Strengths of the 60-credit School Counseling program include:
Accreditation
Accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Some states require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program to obtain Licensure
as a Professional Counselor (LPC).
Tuition Award
Students receive a 15% tuition award for taking 6 credits per semester.
Licensure and Certification
The program meets the academic requirements in Pennsylvania (and most other states)
for both School Counseling Certification and Licensure as a Professional Counselor
(LPC), which is essential for working in the mental health field.
Level II Certification
This program satisfies the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) academic requirements
for level II instructional (teacher) certification for persons with a level I instructional
(teacher) certificate.
Time to Degree
Earning your Master's degree in School Counseling can be completed within two (2)
years by taking 9-12 credits per semester.
Full-time and Part-time options
You have the option to complete the program on a full-, half- or part-time basis if
desired.
No Pre-requisites
This program accepts students with Bachelor's degrees in a variety of areas. There
are no undergraduate prerequisites, other than having a Bachelor's degree.
Small to Moderate Class Sizes
Classes typically range from 6-25 students and are conveniently held in the evenings
allowing students to remain employed during the day.
Variety of Fieldwork Options
You have the opportunity to experience a variety of schools and mental health agencies
for fieldwork.
Large Alumni Base
As a graduate of this program, you will be amongst the 1200 alumni who are leaving
an impression on the field of mental health as leaders and innovators.
Graduates may obtain employment as/in:
- School counselors in public, private, charter, cyber and alternative schools as well
as in intermediate units
- School-based therapists
- University career, admissions and advising offices
- Mental health counseling positions (e.g., outpatient, in-home, family-based, etc.)
The stimulating curriculum is designed to include experiential learning, self-reflection
papers, case study analysis, and group activities. Nearly all of the courses are taught
in a traditional rather than a distance education format.
Counselor Education Program Objectives
The educational experiences of Duquesne's Counselor Education program:
- Are grounded in theories of wellness, holism and development
- Involve community engagement and are informed by an understanding of systemic context
and multicultural theory
- Focus on the core elements of an effective helping relationship
- Emphasize self-awareness, personal development and experiential learning
School Counseling Graduate Statistics
| Statistics |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
| Number of Graduates |
25 |
16 |
19 |
10 |
13 |
| Completion Rate |
78% |
NA |
100% |
71% |
78% |
| Praxis II Exam Pass Rate |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
| Job Placement Rate |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
For additional information and statistics, please see the Annual Report (.pdf).
Counselor Education Program - Mission Statement
The mission of the Duquesne University Counselor Education Program is to prepare professional
counselors, educators, scholars and clinical supervisors who promote the well-being
of individuals, families, organizations and communities. This mission aligns with
the University’s Spiritan mission to serve God by educating counselors who value social
justice, meet high personal and professional standards; and promote moral, spiritual,
intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.
