Boston University’s Counseling Program is founded on the theories, ethics and best practices of developmental psychology. Our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and share a strong commitment to human service. The Counseling Program offers a comprehensive course of study that includes counseling theory, human development, measurement, cross-cultural perspectives, and supervised practice in counseling.
You may complete the required course work for up to four licenses (School Guidance Counselor, School Adjustment Counselor, School Counselor Supervisor’s License, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor) and a graduate degree and certificate within a two-year period, depending on your prior preparation. At the Ed.M. and CAGS levels, you may choose to specialize in School Counseling and Community Counseling (leading to state and national licensure), or Sport Psychology.
Master of Education (Ed.M.) with a specialization in School or Community Counseling
The Ed.M. in Counseling is a one-year intensive course of study that leads to initial licensure. Our 40-credit master’s program also offers part-time enrollment options to accommodate students. Generally, you would enter the program in May but with approval may begin academic work in other terms.Clinical work must begin in September. The minimum requirement for completion of the Ed.M. program is eight courses (a total of 32 semester hours) for those pursuing the community counseling specialization. These students typically intend careers in vocational counseling, university-based counseling, or entry-level clinical agency counseling.
A specialization in school counseling provides you with a 12-month (May-May) program of study typically beginning (or ending) with summer study. This license specialization requires ten courses for a total of 40 semester hours.
Most of our students choose to enroll in the one-year programs. However, international students for whom English is a second language should expect a two-year program, with a practicum experience during the second year. School Guidance Counseling graduates meet licensure requirements for the license in School Counseling; Ed.M. graduates may pursue a second year of study through the School of Education to academically prepare for the license in School Adjustment Counseling and/or Mental Health Counseling.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) with a specialization in School or Community Counseling
Boston University’s CAGS program in counseling is designed for practicing professionals—in appropriate education, human development, or mental health positions—who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills. Our CAGS in counseling program is open to those who have completed the master’s degree in counseling or a related area. If you hold a master’s degree and are now seeking initial licensure as a school counselor, school adjustment counselor, counseling supervisor, or a license in mental health counseling, you may elect to earn a second master’s degree or earn a CAGS.
Boston University offers an individualized program of study developed on a contract basis between you and your advisor that can be completed in two semesters. Eight courses (32 credits) and a comprehensive treatise of CAS level students are required ; a supervised clinical practicum may be elected and is required if you are seeking School Counseling licensure. Students satisfying all degree and specific licensure requirements will be assisted in applying for their state and/or national licenses. Additional courses and clinical practicum hours are required for those pursuing the school adjustment counseling license and preparing for Mental Health Counseling Licensure Test eligibility.
Required Courses (first level)
| SED CE 726 |
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Clinical Assessment: Psychological Testing |
| SED CE 737 |
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Counseling: Philosophy, Theory, and Practice |
| SED CE 741 |
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Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Counseling Psychology |
| SED CE 746 |
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Clinical Practice I (2 semesters) |
| SED CE 841 |
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Theories of Human Development (Prenatal, Infancy, Childhood, and Early Adolescence) or |
| SED CE 842 |
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Theories of Human Development (Adolescence and Adulthood) |
| SED RS 600 |
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Perspectives on Inquiry |
| One Approved Elective (a second-term half-clinic practicum may be approved for those wishing to extend their school-based licenses from PreK-12) |
Course descriptions
Required Clinical Practicum
The Clinical Practicum (SED CE 746) typically consists of 12 to 20 hours per week across two consecutive semesters (fall-spring) in an appropriate setting. Clinical practicum arrangements are made with the assistance of program faculty following your acceptance into the counseling program. Six hundred total clinical hours (525 in the approved field setting) are required for graduation. 700 hours are required for LMHC pursuit at entry level.
Massachusetts Licensure
The Counseling Program within the School of Education has state-approved program status for the school guidance, school adjustment counselor, and counselor supervisor sequence. If you wish to be licensed as guidance counselors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you should indicate so at the time of application and must complete a total of 40 credits, including the core curriculum, one elective, and the following courses:
| SED CE 735 |
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Issues in School Counseling |
| SED CE 739 |
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Psychology of Vocational Development |
| Pre-service students must pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills Test. |
First-year school counseling students seeking licensure as School Adjustment Counselors may apply to remain for a second year of preparation or apply for the CAGS program for this academic and professional preparation. Licensure regulations vary from state to state. In some states, students must have teaching experience and teacher licensure in order to work as guidance counselors. Students are urged to contact the appropriate state department of education to determine current licensure requirements before registering for courses.
 Download a description of this program
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