Guide Students to Success
Master of Science in School Counseling (MS)
Prepare for a career supporting student development and well-being.
Master of Science in School Counseling (MS)
The University of Lynchburg’s Master of Science in School Counseling program will help you advance your career and make a real difference in students’ lives. The program prepares you to meet the K-12 guidelines required by the Virginia Department of Education and become a highly skilled school counselor.
As a student, you’ll dive deep into counseling, consultation, and curriculum development, developing the skills you need to succeed in any school environment. You’ll learn how to coordinate different components of guidance programs and work with students of all ages, from elementary to high school.
Our program is designed to help you become a well-rounded, effective school counselor. You’ll learn how to provide individual and group counseling, work with families, provide career development experiences, and assist students in meeting developmental challenges and making decisions. You’ll also develop an in-depth understanding of the nature and needs of people in multicultural contexts, with a strong emphasis on the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural society.
Lynchburg’s comprehensive curriculum and dedicated professors ensure students have an in-depth understanding of theory and professional topics, and learn how to develop strategic programs for school communities. Through on-site training, you’ll apply your expertise and help meet the counseling needs of students, parents, teachers, and other school stakeholders.
Why choose the University of Lynchburg school counseling graduate degree program?
The University of Lynchburg’s MS in School Counseling is perfect for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the well-being of students and the education system. You’ll start your career with confidence, knowing how to work within a school team, consult teachers and parents, provide career counseling, and help young people deal with developmental challenges and tough decisions.
What makes Lynchburg’s master’s in school counseling unique?
Transform your passion into professional expertise with our comprehensive and hands-on school counseling program.
Preparation and Development for All School Levels
Elementary school level:
- Skills in meeting the needs of young children.
- Strategies for developing programs that are infused into the entire educational process and
- Serve the school community.
Middle school level:
- Professional preparation focusing on the unique needs of middle school-age students.
- Skills for working with groups.
- Skills in functioning as a school team member.
- Skills in consulting with teachers and parents.
High school level:
- Emphasis on understanding the secondary school student.
- Skills in individual and group counseling, working with families, providing career development experiences, and assisting students in meeting developmental challenges and decisions.
Eligible as Licensed Professional Counselors in Virginia
Graduates of the University of Lynchburg’s school counseling program meet the educational requirements for licensure as a LPC in Virginia. This means that upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for LPC residency in Virginia. Having this license opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates and helps them establish themselves as qualified and competent professionals in school counseling.
School-based Clinical Experience
Experiential education, with a minimum of 700 hours of school-based, clinical experience, provides hands-on training that allows aspiring school counselors to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world settings. This practical experience not only enhances learning but also helps build confidence and competence, preparing students to enter the workforce as highly skilled professionals.
Small By Design
Small classes, by design, provide a personalized and supportive learning environment in the University of Lynchburg’s school counseling program. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive individualized attention and guidance from experienced faculty members, resulting in an engaging, interactive learning experience. This approach helps students develop meaningful connections with faculty and peers and fosters a sense of community within the program.
Experientially-based Education
Our program is designed to help students experience first-hand what it’s like to be a school counselor. From the first classes in our curriculum to clinical courses where students are counseling clients, we believe learning the art of counseling necessitates continuous practice.
Small in-person classes allow for the best application of knowledge throughout our curriculum because of individualized attention and student-centered engagement.
Vital Statistics and Outcomes
Counselor Education Mission Statement
The students and faculty of the Counselor Education Program at the University of Lynchburg are a diverse community of learners deeply committed to creating a positive impact on the communities where we work and live. We prepare professional counselors to be independent and curious learners, culturally-responsive and self-reflective practitioners, and highly ethical professionals. In support of the evolving needs of the diverse clientele counselors serve, the Counselor Education Program emphasizes training innovative counselors who can maintain a clear professional identity while working collaboratively in settings where counseling is an integral aspect of interdisciplinary missions.
Curriculum and Resources
2024-25 Academic Year Information
Program-specific Resources
Interested in applying to the master’s degree in school counseling program?
Application Deadlines
- Summer semester: May 1
- Fall semester: July 31
- Spring semester: Nov. 30
Master of Science in School Counseling (MS) Faculty
Sara W. Bailey, PhD, LCMHCA (NC), NCC
Assistant Professor of Counseling, Program Director for the Master of Education in Counseling ...
Faculty Contact
Heather Summers PhD
Instructor of Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling ...
Sarah Johnson
Assistant Professor of Counselor Education ...
Sara W. Bailey, PhD, LCMHCA (NC), NCC
Assistant Professor of Counseling, Program Director for the Master of Education in Counseling ...
Faculty Contact
Heather Summers PhD
Instructor of Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling ...
Sarah Johnson
Assistant Professor of Counselor Education ...
As a Lynchburg MS in Counseling student, you'll:
Develop skills for a high-demand profession with plenty of growth.
Become an expert through hands-on experience and world-class faculty.
Learn to provide quality and compassionate care to diverse populations.
“Lynchburg taught me that the main focus of counseling is the relationship with the student... I was able to focus on the positives of fostering relationships with my students despite the lockdown."
- Janell Daniels ’20 MEd
Accreditation
The school counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
500 Montgomery St., Suite 350
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.5990
Graduate Tuition
Below is an overview of the cost of the program:
Master of Science in School Counseling (MS)
$
590
Cost Per Credit Hour
-
Credit Hours: 60
-
Estimated Cost of COmpletion: $36,480
Financial Aid
The cost figures provided are estimates and may vary based on factors such as the duration of your enrollment, specific classes taken, and any future changes to tuition or fees.
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© 2025 University of Lynchburg. All Rights Reserved
