Master of Arts Degree Program

Master of Arts in Education and School Counseling

A specialized graduate program designed to prepare professionals to support the academic, personal, social, and career development needs of students in educational settings. The program integrates advanced educational foundations with counseling theories, student development, guidance practices, assessment, multicultural counseling, mental health support, and school-based intervention strategies.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in Education and School Counseling

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Total Credits

36 Credit Hours

Traditional Learning

18 Months

Fast-Track Learning

9–12 Months

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Program Overview

Support Student Development Through School Counseling

Integrate advanced educational foundations with counseling theories, student development, guidance practices, assessment, multicultural counseling, mental health support, and school-based intervention strategies.

The Master of Arts in Education and School Counseling is a specialized graduate program designed to prepare professionals to support the academic, personal, social, and career development needs of students in educational settings. The program integrates advanced educational foundations with counseling theories, student development, guidance practices, assessment, multicultural counseling, mental health support, and school-based intervention strategies.

Students examine counseling theories, human development, educational psychology, career counseling, student assessment, group counseling, crisis intervention, ethical practices, and strategies for creating supportive and inclusive school environments. The curriculum emphasizes student advocacy, culturally responsive counseling, collaboration with families and communities, prevention and intervention approaches, and the development of effective school counseling programs.

Graduates develop advanced competencies in educational counseling, student support services, counseling practice, assessment, and school-based leadership, preparing them for careers in schools, educational institutions, youth development organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and counseling support programs.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in Education and School Counseling

Program Length

18 Months — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours per Course

Program Cost

US$ 5,940
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees

Curriculum

Required Courses

The Master of Arts in Education and School Counseling requires 36 total credits.

Course No. Course Title Credits
ESC 6000 Foundations of Education and School Counseling 3
ESC 6010 Counseling Theories and Helping Relationships 3
ESC 6020 Human Development and Student Growth 3
ESC 6030 Academic, Career, and College Counseling 3
ESC 6040 Individual and Group Counseling Methods 3
ESC 6050 Educational Assessment and Student Evaluation 3
ESC 6060 Multicultural Counseling and Inclusive Student Support 3
ESC 6070 School Counseling Program Development and Leadership 3
ESC 6080 Crisis Intervention, Mental Health, and Student Wellness 3
ESC 6090 Research Methods and Professional Ethics in Counseling 3
ESC 6100 Master's Thesis 6
Total Credits 36
Curriculum Details

Course Descriptions

Select a course to view its description.

ESC 6000 – Foundations of Education and School Counseling

Introduces the foundations, history, philosophy, and professional roles of school counseling within educational systems. Students examine the relationship between education, student development, counseling services, and school improvement.

ESC 6010 – Counseling Theories and Helping Relationships

Explores major counseling theories, therapeutic approaches, communication skills, ethical helping relationships, and counseling techniques applicable to educational environments.

ESC 6020 – Human Development and Student Growth

Examines physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and identity development across childhood and adolescence. Students explore developmental factors influencing student learning and well-being.

ESC 6030 – Academic, Career, and College Counseling

Focuses on academic advising, career development theories, college and career readiness, student goal-setting, educational planning, and strategies for supporting lifelong learning pathways.

ESC 6040 – Individual and Group Counseling Methods

Develops skills in individual counseling, group counseling, communication strategies, student support interventions, and techniques for addressing academic and personal challenges.

ESC 6050 – Educational Assessment and Student Evaluation

Examines student assessment methods, educational evaluations, interpretation of student data, counseling assessments, and the use of information to support student success.

ESC 6060 – Multicultural Counseling and Inclusive Student Support

Explores cultural diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, culturally responsive counseling, and strategies for supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

ESC 6070 – School Counseling Program Development and Leadership

Examines the design, implementation, evaluation, and leadership of comprehensive school counseling programs. Students explore collaboration, advocacy, and data-informed counseling practices.

ESC 6080 – Crisis Intervention, Mental Health, and Student Wellness

Focuses on crisis response, student mental health support, wellness promotion, prevention strategies, trauma-informed practices, and collaboration with school and community resources.

ESC 6090 – Research Methods and Professional Ethics in Counseling

Develops research skills, program evaluation methods, ethical decision-making, professional standards, and evidence-based practices in educational counseling.

ESC 6100 – Master's Thesis

Students complete an original research thesis addressing a significant issue in school counseling, student development, educational support services, or counseling program improvement. Under faculty supervision, students conduct research, analyze challenges, and develop evidence-based recommendations for enhancing student outcomes.

Career Pathways

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for counseling, student support, educational leadership, and program development roles.

School Counselor
Academic Counselor
Student Support Specialist
Career Counselor
College Access Advisor
Guidance Program Coordinator
Counseling Program Director
Student Services Administrator
Educational Consultant
Youth Development Specialist
Mental Health Support Coordinator
Student Wellness Coordinator
Counseling Researcher
Educational Program Manager
Family and Community Support Specialist
School Improvement Specialist
Student Development Professional
Counseling Services Administrator
Where Graduates Work

Employment Sectors

Graduates may pursue employment in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, colleges and universities, government education agencies, student support organizations, youth development programs, nonprofit organizations, counseling centers, community service organizations, educational consulting firms, mental health support programs, international schools, higher education student affairs offices, research institutions, educational policy organizations, professional development organizations, family support services, community development agencies, and public administration organizations.

Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Schools
Colleges and Universities
Government Education Agencies
Student Support Organizations
Youth Development Programs
Nonprofit Organizations
Counseling Centers
Community Service Organizations
Educational Consulting Firms
Mental Health Support Programs
International Schools
Higher Education Student Affairs Offices
Research Institutions
Educational Policy Organizations
Professional Development Organizations
Family Support Services
Community Development Agencies
Public Administration Organizations

Ready to Support Students Through School Counseling?

Explore the Master of Arts in Education and School Counseling and take the next step toward supporting the academic, personal, social, and career development of students in educational settings.

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Cavalla International University of America is an academic institution registered in the State of Louisiana to conduct legal business and it is approved by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership of the university to grant professional and academic degrees. The University adheres to the educational standards and requirements of the U.S. Department of Education and complies with the rules and regulations of the Louisiana State board of regents (department of education) regarding educational integrity and recruiting requirements for hiring qualified professors with the right academic qualification to teach.