The Niagara University College of Education’s school counseling program is one of only two in New York state to have received approval from the state’s Department of Education for meeting its new requirements for initial and professional certification.

The new program, which offers a flexible schedule of both on-campus and online courses, was designed in accordance with the new state requirements and based on input from members of the college’s School Counseling Advisory Council, which is made up of current school counseling practitioners and Niagara University alumni. Through comprehensive studies in counseling theories and practice, graduates are well-prepared to address the academic, career, and personal/social needs of pre-K to 12th grade students.

The 48-credit-hour M.S.Ed. in school counseling leads to initial certification in school counseling in New York state. Those already holding initial certification in NYS can complete the 12-credit-hour Certificate of Advanced Studies to become eligible to apply for professional certification in New York state as well as national certification as a professional counselor (NCC) and school counselor (NSC). Both programs prepare skilled, ethical school counselors who advocate for positive change by learning, leading, and serving students, families, schools, and communities, especially those who are disadvantaged or marginalized.

“Having been a school counselor for many years, I know how rewarding a school counseling career is and how important and central the school counselor's role is in the students' development and education,” said program coordinator Jeannine Bauerlein. "What stands out to me about Niagara University's counseling programs is its amazing team of professors with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of counseling, which makes it one of the best universities to achieve a school counseling degree. Our focus at NU is on providing individual attention to each student so that their educational journey to becoming a school counselor is not only successful, but also enjoyable."

For more information, visit https://www.niagara.edu/school-counseling.