Assistant Dean: Marie Ribarich, Ph.D.
Chidwick 204 914-654-5561
Master of Science Degree in Guidance and Counseling Leading to Provisional Certification –45 Credits
The Master of Science Degree in Guidance and Counseling, which is approved by the New York State Education Department, includes courses from many programs in the Graduate School: Special Education, Psychology, Career Development, and Guidance and Counseling. Because students take courses in other departments, they have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other students of different disciplines and professions.
The graduate program in Guidance and Counseling is a 45-credit program leading to the Master of Science Degree. The program meets all the New York State Education Department requirements for certification as a School Counselor, and will prepare students to work as professionals in pupil personnel services in school systems. Students in the program may apply for Provisional Certification as a School Counselor while completing their Master’s Degree when they have completed 30 credits of graduate coursework in school counseling, including a supervised internship in school guidance counseling.
According to the regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education, the requirements to obtain certification as a School Counselor are as follows:
- Provisional Certification: a baccalaureate degree and 30 semester hours of graduate study in the field of school counseling, including supervised internship in school guidance counseling, attendance at Child Abuse Identification and School Violence Prevention Workshops, and Fingerprint Clearance.
- Permanent Certification: satisfaction of the requirements for provisional certification, two years experience in pupil personnel service -school counseling, an additional 30 semester hours of graduate study in school counseling, and a Master’s Degree.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility for study in the Guidance and Counseling program is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Admission to the Graduate School is open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution and who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (B-) overall and a 3.0 (B) in the major field. A student who has an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of less than 2.7 (B-) may in some instances be admitted on a probationary basis.
Application should be made to the Division of Human Services office and should include the following:
- An application form plus $35.00 application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- Two letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes
- A written personal statement of at least 250 words outlining academic and professional goals
- Immunization records, if applicant was born after January 1, 1957
- An interview with a member of the Admissions Committee
- A writing sample done on site during the interview