Professional School Counseling

Change Lives with a Master’s in School Counseling or Advanced Certificate in School Counseling

Build your skills in the areas of human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships and career development.

Introduction

In our educational counseling master’s and certificate programs, you’ll 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 (consultation, collaboration and referrals). Our graduate programs in school counseling are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Faculty

Professors pride themselves on course creation and delivery that is current and focused on best practices. Each professor has earned their Certificate of Advanced Study in the area of professional school counseling and is active in the field. Professors are active members of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA).

“Our master’s in school counseling and certificate in school counseling has been the gold standard in the area for many years … You aren’t just getting the education, you’re getting the reputation and the network that comes along with Russell Sage College.”

Peter Stapleton, Chair, Department of Professional Education Programs

Spotlights

Meet students and alumni of our educational counseling master’s programs.

Student

2022, 2024

Bradley Heinke

“There is so much power in learning how to use the arts to help heal,” said Bradley Heinke, who completed …

Alumni

“It’s the personal connection you feel at Sage. They really care about you. My professors have kept in touch. I still love hearing from them.”

– Chynna Marcucci

Alumni

Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science Professional School Counseling 2012, 2016

Chynna Marcucci

It’s hard to imagine anyone appreciating a college degree more than Chynna Marcucci. One of eight children, no one else …

Alumni

“For me, the school counseling program at Sage was a perfect fit. They really helped me become a facilitator, helped me reach out and become stronger than I was before when I entered the program, and I’ve enjoyed myself from beginning to end.”

– Lavaughn Garland

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 & College Board Coordinator at public schools in the Albany area; and as an education services specialist for the National Guard.

Advanced Certificate in School Counseling

Graduates of the 48-credit master’s program in school counseling program are encouraged to pursue the 12-credit advanced certificate in school counseling, which is registered with the New York State Department of Education. This will help you earn permanent certification in New York state.

Designed with the input of school counselors in the field, the Certificate of Advanced Study is a great opportunity to continue your studies.

SEE CATALOG FOR REQUIREMENTS

Learning Experience

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.

You’ll also learn to promote practices that emphasize evidence-based teaching, differentiated instruction, diversity and inclusion, teaching English language learners and teacher reflection. Courses draw on the new literacies lens to integrate technology into innovative and traditional learning activities.

Course 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