School Counseling

Master’s Degree Program

School counselors are vital members of the education team who support students academically and emotionally. The master’s in school counseling will provide the specialized training you need to excel in this fast-growing field—preparing you for high-demand careers in Alaska, across the country and around the world.

The master’s in school counseling is research intensive and hands on, featuring a field practicum and internship working under the supervision of a licensed counselor. We are also dedicated to preparing culturally attuned counselors who can effectively respond to the unique needs of rural communities in Alaska.

The Master of Education in School Counseling program provides certification as a school counselor along with the master’s degree. 

What Is School Counseling?

School counseling is a vital part of the education system throughout the elementary, middle and high school levels. School counselors help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development. In addition to working directly with students, school counselors also collaborate with parents, administrators and educators as part of a team to support student achievement. School counselors should be caring, patient and adaptable professionals who are dedicated to the success and wellbeing of their students.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Availability:

  • All courses are digitally delivered through web-based synchronous class meetings and/or asynchronous online learning modules.

Accredited by:

 

Why Study School Counseling at UAF?

Find out why UAF is the top college for school counseling in Alaska. These are some of the ways that earning your master’s degree in school counseling at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will set you up for success.

Earn your master’s degree in a CACREP accredited program

  • Our school counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This means that our program meets the highest quality standards set by the profession, and provides the academic knowledge you’ll need for professional licensure. It’s the only counseling program of its kind in the state.

Engage in hands-on learning and research opportunities

  • The school counseling degree includes field practicum and internships working under the supervision of a licensed counselor. You’ll have opportunities to engage in service learning projects, and collaborate with faculty to perform and present research. 

Take classes from anywhere in Alaska

  • Our program is entirely digitally delivered, which means our courses are offered online, either synchronously or asynchronously. Most of our classes are offered in the early evening but we are beginning to offer some classes in the afternoon to help meet student needs. In our program, you will enjoy hands-on training experiences, a collaborative learning atmosphere, and personal attention.

Prepare for state and national school counseling requirements

  • The master’s in school counseling program is consistent with the guidelines which have been set by the national accrediting body, the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP), along with the university standards set by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Learn from experienced counselors and make new professional connections

  • At UAF, you’ll learn from experienced counseling practitioners who understand the unique cultural context of Alaska. You’ll also benefit from our wide range of community partnerships with agencies and schools throughout the state.

 

The UAF School of Education staff and faculty are all about relationships. Many have extended the level of care well past the basic requirements. They are excellent examples of helping professionals!Debra Vance, UAF graduate program in school counseling

 

What Can You Do With Your Master’s Degree in School Counseling?

If you enjoy working in a school setting and are passionate about helping others to achieve their potential, school counseling will be a rewarding career choice.

Our school counseling master’s program graduates are employed as school counselors at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Our graduates also work as career counselors, college prep counselors and graduation success coaches.

Each state has its own unique requirements for authorization. If you are planning to seek a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings website.

School counseling job outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026.

School counseling salary

According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselors in Alaska earn an average salary of $66,730. This is considerably higher than the median salary nationally, which is $56,310.

 

What Classes Are Required for the Master’s in School Counseling?

The master’s in school counseling provides flexibility for each student to develop a tailored study plan for program completion. Professional coursework that focuses on the application of theory, research and practice in real school environments complements concurrent field placement experiences.

Programs Related to School Counseling

 

Get Started on Your Master’s Degree in School Counseling

Take the next step toward earning your degree in school counseling. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? Contact us to walk through the process and make sure you maximize the credits you’ve already earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

The master's in school counseling program admits students one time per year. Apply by February 10th for admission to the following fall semester. Contact the UAF Counseling department for more information uaf-soe-graduate@alaska.edu.