of how your experiences influence the counseling relationship.
View the program of study for the 48-Credit Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology School Counseling Specialization
Sample Course Descriptions
Issues in School Counseling for School Guidance Counselors
3 credits
Focus is on the provision of guidance counseling services within the context of the school to prepare students to become competent, multifaceted school guidance counselors. The role of the guidance counselor is to promote and enhance the learning process through consultation, counseling (individually or in groups), curriculum, coordination, and collaboration. Students will show competencies under the three broad areas of academic development, career development, and personal/social development.
Counseling the Young Child
3 credits
Provides an in-depth case study approach to counseling young children. Through reading, lecture, and role-play, the course introduces students to play therapy, group activities therapy, and family therapy models. Students engage in six play sessions with an individual child.
Vocational Development and Career Counseling
3 credits
Vocational development is a lifelong process. Integral to this process is self- awareness, career awareness and assessment, career decision making and planning, and career implementation. This course prepares counselors to assist a variety of people in all stages of life development in their career planning and selection process. Career developmental theories and assessment tools are discussed.
Faculty Spotlight
Sue Motulsky
Associate Professor, Counseling and Psychology
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Sidney Trantham, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Counseling and Psychology
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