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Paula Tipton, PhD
Counseling Division Chair; Associate Professor of Counseling
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Master of Arts in Counseling (School Counseling)
The MA in counseling (school counseling concentration) degree program is designed to train clinically competent school counselors who are able to integrate Christian faith and school counseling education in K-12 school settings, as well as prepare them to meet requirements for licensure and endorsement in the state of Colorado. The program is accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) which provides recognition that the content and quality of the program have been evaluated and meet the standards set by the school counseling profession. Students in this program also take part in our Personal Formation Program as they grow during their time at Denver Seminary.
Denver Seminary’s school counseling concentration is unique in its clinical focus on training students to meet the increasing mental health counseling demands in schools. The school counseling concentration is informed by the research and results of The School of Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCHMI). The SCMHI is conducting school-based mental health research in collaboration with public, private and charter schools to address the emerging needs and trends in the field of school counseling.
This degree in counseling will prepare students to demonstrate the professional knowledge and skills necessary to address mental health with a clinical background and to promote the academic, career, personal, and social development of all K–12 students. Students will examine the history, philosophy, and trends of school counseling while focusing on assessment, counseling for individuals, groups, families, and career counseling and consulting. Additional attention is given to prevention and intervention strategies, programming, and ethical and legal guidelines.”
How Can I Use This Degree in School Counseling?
Successful completion will enable you to:
- Pursue school counseling licensure in the state of Colorado
- Provide clinically informed school counseling in public and private K-12 school systems
What Courses Will I Take?
See each course you will take in this program by reviewing our degree worksheet and academic catalog:
Degree Worksheet / Academic Catalog
Where is the Master of Arts in Counseling (School Concentration) offered?
How many credit hours is the Master of Arts in Counseling (School Concentration)?
64 credit hours total, with 60 credit hours of counseling
How long does it take to complete this degree?
Program Assessment Report for 2020-2021
What Sets Us Apart?
- CACREP accredited
- HLC accredited and CDE licensed
- Dual degree options (MA or certificate in BTS)
To learn more about the academic requirements of the Denver Seminary School Counseling Program, request information:
FAQs About The Denver Seminary Master of Arts in School Counseling Program
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 10 percent increase in jobs for school counselors between 2019 and 2031, leading to the creation of 26,800 new roles in the field. Students graduating with a master’s degree in school counseling after three years of full-time study often experience a relatively quick switch into a highly rewarding profession. Part-time learners will need slightly longer to meet all requirements for their degree.
When studying full time, the Denver Seminary program is a three-year program.
Almost every state requires school counselors to hold at least a master’s degree in counseling before being able to practice professionally. Our Admissions team would be honored to help you learn more about the requirements to practice school counseling in the state of Colorado.
School counselors possess qualities such as empathy, care, intelligence, and determination that make them well-suited to assist students with their mental health, school-related challenges, and academic goals. We encourage you to discuss your career goals with our team to learn more.
State requirements vary as to the certification requirements for private schools. However, the clinical hours earned through the MA in counseling provide career readiness for private and public school counseling roles, as well as other careers.