About the M.S. in Counseling: School Counseling (Virtual)
National Louis University's Master of Science in Counseling: School Counseling (Virtual) program is open to certified educators across Florida and beyond who are interested in working as a school counselor in PK–12 settings. Combining both the intimacy of an in-person classroom and the flexibility of an online program, our Live-on-Line format combines real-time instruction with online coursework. You'll learn from faculty with real-world clinical expertise and build connections with fellow students through weekly video discussions.
Program Highlights
Flexible Classes
Fit your degree around your busy schedule. The program's Live Virtual classroom sessions are delivered once per week M, T, W, or Th at 5:00pm–6:30pm, 6:30pm–8:00pm, or 8:00pm–9:30pm EST to accommodate the lifestyles of working professionals. The live sessions are combined with online coursework to give you ultimate flexibility.
Intimate Learning
Enjoy small class sizes through our Live-On-Line interactive, distance learning format. This allows you to regularly engage with professors and fellow students for a more intimate learning experience.
Engaged and Experienced Student Community
Engage in a collaborative learning environment with students representing a broad range of professional and life experiences. Our most recent cohort included 88% female students and 73% aged 30 or older, consistent with the program's focus on serving working adults. This structure supports meaningful peer learning, clinical skill development, and professional identity formation.
Hands-On Experience
The program requires a minimum 100-hour practicum and a minimum 600-hour internship, both completed in a PK–12 school setting. This ensures you graduate with direct, supervised experience in the school counseling environments where you'll build your career.
School Counseling Certification
This program is designed for Florida educators who want to add School Counseling as a certification area to their Professional Educator Certificate. Educators from other states are welcome to apply and are encouraged to check their state's education licensing board to confirm compliance for licensure.
This program is appropriate for Florida educators holding a valid and current Professional Educator Certificate, or a Temporary Educator Certificate for which the requirements for professional licensure will be complete before the conclusion of the program. Graduates will be prepared to fulfill licensure requirements — such as state testing — in order to serve in elementary, middle, and high schools across Florida as a certified School Counselor.
Program Faculty:
- Laura M. Schmuldt, Ph.D., LMHA, NCC
- Martin Cortez Wesley, PhD, LMHC, LPCC-S, NCC, LCADC, MAC, DCC
- Tremaine Leslie, PhD, LAC
- Elisa Pellegrino, Ph.D., LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCFE, EMDR, NCC
- Giscard Petion, Ph.D.
- Eric S. Thompson, Ph.D.
- "Ward", Christopher, PhD, ACS, NCC
- Robert Lima, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, RPT-S
- Rodney Ho, Ph.D., Ed.D., MPH, PA-C, Psychiatric-CAQ, LPC, NCC
What You Will Learn
You'll be immersed in the study of human behavior and development and gain applicable counseling skills that you can apply to real-world situations. The curriculum requires 60 SH for graduation, including a 600-hour internship and 100-hour practicum — both completed in a PK–12 school setting. Highlights of what you'll learn include:
Clinical Skills
Development of foundational and advanced counseling skills, including interviewing, case conceptualization, assessment, and diagnosis using current diagnostic frameworks (DSM-5-TR). Emphasis on building effective therapeutic relationships, working with diverse student populations, and developing skills in program planning and client advocacy.
Human Growth and Development
Study of human development across the lifespan, including biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Special attention is given to the development of children and adolescents, the impact of family and community systems, and the role of social and cultural contexts in shaping student well-being.
School Counseling Theories and Applied Practice
Preparation to design, deliver, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs aligned to the ASCA National Model, Florida's School Counseling Standards, and CACREP 2024 standards. Coursework addresses the unique needs of PK–12 students and equips graduates to lead counseling programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Counseling Theories and Applied Practice
Application of major counseling theories to practice in school settings, including work with individuals, groups, and families. Topics include career development, ethical and legal considerations, psychological assessment, substance use and treatment, and crisis and trauma intervention. Emphasis is placed on the development of self-awareness and clinical decision-making.
Research and Program Evaluation
Introduction to research methods relevant to counseling practice, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation of findings. Students develop skills in program evaluation and the application of research to inform ethical and effective school counseling practice.
Career Outlook
With an M.S. in Counseling: School Counseling, you will be prepared for a meaningful and in-demand career in PK–12 education. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the national student-to-counselor ratio currently hovers around 376:1 — far above the recommended 250:1. In Florida, that ratio is even higher at approximately 398:1, translating to unfilled positions on school campuses and student mental health needs going unmet. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to step into these roles and make a real difference for students and schools.
Just a few of the career options available to you are:
- PK–12 School Counselor
- Elementary School Counselor
- Middle School Counselor
- High School Counselor
- Mental Health Counselor
- Career Counselor
