Our CACREP-accredited program prepares you for school counseling certification and
licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) which is essential employment in the mental
health field and private practice.
You may complete this 60-credit Master's of Science in Education in School Counseling
program within 2.5 years or also have the option of completing the program on a part-time
basis. Also, you have the option of taking classes in the late afternoon and early
evening. 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.
Our graduates are very successful in obtaining employment in school and mental health
settings. Jordon Sinclair shares how the community in our School of Education helped her to
reach her educational goals as she has a school counseling position waiting for her
after she walks off the commencement stage. Hear from Jordan.
Pursue Your Bigger Goals
Our M.S.Ed. School Counseling degree prepares you to make an impact in the field of
mental health. After earning your degree in 2.5 years, many career pathways and work
in various settings are possible, including:
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.)
Our M.S.Ed. School Counseling program accredited by CACREP prepares you for school
counseling certification and licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) which is
essential employment in the mental health field and private practice.
Our program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related
Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP programs have rigorous curriculum & provide
comprehensive fieldwork supervision. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs have
greater portability for licensure and certification. Some states require graduation
from a CACREP-accredited program to obtain Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC).
Our 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 IICertification
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.
100% Job Placement Rate
Our alumni have a 100% job placement rate
Great Value, Great Education
In 2.5 years, our 60-credit program gives you the flexibility, skills and experience
so you can pursue your bigger goals.
You have the option to complete the program on a full-time, half-time or part-time
basis. Choose what works for your lifestyle as you pursue your bigger goals.
Earning your master's degree School Counseling in just 2.5 years by taking 9-12 credits
per semester.
Our program accepts students with bachelor's degrees in a variety of areas. There
are no undergraduate prerequisites, other than having a bachelor's degree.
You have the opportunity to experience a variety of schools and mental health agencies
for fieldwork.
As a graduate of our program, you will be amongst the more than 1200 alumni who are
leaving an impression on the field of mental health as leaders and innovators.
3.0 GPA* *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a
four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted
on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's
academic competency.
Note: In the case of GPA exceptions, we adhere to this State-mandated requirement:
In accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE),
a school counseling applicant must have earned a grade point average (GPA) of at least
a 2.8 for their last 48 credits. Upon receiving the applicant's transcripts, Duquesne
university calculates the applicant's GPA, and notifies the applicant if the GPA is
below 2.8. Those applicants who have earned at least a 2.8 but less than a 3.0 GPA
for their last 48 credits, must submit either the GRE or MAT scores with their application.
Bachelor’s Degree All majors welcome to apply
International Applicants
English Proficiency Requirements Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English
Test (DET) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants who attended a university
outside of the United States.
Score Requirements The University requires the following minimum scores* for general admission consideration:
TOEFL (iBT) 80
IELTS 6.5**
Duolingo English Test 105
Transcript Credit Evaluation If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States,
you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course
report.
The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization
you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (please see score requirements in the previous section - "Admission Requirements,
International Applicants")
Transcript Credit Evaluation
If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States,
you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course
report.
The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization
you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.
We are currently accepting applications for students looking to enroll in the Fall
2025 semester.
Fall 2026 Applications
The Fall 2026 applications open this July 2025.
Qualified applicants will be notified starting in the late Fall 2025 for Spring 2026
interviews.
Early Start Program - School Counseling, M.S.Ed.
Our M.S.Ed. School Counseling program offers an early start option for School of Education
undergraduate students. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity
to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition
rate.
Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.
Learning Outcomes
M.S.Ed. School Counseling Mission Statement To prepare school counselors who are able to implement and improve a comprehensive
school counseling program
Learning Outcomes - Program Objectives
Use a culturally sustaining and ecological-systems framework in conceptualizing client’s/student’s
presenting issues and needs.
Understand and follow legal and ethical standards.
Understand and demonstrate use of counseling theories in conceptualizing and providing
individual and group counseling and consultation to clients/students and their important
others.
Effectively use active listening skills in forming professional helping relationships
with clients/students and their important others.
The program directors and professors have supported me entirely in my educational
goals and worked closely with me to help me maintain my responsibilities as a full-time
working mother and student. I am proud to have accepted a School Counselor position
even before graduation, which in part comes from the prestigious reputation of excellence
in the Duquesne Counselor Education program.
Clinical Facilitator | Clinical Assistant Professor
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Mission Statement - Counselor Education
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.
Accreditation
Our counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling
and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
