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EdS in School Counseling Online Program Overview
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This Educational Specialist credential program prepares you to provide counseling support for K-12 students who need to overcome personal and academic challenges or plan for life after high school. Courses in adolescent behavior, methodology, evaluation, and counseling prepare you to give every student a chance to prosper.
The program has an emphasis in school-based mental health (SBMH) and prepares you to pursue a career as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). It gives you the skills and confidence to provide education-related mental health services and evaluations in a school setting. The program also prepares you for the PPS credential, which allows you to practice in California’s schools.
If you have a bachelor’s degree and want to be an important part of a school-based team, this program will prepare you to support the academic and social emotional development of k12 students.
Faculty and Admissions
Get the information you need in order to start your program, see the latest admission requirements and get to know our diverse faculty with the links below.
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Degree highlights
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Beyond a Master’s Degree
The program provides an advanced education that surpasses that of a master’s degree while preparing for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
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All Bachelor’s Degrees Welcome
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution, in any subject, you fulfill the admissions requirement to enter the EdS degree program.
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Online, On Your Time
You can earn your EdS and PPS credential online and learn how to work with students, online, in K–12, to gain the experience you need to succeed in the field.
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“This is a profession in which you can really change the hearts and minds of many and extend your impact. There are many opportunities to be able to completely transform systems and be able to provide the support in more than just direct ways that exponentially increases your impact in the lives of many students.”
Rodrigo Enciso
School Psychologist and CSOE Alumnus
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Degree information
An Education Specialist in School Counseling with PPS credential is more advanced than a master's degree but generally requires less coursework than a PhD or EdD. If you have a bachelor's degree and want to make a difference in the lives of school children by becoming a licensed professional counselor, this program prepares you to make a positive change for individual students in the classroom. The Education Specialist in Counseling degree with emphasis in School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) is a 70-credit program and takes a minimum of three years to complete, over 13 terms. Earn your education degree and begin working as a licensed professional counselor by enrolling in one of our programs today.
Student Learning Outcomes
Thinking about becoming a professional counselor? Alliant University makes it easy for you to start a school counseling profession. Coursework for the EdS in School Counseling program ensures you are academically prepared in the following professional competencies:
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School counseling practice and development with the knowledge of the history and foundations of their profession; of service models and methods; of public policy development; and of ethical, professional, and legal standards.
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Student diversity in development and learning with knowledge of individual differences, abilities, and disabilities and of the influence of biological, social, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socioeconomic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in development and learning.
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Prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health with the knowledge of human development and psychopathology and biological, cultural, and social influences on human behavior.
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Effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills through knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills.
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Socialization and development of life skills through knowledge of human developmental processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of behavioral, affective, adaptive, and social skills.
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Data-based decision-making and accountability with knowledge of varied models and methods of assessment useful in identifying strengths and needs, in understanding problems, and measuring progress and accomplishments.
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Consultation and collaboration with knowledge of behavioral, mental health, collaborative, and/or other consultation models and methods.
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Effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills through knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills.
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School and systems organization, policy development, and climate with knowledge of general education, special education, and other educational and related services.
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Home/school/community collaboration with knowledge of family systems, student development, learning, and behavior, and methods to involve families in education and service delivery.
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Research and program evaluation with knowledge of research, statistics, and evaluation methods.
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Information technology skills, with the knowledge of information sources and technology relevant to their work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the career outlook for graduates of the EdS in School Counseling degree program?
The career outlook for those who have obtained their Education Specialist in School Counseling is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 13% for school counselors between 2016 and 2026—a total of almost 40,000 positions nationally. Opportunities include increased mental health needs in K-12 settings, and society in general.
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What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?
Graduates with an EDS in School Counseling with an Emphasis in School Based Mental Health should expect to find a career as a school counselor at the elementary-, middle-, high-school level. Graduates may also choose to pursue specialized roles in K-12 settings as an Educationally Related Mental Health Services counselor or evaluator. They may also consider pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and work in the private sector.
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What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional Financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
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When does the degree program start?
The program is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. Learn more with our eight-week term academic calendar.
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How long does it take to complete the EdS in School Psychology degree program?
The Education Specialist in Counseling degree with emphasis in school-based mental health (SBMH) is a 70-credit program and takes a minimum of three years to complete, over 13 terms.
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What is the modality of this program?
The EdS in School Counseling program is offered online. All classes and coursework can be completed virtually, on your own time, allowing you to tailor your education to your schedule. An online, synchronous residency is included in the program.
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Degree Campus Locations
The Education Specialist in School Counseling is only offered as an online program. If you’re looking to become a school counselor, you can earn your counseling degree on your own time where you are. Explore our online counselor education programs below.
Online Programs
Online Programs
Quality Programs and Degrees, Delivered Online
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Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world. Our Vision is an inclusive world empowered by Alliant alumni.
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Why CSOE
At CSOE, we believe that education is the great equalizer and are committed to preparing and empowering the next generation of educational professionals. If you are looking to make a difference as a school counselor, Alliant University is here to help.