Master of Education in School Counseling

The graduate School Counseling Program prepares its students to become members of school guidance departments. The program examines the field of counseling from the three-fold aspect of theory, analysis, and application and follows the CACREP Standards. Students completing this pathway will be eligible for Rhode Island certification as a PK-12 School Counselor.

Graduates of the School Counseling path must complete an exit portfolio and pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor assessment to become eligible for state certification. More information on the Praxis Professional School Counselor assessment.

School Counseling Program Fast Facts

42 credit hours
On-campus delivery
Tuition Information
Deadlines: July 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer. *Students can take up to 2 courses while their application is under review
Click here for Admission Requirements
Explore the Social Emotional Learning Certificate

The School Counseling Master’s Program consists of a combination of core theory courses, knowledge & skills specifically focused on school counseling and practical field experiences throughout the program, culminating in 2 semesters of internship in schools.

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Explore SEL Certificate

The Providence College School Counseling Program is rigorous and relevant. It has given me the knowledge necessary to develop a holistic counseling program, and most importantly, I have been given the resources to support equitable outcomes for all students.

Joharlen Carvajal ’23G

Program Requirements

All master’s degree program requirements must be completed within 5 years of a student’s initial semester of coursework. Full-time students normally complete the program in 2 years, while part-time students normally complete the program in 3 years.

Students must earn a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA at the completion of their program to be eligible for the degree.

Students must additionally complete a portfolio review to complete the program and pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor assessment to be eligible for RI PK-12 school counselor certification.

For more information about program requirements, please refer to the PROGRAM HANDBOOK and COUNSELING INTERNSHIP HANDBOOK.

*Fulfillment of state certification requirements is the responsibility of the graduate student.

Courses

EXPERIENCE
EDU 544: Counseling Pre-Practicum
EDU 548: Counseling Practicum
EDU 561: Counseling Internship I
EDU 568: Counseling Internship II

PRACTICAL
EDU 501: Fundamentals of Research
EDU 538: Developmental & Cross Cultural Theories
EDU 540: Principles of Guidance and Counseling
EDU 541: Theories of Counseling
EDU 542: Career Information
EDU 546: Group Counseling
EDU 558: Ethical and Legal Issues
EDU 562: Assessment, Measurement & Data
EDU 645: Families in Crisis
EDU 829: Designing & Implementing a Counseling

Total credits: 42 (14 3-credit courses)

Graduate Certificate in Social Emotional Learning

Graduate Certificate in Social Emotional Learning
To change this label, please fill in the field “Tab Label” on the right.

The Social Emotional Learning certificate is available as an online program beginning Summer 2025

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has been an important focus of the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) for several years. We’re happy to announce Providence College will now offer pathways for educators to receive a stand-alone SEL Certificate or combine the SEL Endorsement with their M.Ed. in School Counseling.

Participants in SEL coursework will understand research-driven social emotional learning standards, their influence on a positive school culture and climate, practical application strategies of the standards, and how to measure the impact of the standards.

Admission Requirements
To change this label, please fill in the field “Tab Label” on the right.

1. Completed online application
2. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
3. Application fee of $65.00
4. Current résumé
5. Personal Statement – Please submit a statement of no more than 2 pages in length that discusses: How will obtaining this certificate enhance your professional opportunities and help you achieve your professional goals?

This certificate is three courses and may be completed with the Master of Education in School Counseling at Providence College. Applicants may fill out the School Counseling application to apply to both programs.

Alumni of PC’s Master of Education in School Counseling should fill out the School Counseling SEL Endorsement Non-Degree application for the SEL Endorsement.

Program Pathways
To change this label, please fill in the field “Tab Label” on the right.

Current graduate students in the Master of Education in School Counseling program at PC may add the SEL Endorsement to their program of study—please contact Dr. Patricia Nailor directly.

Graduates of the Master of Education in School Counseling from PC may complete the remaining 2 courses—please complete the Graduate Non-Degree application here.

The SEL Endorsement will be available as a stand-alone graduate certificate for all educators, or as a concentration within the Master of Education in School Counseling program at PC.

Courses
To change this label, please fill in the field “Tab Label” on the right.

EDU 855 (The Research and Impact of SEL): Summer I, and Fall
EDU 829 (Designing an SEL-based school program): Summer I, Fall, and Spring
EDU 893 (Implementation & Assessment of SEL Programs): Summer II, and Spring

Master’s in School Counseling Stories

Governor Dan McKee offered a few words of recognition for this accomplishment: “Congratulations, Anne-Marie, on this tremendous recognition. Your commitment to the success of your students is unwavering, and we are deeply thankful to have you as a member of the Rhode Island education community.”

Anne-Marie Flaherty, School Counselor at East Greenwich High School and a 1999 graduate of PC’s School Counseling Program, was named the School Counselor of the Year by the Rhode Island School Counselor Association.

Read article here
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Dr. Patricia Nailor

Director – School Counseling
Harkins 328
401.865.2922
pnailor@providence.edu

Taylor Odell

Graduate Assistant for Counseling & Special Education
todell.ga@providence.edu