Master of Arts in School Counseling - Non-Licensed Candidates Earning (LPC Option)

Lewis University

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.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.This program is intended for candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are not teacher-licensed. These candidates will earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling. Candidates will take the coursework required for the Professional Educator License (PEL) 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.)

College of Education and Social Sciences