The School Counseling concentration prepares counselors for positions in public or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools.
Graduates qualify for Virginia Department of Education licensure as a School Counselor for all grades, PreK-12. The degree must be completed within six years of enrollment.
To obtain a VA School Counseling license, students must:
- Complete our School Counseling program to receive a provisional license (As and Bs in all course work required) through the CEHD Licensure Specialist office or school districts.
- Complete two years of full-time work as a school counselor to be granted a professional license.
Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in counseling courses and in all licensure coursework, including practicum and internship courses. Students are permitted to repeat a course only once.
Core Requirements (40 credits)
Concentration in School Counseling Requirements (20 credits)
Total Credits: 60
Core Requirements (28 credits)
School Counseling Concentration Requirements (11 credits)
Practicum and Internship Requirements (6 credits)
Total: 45 credits
Courses are held in person on the GMU Fairfax campus. Several courses may utilize online modules, but all courses require in person, on campus meetings.
Admissions Criteria:
- Completed application
- College transcripts
- Goals statement
- 2 professional letters of recommendation
- Resume
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 12 credits of behavioral science or closely related coursework
- Recommended: prior counseling-related work or volunteer experience
Application information is available here.
Tuition and Financial Aid Information is available here.
George Mason University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). More information can be found at Mason Accreditation.The School Counseling concentration is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
