Educational Specialist (EdS) in

School Counseling

Online

Program Overview

Deepen your knowledge through The University of Alabama Online’s Educational Specialist in School Counseling program. Coursework is online and offers the same in-depth study of applied approaches as on-campus courses. From a base of instruction and mentorship, you can explore topics and strategies in counselor education, play therapy, family counseling, substance abuse counseling, psychopathology and evaluation.

Online Program Format

30-33 Credit Hours

$480 Tuition Per Hour

Elevate Your Career and Your Students

An EdS in School Counseling through The University of Alabama is for school counselor certification, moving you forward while honoring your education-based career.

Through this program, you’ll connect with like-minded peers from across the country to gain perspective and enhance your knowledge and competencies. Our courses offer a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online formats that allow you to continue working while you pursue your EdS.

At The University of Alabama Online, you’ll learn from the same faculty that support students on campus, and you’ll earn the same high-quality degree that adheres to the highest standards of preparation for educators. Our faculty practice what they teach, demonstrating leadership and advocacy so you can experience the rich mentorship and guidance you aspire to deliver in your own practice.

Eligible students can advance to Alabama Class AA certification in School Counseling (P-12).

Application Deadline	February 15 for fall and summer admission, and October 15 for spring admission
Fees	$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
Scholarships and Grants Available	Discover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey
Teacher Salary Schedule	Access the Alabama State Department of Education Salary Schedule to understand earning potential for educators
Completion Time	Most students earn their degree in approximately 2.5 years
Why Working Teachers and Education Professionals Choose UA Online	Learn how UA Online provides pathways for others like you to pursue excellence through flexible, affordable graduate programs

Curriculum

The EdS in Counselor Education program consists of 30-33 credit hours and submission of an electronic portfolio. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Required Courses

BCE 626 Readings in Counselor Education
BCE 698 Non-Dissertation Research (recommended) or an approved Educational Research course (choose from BER 500, BER 540, BER 600, or BER 660)
BCE 615 Field Experiences in Counselor Education (6 hours)
BCE 633 Advanced Seminar (6 hours)
BCE 653 Intro to Play Therapy
SPE 506 Working with Families

Additional Requirements (select 6 hours from below)

Students select six credit hours from the options below in consultation with their advisor and department:
- BCE 618 Advanced Theories of Counseling
- BCE 652 Counseling Strategies for Adult-Child Relationships
- BCE 613 Substance Abuse Counseling
- BSP 660 Psychopathology
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not completed an appropriate special education survey course)

The UA Graduate Catalog is published annually. State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to date information about requirements. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.

Admission

Admission to the Educational Specialist in Counselor Education (School Counseling) degree program requires the following:

A master’s degree in School Counseling from an accredited institution
Transcripts from all institutions attended
A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in school counseling
At least two years of full-time acceptable professional educational work experience in a P-12 school system, verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form*
A 3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Statement of purpose
Completed UA Graduate School application
Completed requirements for fingerprinting/background clearance
An academic writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
- Recommendation letters must be from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic and professional capabilities for all College of Education programs that lead to professional certification

Applications are accepted each semester. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring or summer semester.

Application Deadlines

February 15 for summer and fall admission
October 15 for spring admission

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

*Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. The original form should be mailed to:

The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231

Section III and V should be completed by your current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department). Section IV is not required.

Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, Graduate Admissions and Certification Coordinator, at debryant@ua.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions about the EdS in School Counseling

Can I have a master’s degree in any field and apply to the program?

No, you must have a master’s in School Counseling.

Is the GRE or MAT required for admission into the program?

No, you do not need a GRE or MAT entrance exam to be admitted into the program.

Do I have to come to campus for any classes?

No, the program is completely online. While you’ll always be welcome as a member of the University community, including an invitation to participate in the commencement ceremony, you will not be required to come to campus for any classes.