Vanderbilt University - M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling with a Specialization in School Counseling

The Department of Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College offers an online master of education (M.Ed.) in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling.

The M.Ed. program prepares students for licensure in K-12 school counseling roles working with diverse populations in a variety of social and cultural settings. The curriculum focuses on ethical counseling practices, human growth and development, social/cultural diversity, career development, and research and assessment.

M.Ed. students gain a deep understanding of the social and behavioral sciences, practice counseling and helping skills, and learn the nuances of school systems and their roles as school counselors. In addition, students learn to use evaluation and research tools to help children and families in the community.

The online M.Ed. with school counseling specialization comprises 48 credits and can be completed in two to three years with both full-time and part-time options. Students may begin in the fall or spring.

The program is mostly online with two on-campus immersions and three field experiences in school settings required. The immersions are held on the Vanderbilt University campus in Nashville, Tennessee. During the immersion, students participate in collaborative projects, develop their personal models of counseling, and show mastery of the curriculum and skills.

The online M.Ed. in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling program is seeking accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The on-campus program is CACREP-accredited and the curriculum is the same for both programs. It aligns with CACREP guidelines, and aims to prepare students to sit for counseling licensure exams in their state of choice.

The M.Ed. is offered through weekly, live online classes combined with collaborative projects, case studies, and weekly discussions on relevant counseling topics. With other online social tools for peer and faculty interaction, this format creates a highly interactive online environment.

Interactive coursework, recorded lectures, and technical support are available 24/7. Students also have access to faculty support, career counseling, and academic student success services. Finally, each student receives a WeWork membership which allows access to a network of work spaces at locations worldwide. Through WeWork, students can reserve study spaces and connect with other students and professionals.

Required courses may include Research in Counseling; Theories of Counseling; Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Counseling; Counseling Diverse Populations; Career Counseling; Foundations of Professional School Counseling and Guidance; and Exceptional Education and the DSM for School Counselors.

Students then choose two electives which may include Counseling for College Access, Admissions, and Completion; Substance Misuse and Addictions in Schools; and Counseling for Loss, Trauma, and Crises.

Finally students complete three internships. The first comprises 200 supervised counseling hours, while Internship II and III comprise 300 hours each, for a total of 800 field experience hours.

Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).