School Counseling FAQs

Both our Master of Arts and Master of Education programs lead to certification as a school counselor, and coursework may meet the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in the state of Maryland. There are no advantages to pursuing one track over the other. Candidates select tracks based upon their interests.

Our MA program is focused on preparing the research practitioner. M.A. candidates complete a six-credit thesis seminar over two semesters where they are mentored in research methods to either evaluate their practice or identify student needs during the internship experience. Candidates work with program faculty who becomes their thesis advisor throughout the process to select a research focus, choose methodology, analyze data and draw conclusions. Candidates must receive permission from their thesis advisor to move on to Thesis II.

Candidates in our M.Ed. program complete 6-credits in electives to deepen their knowledge and skills as a counselor. Some electives we offer are in mindfulness, counseling refugee populations, trauma-informed practices, leadership and social justice.

Newly admitted students attend a new student orientation to acquaint themselves with the school counseling program’s student handbook, policies, and practices. At the orientation, students have an opportunity to pre-register for first semester courses, obtain their student identification cards, and set up email accounts. New students will also learn about their ethical and professional obligations, personal growth expectations, and eligibility for certification as a school counselor.

New student orientation takes place prior to the start of a student's first academic semester. Specific dates of the orientation are identified on the acceptance letter.

Student to professor ratio is 25:1 Lecture courses, 12:1 Skills courses and 9:1 Clinical Experiences, Internship and Practicum.

Yes. A student may switch programs prior to enrolling in elective courses or thesis seminar.

Upon acceptance, new students may transfer up to 12 credits from a CACREP program, or CACREP-aligned, toward our 60 credit hour master's program.

To be considered to transfer into our program, course credits must be earned from a CACREP approved, or its equivalent, graduate program within the last five years. Your final grade in the course must be a B or better and courses must directly relate to those required for Loyola's school counseling program.

New students work with their academic advisors. Faculty advisors will determine if credits can be transferred into the program. Students must submit a syllabus and transcript for review to their academic advisor upon acceptance into the program. Academic advisors approve all transfer credits.

Clinical classes such as techniques, group counseling, practicum, and internship cannot be transferred into our program.

Yes. Upon admission each student meets with an academic advisor to develop a plan of study. Students may complete the program part-time and take up to 5 years to complete. However, students will need to either take a leave of absence from work or work part-time during internship.

Our courses are offered as hybrid, combining in-person classes with online technology to appeal to the adult learner. In-person classes are held at our Baltimore campus in the evenings. Course times vary, but most begin at 4:30 or 7:05 pm during the fall and spring semesters.

CACREP stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This accrediting agency ensures that the highest professional standards for institutions preparing school counselors. As a CACREP approved program, we adhere to the training standards established by this accrediting body. Those who attend a program that has the CACREP approval can be assured that the training they receive adheres to high standards that will prepare them for role of a school counselor. It also assures your potential employer that you have been highly trained. To learn more about CACREP, visit www.cacrep.org.

The 600 hour internship experience is completed in K-12 schools. Internship can be taken over two or one semester during the fall and/or spring semesters. At the beginning of their program, candidates should seek advising from the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences to plan their internship experience.

Candidates apply for internship during the fall and/or spring semesters. Through collaboration between Loyola and the school districts or non-publics, candidates are placed in schools at the start of the semester in which they applied for internship. Candidates identify a school district and education level when they apply for the experience.

During internship candidates work at a school either 2.5 days a week (300 hour semester) or 5 days a week (600 hour semester). Please keep in mind that candidates must be available to work in schools the number of days identified for each hour experience. Due to the demands of working in a school during the week days, full-time employment is not possible.

Loyola School Counseling students are encouraged to join professional memberships and student organizations. Some professional or student organizations in which students are members are:

• Graduate Student Organization (GSO) - a student led organization that serves the interests of graduate students within Loyola. The mission of the GSO is to establish a responsible and representative organization that will support and foster the needs and interests of the graduate student body. The GSO brings together graduate students for social events, community service projects, and networking opportunities. Housing support is provided.
• Chi Sigma Iota - the international honor society of professional counseling. At Loyola, this student led organization is facilitated by a Loyola School Counseling professor and provides graduates with professional development opportunities and community service initiatives. Graduates are invited to join the professional organization by Loyola program faculty.
• Maryland School Counseling Association (MSCA) - a state professional organization that represents the interests of Maryland professional school counselors. Student memberships are available.
• American School Counseling Association (ASCA) - a national professional organization that represents the interests of professional school counselors. Student memberships are available.
• American Counselor Association (ACA) - a national professional organization that represents the interests of all counselors. Student memberships are available.

The school counseling program maintains CACREP accreditation as a mark of excellence, which allows graduates of the program to meet the educational requirements necessary for licensure as a Maryland licensed professional counselor and certified as a school counselor in Maryland. If your career goals include working out of state after graduation, it is important to learn that state's licensure requirements. Please see our Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage for more information.