Augusta University  

The Counselor Education Program is a 48-hour course of study from which graduates earn a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education. Students who successfully complete the School Counseling track educational requirements and the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Basic Skills and School Counseling Exams will be certified by the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) as School Counselors in the state of Georgia.

The program is geared to serve professionals who may already be working as teachers or other employees in the community. However, teaching experience is not required to become a school counselor. As long as applicants have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, they may apply.

To accommodate working professionals, most courses are held during evening hours, although summer, weekend, and some online courses are also available.

The School Counseling specialization prepares individuals for employment as school counselors at elementary, middle/junior, and high school levels. The school counseling preparation program meets the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Board of Regent’s of the University System of Georgia Principles and Actions for the Preparation of School Counselors. These standards are based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model for School Counseling Programs, and incorporate the four major themes of leadership, advocacy, collaboration and teaming, and systemic change, which are emphasized throughout the school counselor preparation program. One semester of counseling practicum and two semesters of counseling internship totaling 700 clock hours in school settings are required to complete the students’ professional training.