Counselor talking to teen students

Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health

Creighton University’s Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health program is designed to prepare individuals for a counseling career in a school system. In this program, you’ll learn about the many aspects of child and adolescent development and how to develop strategies to help students cope with challenges and overcome obstacles. You’ll graduate this program empowered to provide positive and effective guidance to your students and leadership to your school.

“The Jesuit core values that are infused in our educational process are the biggest competitive advantages of Creighton’s school counseling program. Students learn the true meaning of  ‘men and women for and with others’ and are able to naturally and seamlessly implement that in their individual careers.”

—Jeffrey Smith, PhD | Associate Professor and Program Director, College of Arts and Sciences

Creighton’s school counseling master’s program goes far beyond the administrative aspects of counseling. You’ll learn to model Jesuit values such as the importance of compassion, relationship-building, reflection and humility for the students with whom you work. Through hands-on, project-based learning experiences, you’ll also gain experience that will help you guide future students through tough challenges, including bullying and self-esteem issues, relationship problems, drug use and more.

A program that fits your schedule

We know graduate school is a huge investment of your time and money, so we make sure your investment is a smart one—and one you can fit in your schedule. This program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals and can be completed fully online.

If you already have your teaching certificate, you can complete the program in about 36 credit hours, depending which track you choose. If you don’t, you’ll take an extra practicum and take about 48 credit hours to complete the program.

Creighton’s online master’s in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health is highly customizable, allowing you to choose the proper path to meet your academic, personal and career goals. Specialization options include Elementary School Counseling, Secondary School Counseling or PK-12 Guidance Counseling.

Certification

This program includes a 600-hour internship that meets the Nebraska school counseling certification requirements. Students from states other than Nebraska are responsible for determining the certification requirements for their state and will work with their adviser to meet those requirements. Curriculum is based on the standards identified within the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model.

Program At A Glance

Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health

This program is offered Online

Application Deadline

FOR JUNE ENROLLMENT
April 1

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Official transcripts from all educational institutions attended
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Background check and notarized felony conviction and mental capacity statements
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Application
  • $50 application fee
Apply Now
9.7% expected job growth for school counselors over next decade
Faculty spotlight
Jeffrey Smith

Jeffrey Smith

PhD | Associate Professor and Program Director, College of Arts and Sciences
“When students leave the School Counseling master’s program, they're prepared to go back into their communities and have a positive impact on students, faculty, colleagues and the community they represent”.
Read more about Jeffrey Smith

PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Goals and Curriculum

The MS in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health is designed to prepare individuals for successful careers ad counselors in elementary or secondary school counseling and can be completed in about two years.

To earn this master’s degree, you must complete 36 credits or more, depending which of the three tracks you choose and whether you have a teaching certificate:

  • Core Courses (shared by all tracks)
    • Professional Orientation to School Counseling
    • Ethical Guidelines for School Counselors
    • Introduction to the ASCA Model of School Counseling
    • Action Research in School Counseling
    • Issues in Child and Adolescent Development for School Counselors
    • Individual and Program Assessment in School Counseling
    • Theoretical Perspectives in School Counseling
    • Data-Driven Perspectives in School Counseling
    • Career Perspectives for Children and Adolescents
    • Individual Planning and Counseling Techniques for School Counselors
    • Group Counseling Approaches for Children and Adolescents – Group Dynamics
    • Group Counseling Approaches for Children and Adolescents – Classroom Guidance
    • Group Counseling Approaches for Children and Adolescents – Small Group Counseling
    • Diagnosis and Mental Health Issues in Children and Adolescents
    • Social Justice and Diversity in School Counseling
  • Elementary School Counseling Track Only
    • Issues in Elementary School Counseling
    • Internship in Elementary School Counseling
    • Advanced Internship in Elementary School Counseling​​
  • Secondary School Counseling Track Only
    • Issues in Secondary School Counseling
    • Internship in Secondary School Counseling
    • Advanced Internship in Secondary School Counseling
  • PK-12 Guidance Counseling Track Only
    • Issues in Elementary School Counseling
    • Issues in Secondary School Counseling
    • Internship in Elementary OR Secondary School Counseling
    • Advanced Internship in Elementary OR Secondary School Counseling

Students who do not have a teaching certificate must take Practicum I and Practicum II. Nebraska residents without a teaching certificate will also be required to complete nine additional hours of selected education coursework to meet Nebraska Board of Education endorsement requirements, including:

  • Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment I
  • Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment II
  • School Culture

View all courses for this program

Creighton’s education programs are nationally recognized as excellent by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Higher Learning Commission. This reputation is earned thanks to Creighton’s carefully designed program curricula and standards, as well as the talented faculty who apply Jesuit values to ensure student success.

Meet the department faculty

Specific Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health program, applicants must:

  • Complete an application and submit a $50 application fee
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended
  • Include a resume or curriculum vitae
  • Submit a personal statement (see application for details)
  • Submit three letters of recommendation from persons other than friends or family members
  • Pass a background check (if offer of admission is extended)
  • Submit notarized felony convictions and mental capacity statements

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Tuition and Financial Aid

To show our appreciation for the important work done by educators like you, Creighton University offers a special tuition rate to students in the Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health program.

Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships and fellowships.

Learn more about funding your education

Still have questions? Email or call a financial aid specialist at 402.280.2731. Want to talk to someone in person? Stop by the Office of Financial Aid in Suite 1100 in the Harper Center (602 N 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102).

Dates and Deadlines

The table below details the enrollment deadline and starting date of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an enrollment specialist for personalized assistance.

ONLINE

Start Classes In

Apply By

June

April 1

Apply Now

MAGIS CATHOLIC TEACHER CORPS OPTION

Applicants to the Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health  program have the option to apply through Creighton’s Magis Catholic Teacher Corps. This specialized two-year experience is dedicated to the formation of enthusiastic, faith-filled and highly motivated teachers in direct service to Catholic schools. Applicants to this program through Magis must meet additional admission requirements.

Magis is a two-year experience built upon three pillars:

  • Community–Teachers continue the sense of community fostered in college by living together on campus during the summer and in small communities throughout the school year.
  • Spirituality–Teachers are encouraged to grow in their faith through ongoing formation and practice of Ignatian spirituality.
  • Professionalism–While teaching for two years in Catholic schools, teachers are required to develop as professional educators by completing a rigorous master’s program.

Students accepted into the Magis Catholic Teacher Corps program receive a monthly stipend, fully subsidized tuition and fees, medical insurance, housing and summer meals. Magis teachers may also be eligible for student loan deferment or forgiveness.

Learn more about Magis

Tuition & Financial Aid

Learn about how to fund your investment in education at the Creighton Financial Aid Office.

Funding Your Education

Related Programs

Master of Education in Elementary School Teaching Master of Education in Secondary School Teaching Magis Catholic Teacher Corps Graduate Certificate in Catholic School Leadership Master of Science in Educational Leadership
Learn more about Creighton’s Department of Education