School Counseling

The Master of Science Degree in School Counseling is designed to prepare you to work in a school setting as a school counselor and work directly with teachers, parents, and administrators in K-12 settings. You will also be prepared to recognize and respond to students, family, and community social and emotional needs.  

This program prepares future school counselors to meet the challenging times of diverse K-12 students today and apply and evaluate an evidence-based comprehensive school counseling program. Completing the 60-credit School Counselor program will earn your initial certification as a school counselor. 

The Mercy Advantage

• Graduates of the Master of Science in School Counseling Degree Program will be prepared to assume a professional school counseling role in a school setting

• Apply current knowledge and research from social and behavioral sciences including the use of technology to the practice of school counseling

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of cultural diversity on counseling techniques and applications

Career Opportunities

The Master of Science Degree in School Counseling qualifies students for employment at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels in rural, urban and suburban areas. School counselors are an integral part of the school community collaborating with teachers and other health professionals in the school to ensure the success and wellbeing of K-12 students. A degree in school counseling will also prepare students to work in state education departments and not-for-profit agencies that support college and career readiness.

Admissions Requirements

• When applying for admission to Mercy University's school counseling degree program, applicants should include these in their submission:
• An official transcript of their baccalaureate degree showing a GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.00 will be considered on a provisional basis
• Two letters of recommendation
• At least one letter must come from a professor in a related major
• At this time, we are unable to accept letters from friends, family, therapists and professionals outside the field of counseling
• A current résumé
• A personal statement between 800-1,000 words that addresses the following topics:
• What does it mean to be a school counselor?
• What influenced you to want to be a school counselor?
• What are your three biggest strengths? Your three biggest challenges? How will your strengths and challenges impact you as a student in the school counseling program and as a future school counselor? If your GPA is below a 3.0, this must be one of your challenges that you discuss.
• What influenced you to apply to Mercy University?
• At Mercy University, we strive to accommodate all degree seekers, whether their path is traditional or not. If you need to leave your program for any reason, you can apply with an abridged application within four years:
• Three semesters: Resubmit only your transcript and personal statement
• Four semesters/two years: Resubmit your transcript, personal statement and résumé
• Five-seven semesters/three years: Resubmit your transcript, personal statement, résumé and one letter of recommendation
• Students who take leave from the program for four years or longer will need to resubmit all application materials.

Available at these campuses:

• Bronx
• Westchester