School Counselors provide support for students to be successful in the school environment and to become life-long learners and critical thinkers. As developmental specialists, School Counselors address students’ needs across the academic, social-emotional and career domains.

As the students’ resource and ally, counselors are bridge-builders and leaders; they advocate for the students’ best interests while collaborating with other school professionals, community members, and the students’ family.

About the Program

Our School Counseling concentration equips graduates with the skillset to act as leaders in the educational community. Our graduates are trained to seek the strengths in all students, K-12, while coaching them to develop adaptive behaviors and skills throughout transitions in the school environment and at home.

Our curriculum:

  • Focuses on the developmental phases of childhood through adolescence.
  • Builds a foundation for individual counseling practice and consultation.
  • Integrates group counseling theories and processes.
  • Facilitates the development of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program.
  • Supports data-driven programming to promote student success.
  • Emphasizes ethical and culturally responsive practices with diverse populations.

Beyond the Classroom: Practicum & Internship

  • Complete 100 practicum hours.
  • Gain 40 hours experience of direct School Counseling work.
  • Gain experience in elementary, middle, and high school settings.
  • Receive support from an on-site liaison, direct individual supervision from a faculty member, and additional insight and support through a small group seminar.

Your internship is a key component of your educational preparation to be a professional counselor. Students typically begin their internship in the semester following the completion of practicum. Depending on whether you are attending part-time or full-time, the internship experience can take 1-3 semesters to complete.

  • Complete 600 internship hours.
  • Gain 240 hours experience of direct school counseling work.
  • Receive on-site supervision; our sites offer a 1:1 ratio of student-to-supervisor.
  • Receive additional faculty supervision and support through a small group seminar, which also serves as an opportunity for case review.

Licensure & Certification

Graduates of this program are qualified for:

  • The National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE)
  • The Praxis II exam
  • Professional School Counselor Certification through the Maine Department of Education.
  • Requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Maine, levels K-12.
  • With additional coursework as well as a 900-hour clinical internship, graduates can also qualify to be a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
  • This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization and Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, and for contact information to inquire further about the licensure requirements associated with this program. 
Program Requirements
Admissions Deadlines & Requirements