Master of School Counseling (M.S.)

The Power in Positive Ed

Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world.

That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.

Learn more

School Counseling Program Tracks

There are several different tracks within our School Counseling program, including:

60-credit Professional School Counseling Generalist Curriculum (leading to initial and professional licensure)
60-credit Professional School Counseling with Inclusive Practices focus
60-credit Professional School Counseling with Counseling Services focus
48-credit Professional School Counseling (leading to initial licensure only)
12 credit Professional School Counseling certificate (for those with initial licensure who wish to pursue professional certification)

Learn to design and deliver developmentally appropriate activities and services directly to students (classroom lessons, small group lessons, and individual counseling) or indirectly for students (via consultation, collaboration, and referrals).
Our graduate programs in school counseling are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
The only master’s program in Professional School Counseling in the Capital Region, we have a longstanding reputation for producing some of the best counselors in the field, including the 2023 New York State Counselor of the Year, who teaches in our program.
Professors are professional school counselors with advanced credentials who are active members of the American School Counseling Association. You’ll benefit from course content that is current and focused on best practices.

Program Objectives

Help elementary/secondary students gain understanding of their social, intellectual and emotional development
Be knowledgeable about educational, occupational, and social opportunities
Have decision-making and planning skills
Communicate effectively with school personnel, parents and particularly with students, about issues that facilitate or inhibit personal planning, self-esteem, achievement, and choice

You’ll work collaboratively with other students in the educational counseling master’s and certificate programs. Courses include instruction, hands-on learning and opportunities to practice your counseling skills.

The program includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship experience. Both include a seminar class, which allows students to collaborate and consult with faculty and each other.

View Program Catalog

Easily Apply

Rolling admission, so apply anytime, and begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Application Requirements

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
One letter of recommendation
A one- to two-page career goals essay

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Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our professors are professional school counselors with advanced credentials who are active members of the American School Counseling Association.

Peter J.
Stapleton, Ph.D.

Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives

Learn more about Peter

Matthew
Farnan

Lecturer of Education, School Counseling

Learn more about Matthew

Carla
Young

Alumna, Adjunct Professor, NYS School Counselor of the Year

Learn more about Carla

“Our master’s in school counseling and certificate in school counseling has been the gold standard in the area for many years … You’re getting the education, the reputation, and the network that comes with Russell Sage College.”

Peter Stapleton, Ph.D., Chair, Professional Education Programs

Careers with a Master’s in School Counseling

Alumni of Sage’s school counseling programs are guidance counselors at public and private schools and education programs throughout New York state.

Recent graduates work as a post-secondary counselor at a private school in New York City; as elementary school counselors and a career education coordinator and College Board coordinator at public schools in the Albany area; and as an education services specialist for the National Guard.