You can begin the program in the summer, fall or spring term, depending on your schedule. Application deadlines for the master’s in clinical mental health counseling program are as follows:
- Spring Semester: October 1
- Summer Semester: February 1
- Fall Semester: February 1
To apply for official acceptance as a degree-seeking student, submit the following application materials online to the Office of Graduate Admission:
- Completed online application (choose Counseling, then Clinical Mental Health).
- One official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work from accredited colleges or universities.
- A résumé.
- A 500-word minimum statement explaining your purpose for graduate study.
- Two letters of reference from individuals commenting on your academic/professional potential.
- (Optional) Official test scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If you previously took the GRE and want your scores sent to Xavier, please contact GRE at 1-888-GRE-SCORE.
You should have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Taking the MAT or GRE may increase your chances of admittance if you do not have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
Recommended Scores:
- MAT: Score of 390 or above
- GRE: Score of 4.0 or above on the analytical section
Group I (17 credits)
- COUN 501: Lifespan Development
- COUN 533: Counseling Theories and Techniques
- COUN 536: Group Process
- COUN 537: Intro to School Counseling
- COUN 579: Psychological and Achievement Testing
- COUN 636: Career Counseling
Group II (14 credits)
- COUN 538: Advanced School Counseling
- COUN 631: Counseling Issues and Ethics
- COUN 638: Cross-Cultural Counseling
- COUN 640: Family Relations
- COUN 639: Substance Use and Prevention
- COUN 669: Pre-Practicum/Counseling Lab
Group III (12 credits)
- EDAD 565: School Law I
- COUN 502: Intro to College Counseling
- COUN 503: Crisis Intervention in Schools
- COUN 540: School Culture
- COUN 773: Counseling Practicum
Group IV (17 credits)
- EDSP 500: Special Education - Identification & Issues
- COUN 509: Counseling Research Methods
- COUN 539: Child Psychopathology
- COUN 670: Counseling Internship
- Five elective hours
Lifespan Development (COUN 501)
Lifespan Development involves the study of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels. Through this course, you learn about the many issues humans face throughout their development and the application of psychological principles in counseling.
Counseling Theories & Tech (COUN 533)
Throughout this class, you receive a comprehensive overview of essential counseling theories and clinical procedures, case methods, ethics, relationships to testing and other data sources, and more.
Intro to School Counseling (COUN 537)
Dive into an introductory course and explore the practicalities and logistics of school counseling, including administrative operations related to school counseling services, personnel and staffing, budget and public relations.
Consultation and Supervision (COUN 642)
This course offers a full review of the historical development of consultation and consultation models and the application of theoretical material to case presentations. Additionally, you learn supervision techniques, strategies and the ethical responsibilities of supervisors in a counseling setting.
Tuition
- MBA and non-degree seeking..............$704 (per credit hour)
Fees
- One-Time Program Fee..............$250
- Graduate Student Association Fee, degree seeking full-time..............$15 (per semester)
- Graduate Student Association Fee, degree seeking part-time..............$10 (per semester)
Additional Course-Specific Fees (Flat Fees)
- Psychological and Achievement Testing, Testing Materials Fee..............$40.00
- Pre Practicum/Counseling Lab, Liability Insurance Fee...............................$36.00
- Pre Practicum/Counseling Lab, Field Experience Management Platform (Tevera) Fee..............$220.00
- Clinical and Personality Testing, Testing Materials Fee...................$35.00
The amounts listed are for the 2024-2025 academic year, and include classes from Summer 2024 through Spring 2025. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated.
For the full, official listing, please visit xavier.edu/costs.
Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.
Program Features
During the program, you acquire valuable clinical experience by working with students in various school settings and putting your theoretical knowledge into practice.
Our school counseling program meets the course requirements for Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, which allows you to smoothly transition to working in schools with students.
In our master’s in school counseling program, you participate in traditional classroom courses once a week with flexible weekend and evening schedules.
Xavier’s MA in School Counseling degree program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
During the program, you’ll complete a 600-hour internship under the supervision of a current school counselor. This essential training helps you connect classroom concepts to real-world applications, preparing you to transition directly into a school counseling role after graduation.
Contact the Office of the Graduate School for a personalized tour of Xavier University's campus with an emphasis on the graduate programs that interest you.
More Counseling Programs
Explore more program options from the Department of Counseling at Xavier University, from graduate degrees to online certificates.
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Medical Trauma-Informed Care Certificate
Addiction Counseling Certificate
FAQ
Our master’s in school counseling program seeks to prepare you to serve as a professional, competent school counselor for students in K-12 settings. Learn more.As our educational systems grow and children’s needs evolve, well-trained and qualified school counselors are essential to students' academic and personal success. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of school counselors to increase by 5% each year, resulting in more than 26,000 jobs annually through 2032.
On average, school counselors earn an annual wage of $60,140; however, the salary range can span from $38,280 to $98,530 based on the type of facility, school district, level of education and experience, or state.
Additionally, mental health counselors earn a median annual wage of $49,710; however, their earning potential can extend to $82,710 based on their facility, state of employment and experience level.
Xavier University’s MA in School Counseling program is an in-person program. Classes will be held at Xavier's campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Our MA in School Counseling program is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time options are available for students who will not be enrolled full-time.
Yes, Xavier University's MA in Mental Health Counseling program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Counseling Program at Xavier University
Xavier University’s Master of Arts in School Counseling program offers an immersive graduate education, allowing you to gain transformative clinical experience, work one-on-one with students and expand your theoretical expertise. With the comprehensive training you receive, you graduate well-prepared to serve students from all backgrounds, providing guidance, compassion and support to overcome any challenges that come their way. Ready to help cultivate a safe, inclusive learning environment? Begin your application for our M.A. in School Counseling program today.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."