Program Information

The Masters Degree in School Counseling at Rhode Island College prepares professional school counselors who actively promote the success of all students. The program is designed to prepare students for ethical and effective practice with children and adolescents in a variety of school settings and to become certified school counselors in the State of Rhode Island. It is important to note that teacher certification is no longer required for admission into this program or for certification as a school counselor. The program emphasizes a reflective practitioner model and encourages students to remain open to ongoing learning experiences so as to increase their sensitivity and responsiveness to the evolving issues of diversity in school counseling. Students are prepared to be professional school counselors who integrate developmental understandings with clinical expertise to promote healthy development and achievement in the academic, career, and personal/social domains. They also acquire the skills and experiences to be effective educational leaders who collaborate, consult, and promote systemic change in the service of student success.

Program Components

• Developmental understanding that highlights an appreciation of diversity and is culturally responsive.
• Theories and models of individual, group, and vocational counseling with children and adolescents.
• Counseling skill development through a two-course clinical practicum sequence.
• Quantitative measurement and research methods that promote evidence-based practice and the use of data.
• One year internship sequence including 300 hours of school-based experience with on-site supervision.

Retention Requirements

1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Grades below B are not considered of graduate quality and are of limited application to degree work.
2. A minimum grade of B- in Counseling and Educational Psychology 531 or 532. Students who receive a grade of B- or lower in either of these courses must consult with their advisor before registering for any subsequent course in the plan of study.
3. A minimum grade of B in Counseling and Educational Psychology 538, 539, or 540. Students who receive a grade below a B in any of these courses must retake the course. After retaking the course, a recommendation to continue from the student's advisor is also required.
4. Failure to meet any one of the above requirements is sufficient cause for dismissal from the program.