Guide Students to Success

Master of Science in School Counseling (MS)

Prepare for a career supporting student development and well-being.

CACREP Accredited

Accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Clinical Experience

Gain 700 hours of clinical experience to prepare you for professional practice.

Cohort Model

Enjoy collaborative learning as you progress with a consistent group.

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

2025-26 Academic Year Information

The curriculum is designed to include all content areas and clinical experiences required for initial licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure upon conferral of their degree.

Required courses (57 hours):

SPED 600 — Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education (3)

Electives (3 hours):

Total Hours Required: 60

Program-specific Resources

Counselor Education Student Handbook

Academic Resources

Additional 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

How to Apply

Complete the online application.
Submit an official transcript from the college or university where your bachelor’s degree was awarded.
Submit an essay on professional goals.
Submit two letters of recommendation.
A personal interview is required. This interview provides you an opportunity to discuss educational and career goals. When we have received all of your application materials, you will be notified by the Office of Graduate Success and given instructions on whom to contact for the interview.

Learn more about the application process if you are one of the following: