Professional School Counseling


Master of Education (MEd)
Credits tooltip-icon

42, 48, 60

Avg. Completion Time

2-3 years (full-time)

Delivery Method tooltip-icon

Hybrid, Lancaster

Why Earn an MEd in School Counseling through LBC | Capital?

LBC | Capital’s Professional School Counseling degree program provides individuals with theological distinctiveness, contemporary scholarship and professional counseling skills to serve competently within both the public and private school context. The program utilizes scripture as the foundation on which skills and knowledge are developed. In addition, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model is utilized in the development, implementation and delivery of comprehensive professional school counseling services. This program provides a unique opportunity to integrate both faith and practice into the field of professional school counseling K-12.


Our MEd program offers three tracks that allow the students the options to earn eligibility for certification and licensure.

  • MEd no certification = 42 credits, no certification or licensure
  • MEd eligible for certification = 48 credits, eligible for PA Educational Specialist I Elementary & Secondary School Counselor (PK-12), no licensure
  • MEd eligible for certification & licensure = 60 credits, eligible for PA Educational Specialist I Elementary & Secondary School Counselor (PK-12), eligible for PA licensed Professional Counselor

Course Length

16 weeks

Residency Requirement

Hybrid model – face-to-face monthly and online

Capstone Requirement

Practicum and internship – 700 hours

Transfer Agreement

May transfer in up to 18 graduate credits (6 courses) into this degree program

License, Certification, Credential Information

MEd tracks are available for eligibility for certification and licensure.
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Program Plan

Professional School Counseling (48 Credits)

Intro to Professional Counseling Courses 15 Credits

Professional Core Courses 18 Credits

Advanced School Counseling Courses 9 Credits

Professional School Counseling Practice Courses 6 Credits

View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and complete program details.

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Want to learn more about this master’s degree or LBC | Capital’s graduate school? Consider scheduling an appointment to talk virtually or in person with an Admissions Counselor who will be glad to answer all your questions about earning a graduate degree.

Program Distinctive - What makes LBC | Capital's program unique?

LBC | Capital’s program is delivered in a blended format, combining the convenience of online learning, without sacrificing important face-to-face interactions gained from classroom instruction. But that’s not all that makes us unique. Through our program, you can:

  • Earn your MEd in professional school counseling in as little as two years.
  • Graduate equipped for Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) PK-12 School Counseling Certification, which enables you to practice in public schools, Christian schools or other privatized institutions of primary and secondary education.
  • Maintain your busy work and family schedules with convenient evening, weekend and online classes.
  • Learn under the tutelage of experienced licensed professional counselors.
  • Choose from three curriculum paths that afford you different choices for certification and/or licensure.

*In the past, school counselors were called guidance counselors.

Career Paths

The MEd in School Counseling will prepare you for a wide range of service and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers our MEd alumni serve in:

  • Elementary School Counselor
  • Middle School Counselor
  • High School Counselor
  • Family Based Counselor
  • Career Counselor
Program Goals – In this program, students will…
  • Develop the foundational elements of an ASCA National Model program and assess its relationship to the educational system.
  • Define ideas and concepts that distinguish the profession of school counseling in general and of Christian counseling in particular.
  • Demonstrate the ability to establish a helping relationship using basic counseling skills
  • Demonstrate an ability to make ethical decisions and take actions that are grounded in thoughtful and comprehensive reasoning and a decision-making process within the Christian worldview.
  • Lead and facilitate student and parent group guidance and counseling activities with an understanding of group dynamics and processes.

Course Plan

The following is the proposed schedule for this degree program.

Course Title Year Credits
CPS 501 Orient. to Prof CNS Identity, Function & Ethic One 3
CPS 515 Counseling Theory & Techniques One 3
SPE 504 Teaching Students with Low Incidences One 3
CPS 508 CNS Skills in Helping Relationships One 3
CPS 541 Group Counseling Leadership One 3
CPS 505 Research and Program Evaluation/td> Two 3
CPS 525 Assessment Techniques in Counseling I Two 3
CPS 583 Multicultural Foundations of Counseling Two 3
CPS 510 Human Growth & Dev. Across Lifespan Two 3
CPS 531 Psychopathology and Counseling Two 3
CPS 588 Career and Lifestyle Development Two 3
CPS 514 Psychopharmacology Three 3
CPS 572 Addictions Counseling Three 3
CPS 573 Advanced Addictions Treatment Three 4
CPS 575 Counseling Children & Adolescents Three 3
CPS Elective Three 3
CPS Elective Three 3
CPS Elective Three 3
CPS 601 ADD CNS Practicum Three 3
CPS 602 ADD Internship I Three 3
CPS 603 ADD Internship II Three 3

Meet the Faculty

Melissa Boas, MEd
Assistant Professor; Director for Professional School Counseling & BS Psychology Programs
Day Butcher, EdD
Assistant Professor
Sean Dougherty, MEd/MS
Assistant Provost for Student Success, Program Director for MA in Counseling programs
Jon Shacklett, MA
Assistant Professor

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Looking for Ways to Finance Your Master’s Degree?

LBC | Capital’s Financial Aid Office can help you navigate the process.