Educational Specialist (EdS) in

Counselor Education (School Counselor Certification)

Online

Program Overview

The University of Alabama’s online Educational Specialist in Counselor Education (School Counselor Certification) program is 100% online and designed to help you deepen your knowledge in specific areas of counseling. While the coursework focuses on theory, practice and research, you will have the opportunity to explore topics and strategies in counselor education, play therapy, family counseling, substance abuse counseling, psychopathology, evaluation and more!

Online Program Format

30-33 Credit Hours

$480 Tuition Per Hour

Advance Your Techniques to Help Students Thrive

Through this program, you’ll connect with like-minded peers from across the country, enhancing and refining your knowledge, skills and technical competencies. Courses are offered in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online formats.

Eligible students can pursue Alabama Class AA certification in School Counseling (P-12) Certification. This is an advanced program for certified school counselors.

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

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 Counselor Education Online

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.