Provide academic and social guidance to tomorrow's leaders.
Graduate programs in School Counseling at Lewis University have been designed for both licensed teachers and non-licensed professionals. Both program options have been developed according to State of Illinois guidelines to meet the need for qualified counselors in K-12 settings.
As the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) states, as a school counselor you will help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development along with preparing students to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
Program Objectives
The objectives are the same for both programs. The goals are to:
- Provide a knowledge base in relevant areas of School Counseling theory and demonstrate the pragmatic application of those theories.
- Develop candidates’ skills in techniques of counseling, interviewing, and assessment.
- Develop an understanding of the school counselor’s role in the organization and implementation of a comprehensive developmental counseling program.
- Develop candidates’ understanding of the uniqueness of each individual and demonstrate how the counselor must be flexible in dealing with the individual.
- Develop a professional identity and an understanding of ethics and ethical behavior.
Licensed Teacher Candidates
This program is designed to prepare teachers to work effectively as K-12 school counselors. There are two options available: upon completion of the program, you will receive a Master of Arts in School Counseling, making you eligible for the Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement. Additionally you may take coursework to be eligible to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam.
Non-Licensed Candidate (for those without a master's degree)
For those who have a bachelor's degree and are teacher licensed, this program will provide you with a Master of Arts in School Counseling, and the coursework required to make you eligible for the Professional Educator License. You may also take additional coursework to be eligible to sit for the LPC exam.
Non-Licensed Candidate (for those with a master's degree)
For those who already hold a master's degree in an area related to school counseling, this program will make you eligible for the Professional Educator License without providing you an additional master's degree.
Optional Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Candidates will take the coursework needed to meet the requirements for the Professional Educator License and additional coursework allowing them to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination. (The LPC enables the school counselor to provide services in mental health outside the school in community settings.) Candidates must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours as part of their degree in order to meet the program requirements for the LPC option. In addition, all candidates who choose the LPC track must complete a 600-hour Internship.
Flexibility for Working Adults
- Evening classes to make coursework convenient
- Small class sizes for personal attention
- Program can be designed and paced to meet the needs of the adult learner
- Some select courses will be offered online and/or hybrid (face to face and online)