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Master’s in School Counseling

Today’s youth face an array of alarming issues, such as abuse, neglect, divorce, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, pregnancies, eating disorders, bullying, and suicide, all of which interfere with students’ stability. School Counselors (SC) (formerly known as Guidance Counselors) are essential to helping schools meet the academic and social/emotional needs and their college and career readiness and safety for their students. The lives and futures of these students will be more promising with the concern, encouragement, and direction offered by caring SCs.

If you are considering a career as a school counselor, Indiana Wesleyan University is a wonderful option. We offer an online 60-credit hour master’s program with options for 1) a stronger depth of School Counseling or 2) adding on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Both options educate and prepare students for a career in school counseling. Students learn to link counseling theory and techniques to Christ-like service through the integration of Christian principles as they are trained to be servant-leaders in the school setting.

Indiana Wesleyan University’s School Counseling (SC) Program and School Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Program (SC/CMHC) both require 60 credit hours. Of those 60 credit hours:

  • For SC only, 15 credit hours will be dedicated to of any unduplicated counseling courses within the Division of Counseling
  • For SC/CMHC, 15 hours of specific Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), which will help students gain both SC and CMHC licenses. 

Why Pursue My Master’s in School Counseling Online at IWU?

Online school counseling programs are designed to train SCs to help pre-kindergarten through high school students succeed in both academics and in life in an accessible and flexible format so you do not need to put your career on hold. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. IWU’s master’s in school counseling is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accreditation validates the strength and rigor of the program. Graduates will be recommended for licensure or certification upon completion of academic requirements and certification or licensing exams in their respective states. After following the state process of applications, payments, and/or tests, they will be qualified to serve as school counselors. Check with your state to determine licensure eligibility.

What Will I Learn in a Master’s in School Counseling Program?

Indiana Wesleyan University’s master’s in school counseling prepares future professional school counselors in knowledge, skills, and best practices of school counseling with Christ-like servant leadership to work with culturally diverse students, faculty, and families. Upon completion of the master’s in school counseling program, you’ll be able to articulate a clear understanding of the SC professional identity and deliver services with multicultural competence. You will be equipped to display counseling appraisal skills and knowledge of the foundations of school counseling that demonstrate validity and reliability while applying relevant research findings from professional literature to inform developmental treatment plans and intervention strategies. With respect for the separation between church and state, our Christ-centered approach helps you to integrate faith-based or spirituality-based principles and strategies in the practice of school counseling, to promote education equity and social justice.

Graduate Counseling at IWU

Your Master of Arts in Graduate Counseling may be closer than you think! Learn more about the Graduate Counseling programs at Indiana Wesleyan, and the incredible faculty team dedicated to making helping you take the next steps in your counseling career!

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

Tuition & Aid

60 Credit Hours

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$602/ Credit Hour

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Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.
What You Will Study in This Master’s in School Counseling Program?

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence.

  • CNS-501 | Human Growth and Development | 3 Hours
  • CNS-502 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-503 | Theory and Techniques in the Helping Relationship | 3 Hours
  • CNS-504 | Theory and Techniques in Group Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-505 | Theory and Techniques in Career Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-506 | Appraisal of Individuals and Families | 3 Hours
  • CNS-507 | Research and Evaluation of Methods and Practice | 3 Hours
  • CNS-508 | Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues | 3 Hours
  • CNS-509 | Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-519 | Theories and Techniques of School Counseling I | 3 Hours
  • CNS-527 | Child and Adolescent Development and Treatment | 3 Hours
  • CNS-529 | Theories and Techniques of School Counseling II | 3 Hours
  • CNS-550S | Supervised Practicum - School Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-551S | Supervised Internship - School Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-552S | Supervised Internship - School Counseling | 3 Hours

*Requires fifteen (15) credit hours of electives.

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After Graduation
Potential Careers

  • Youth Counselor
  • School Counselor
  • Student Career Advisor


Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program Requirements
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. 
  • An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution at which at least 30 hours was completed. 
  • Six semester hours in undergraduate psychology of which three semester hours must be in Abnormal Psychology. 
  • Six semester hours in Bible (Old and New Testament) or passage of the Bible exam administered by the Division of Counseling. Students who lack prerequisite undergraduate coursework may be admitted on a conditional basis. All prerequisites must be completed within the first twelve hours of coursework. 
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for those applicants with undergraduate cumulative GPAs of less than 3.25. The test must have been taken within five years of application to the program. A typewritten autobiography, philosophy of counseling, and supplemental application. Verbal (V) score of at least 146/400 (new/old scoring) is required. Successful graduate coursework may be substituted for the GRE. 
  • An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended. 
  • A criminal background check. 
  • Three recommendations – at least one from a professor and one from a supervisor/professional. 
  • Applicants whose application documents demonstrate potential for success in the Graduate Program in Counseling will be invited to participate in a personal interview. All students are required to complete the CNS 500 New Student Orientation course online when they are admitted into the program. 

NOTE: The graduate admissions committee retains the right to waive an admission requirement for special circumstances. Successful graduate coursework may be substituted for the GRE.

Transfer of Credits in Graduate Counseling

Up to 35% of a program's required credit hours may be transferred from an accredited institution into a graduate-level counseling program at Indiana Wesleyan University.

  1. Successful completion of the required core curriculum, specialization courses, and electives with a minimum grade of "C" in each course and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  2. All degree requirements must be completed within six years of enrollment.
  3. Payment of all tuition and fees.

SPECIAL NOTE

  1. State regulations may prohibit licensure for individuals who have ever been convicted of a crime of violence or of any crime that has a direct bearing on the ability to practice competently.
  2. The applicant is responsible to check the licensing requirements with his or her state licensing agency prior to beginning the program.
  3. International students must know the laws and regulations where they reside for potential practicum and internship placement as well as for licensing after graduation.
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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way forward in your personal and professional life. Earn your master’s in school counseling online at IWU!

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