Our evening classes are small, discussion-oriented, and geared to practical application. Choose from two tracks: Track I for students with two years of successful full-time licensed teaching(48-51 credits), and Track II for students without a current teaching license or with less than two years of successful licensed full-time teaching prior to admission into the School Counseling program (54-57 credits).

1. How much does the program cost?

The current tuition and fees are listed here. The MSC program is a total of 48-57 credits, depending on if students are on Track 1 or Track 2. When making plans, prospective students should also consider expenses such as textbooks and a parking pass.

2. How long does it take to complete the program?

The MSC program is generally completed in two years.

3. What’s the difference between Track 1 and Track 2?

Track 1 is for individuals who already hold their teaching license in the state of Oregon and who have successfully completed two or more years of licensed teaching. Students on Track 1 complete a 48-credit curriculum. Track 2 is for students who do not hold a teaching license in the state of Oregon and/or have not successfully completed two years of licensed teaching. Students on Track 2 complete a 57-credit curriculum that includes a student teaching practicum and courses related to curriculum development and classroom management.

4. Can I work while doing this program?

Students in the MSC program must make a personal choice about working while pursuing their education. Throughout the program, students will complete coursework on campus in the evening once a week, in addition to completing their practicum and internship in the school. Because schools operate during the hours of a typical workday, students often adjust their work schedules in order to complete program requirements.

5. Is Bushnell accredited?

Yes. The MSC program is accredited through TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission).

6. What can I do with my degree after graduating?

After graduating, students are eligible to earn their licensure as a school counselor for the K-12 level. Students may work in both public and private school settings.

 Have other questions? Contact our admission counselor for the MSC program at 541-684-7201.

• Free application for admission
• Official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• A statement of purpose of two-three pages (double-spaced) articulating interest in school counseling as a profession
• Current resume
• One letter of recommendation that specifically addresses the academic ability, work performance, and character of the applicant
• Two Disposition Assessments
• A personal interview with the admissions committee
• An official test score on the TOEFL (minimum score of 550 on the paper test, the minimum score of 213 on the computer test) for applicants from non-English speaking countries
• Documentation of teaching experience (Track I only) by completing a Professional Experience Form obtained through the School of Education
• Copy of teaching license (Track I only)

Carrie Gillies
Admission Counselor

541-684-7259
cgillies@bushnell.edu

Suzanne Price, M. Ed.
Associate Dean, School of Education

541-684-7206
sprice@bushnell.edu

Track I (48-51 credits)

For full course descriptions, visit our academic catalog.

• Child/Adolescent Development and Mental Health
• Introduction to the Counseling Profession
• Counseling Theories and Skills I & II
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
• Crisis Management
• Group Counseling
• Counseling Diverse Populations
• Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention
• Early Childhood/Elementary Counseling
• Middle School/High School Counseling
• Introduction to Family Systems
• Career Development and Counseling
• Academic/Behavioral Appraisal and Intervention
• Research and APA Writing
• Internship/Group Supervision

Prerequisite Courses

Human Development or an equivalent upper-division course in human development and behavior is required for the Masters of Arts in School Counseling program. This course may be taken concurrently in the first semester of coursework.

For full course descriptions, visit our academic catalog.

Track II (54-57 credits)

For students who do not have a current teaching license or have less than two years of successful full-time licensed teaching prior to admission.

• Child/Adolescent Development and Mental Health
• Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management
• Curriculum Development and Technology
• Student Teaching Practicum
• Introduction to the Counseling Profession
• Counseling Theories and Skills I & II
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
• Crisis Management
• Group Counseling
• Counseling Diverse Populations
• Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention
• Early Childhood/Elementary Counseling
• Middle School/High School Counseling
• Introduction to Family Systems
• Career Development and Counseling
• Academic/Behavioral Appraisal and Intervention
• Research and APA Writing
• Internship/Group Supervision

Prerequisite Courses

Human Development or an equivalent upper-division course in human development and behavior is required for the Masters of Arts in School Counseling program. This course may be taken concurrently in the first semester of coursework.

Per Semester:

Housing & Food: $5,650
Books & Supplies: $55 per credit
Personal: $700
Transportation: $700
Tech Fee: $150

The Certificate in School Counseling program offers an alternative pathway to licensure for individuals who hold a graduate degree in mental health (CACREP accredited) and are interested in a career in school counseling.

The program prepares candidates to provide academic, career, and personal/social counseling services to K-12 students. It covers topics such as counseling theory, crisis intervention, ethics, and legal issues in school counseling, as well as supervised field experiences to develop practical skills. For more info on the certificate, click here.

Courses 

For a full course description, click here.

• Introduction to the Counseling Profession
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
• Career Development and Counseling
• Early Childhood/Elementary Counseling
• Middle School/High School Counseling
• Child/Adolescent Development and Mental Health
• Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management
• Teaching Practicum
• Curriculum, Development and Technology
• School Counseling Internship/Group Supervision (Elementary)
• School Counseling Internship/Group Supervision (Secondary)

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in School Counseling Program, candidates will:

• Demonstrate ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of school counseling
• Demonstrate knowledge of theories and processes of effective counseling and wellness programs for individual students and groups of students
• Demonstrate multicultural competencies and advocacy in relation to diversity, equity, and opportunity in student learning and development
• Understand the influence of multiple factors that may affect the personal, social, and academic functioning of students and the use of various forms of assessments for these
• Demonstrate how to critically evaluate research relevant to the practice of school counseling and apply those research findings to the field
• Understand and evaluate programs designed to enhance student academic, school-to-work transition, career planning, social, and emotional development
• Know strategies and methods for collaborating with school staff, parents, families, and community members to empower them to act on behalf of their children
• Understand the school counselor’s role in student assistance programs, school leadership, curriculum, and advisory meetings

Oregon Licensure

In accordance with the rules established by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), the Bushnell University School of Education offers a comprehensive program leading to a PK-12 Preliminary School Counseling License.

All school counseling candidates must create an eLicensing account on the Oregon TSPC website here. For more information on Oregon licensure requirements, click here.

Out of State Licensure

For more information on out-of-state licensure, click here.

The classroom practicum is an abbreviated student teaching experience offered during the second semester of the program. This supervised practicum consists of a minimum of 200 clock hours in a regular classroom in an accredited school. The experience consists of 75 clock hours of full responsibility for directing learning with a work sample illustrating the ability to foster student learning.

Fingerprinting (as required by law)

• Education Program Fingerprinting Procedures
• Fingerprint packets and forms can be obtained in the Teacher Education Department. Fingerprint clearance by TSPC is required prior to official admission into the program.

Civil Rights

To hold a teaching license, Oregon educators are required by statute to demonstrate knowledge of civil rights laws and laws prohibiting discrimination. In accordance with ORS 342.123 (1), pre-service teachers must pass all components of the Civil Rights in the Educational Setting learning modules. All modules must be successfully passed prior to starting any field experience, or by the second week of the fall semester, whichever comes first. A passing score of 100% is required.

More information on testing requirements can be found here.

Candidates in the Master of School Counseling program engage in 600 hours of internship, under the guidance of a licensed school counselor and with support from a Bushnell Field Supervisor.

To ensure a full range of experience, the internship is split between an elementary and secondary setting; 300 hours, each. For Track II candidates, an additional 200-hour field placement in a classroom setting is also required.