Master of Education in School Counseling (K-12)
M.Ed. in School Counseling (K-12): Prepare to Make a Difference in Students' Lives
If you're passionate about supporting students' academic success, personal growth and future goals, a career in school counseling can be both rewarding and impactful. Lincoln University's School Counseling Program prepares aspiring K–12 school counselors with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to guide students through the challenges and opportunities they face throughout their educational journey.
Designed to meet and align with American School Counselor Association (ASCA), Missouri School Counselor Association (MSCA), Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements and standards, this program equips candidates to develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs that foster student achievement, well-being and career readiness.
Whether you are a certified teacher seeking to expand your professional opportunities or pursuing the path to becoming a school counselor, Lincoln University provides the preparation and support needed to help you succeed in Missouri's schools and beyond.
Delivery Format
Program Length
Start Terms
Program Basics
- AAQEP Accredited and ASCA recognized, which is the leading professional organization representing school counselors.
- Key strengths: Faculty expertise, in-class experiential learning, small class sizes, meeting the mental health needs of K-12 students.
- Alignment with DESE, AAQEP and ASCA standards.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Students will gain knowledge and understanding of counseling theories, developmental stages and cultural factors that impact the lives of K12 students.
- Students will gain skills in designing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program.
- Students will gain counseling (individual and group) and crisis intervention skills, such as responding to crisis situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of K-12 students.
- Students will gain skills in developing and evaluating the impact of the school counseling curriculum, including intra/interpersonal, academic and career lessons.
- Students will gain skills to help K-12 students plan careers and post-secondary options.
Core Courses
- EDU 504 The Counseling Profession (3)
- EDU 509 Advanced Human Development (3)
- EDU 515 Theories and Techniques of Counseling (3)
- EDU 517 Group Procedures (3)
- EDU 519 Career Development (3)
- EDU 525 Helping Skills (3)
- EDU 530 Counseling in a Pluralistic Society (3)
- EDU 533 Educational Statistics & Research Methodology (3)
- CORE COURSES (24)
Master of Education in Counseling Core Curriculum
School Counseling, K-12
- EDU 524 Appraisal of the Elementary School Child (3)
- EDU 523 Psychological Testing for Counselors (3)
- EDU 531 Principles and Practices of School Counseling (3)
- EDU 532 Foundations of Counseling Children (3)
- EDU 526K Practicum in Counseling (K12 Settings) (3)
- EDU 528 School Counseling Internship (3)
- SPECIALTY AREA (18)
- Total semester hours for M.Ed. (42)
Note: Individuals who do not possess a bachelor’s degree in education from a state-approved educator preparation program must complete the following additional 9 hours of coursework requirements: EDU 510, EDU 538, SE 560.
Candidates have an option for an “add-on” certification as a School Psychological Examiner.
Candidates interested in this certification must have a master’s in education, be initially certified through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and complete a series of approved courses (often in addition to K12 School Counseling Courses for Master’s in Education).
Core Curriculum – School Psychological Examiner
- EDU 509 Advanced Human Development (3)
- EDU 533 Educational Statistics & Research Methodology (3)
- EDU 524 Appraisal of the Elementary School Child (3)
- EDU 523 Psychological Testing for Counselors (3)
Total K-12 school counseling courses (12)
Specialty Courses
- PSY 504 Psychological Disorders OR EDU 586/686 DSM Diagnosis (3)
- EDU 505 Advanced Educational Psychology OR EDU 671 Applications of Educational Psychology (3)
- SE 527 Individualized Intelligence Testing OR EDU 672 Individualized Intelligence Testing (3)
- EDU 526T Practicum in Counseling (Testing Emphasis) OR EDU 689 Internship in Testing (3)
Total specialty courses (12)
Total semester hours for School Psychological Examiner (24)
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Completed LU graduate application packet.
- Statement of purpose related to your program of interest.
- Letters of recommendation (3).
- Class scheduling: Evenings and asynchronous
- Typical course load per semester: 6-9 hours
- Online learning platform: Zoom
- On-campus requirements: In person with alternating weeks online (asynchronous)
How to Apply
- Complete online application.
- Submit all required documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, goal statement, resume)
- Pay a $30 application fee
- Application review by Graduate Studies and program faculty
- Once all documents are submitted, we request 10 business days for departments to review the application packet and respond.
- Admission decision notification
- Applicants will receive a notification letter with information regarding their admission status via their personal email. If admitted, this letter will include information regarding their student ID and University e-mail.
- Schedule a meeting with an advisor.
Don't know where to start? Contact Grad Studies at GradSchool@LincolnU.edu for guidance.
The Federal Financial Aid Eligibility Deadline is July 1
Learn more about financial aid options
Graduate Studies Cost Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, courses are offered in a hybrid format.
Yes, but they have to be submitted to the student’s advisor for review. Lincoln University may accept up to 9 hours of transfer credit. In order for the transfer of credits to be considered, credits must be received within the past 5 years.
Recognition
Lincoln University holds national recognition from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) for its School Counselor Preparation Program. This recognition affirms that the program meets the ASCA School Counselor Preparation Program Standards and prepares candidates to deliver a comprehensive school counseling program grounded in professional practice, ethical behavior and nationally recognized standards valued by school districts and administrators.
Students who graduate from an ASCA-Recognized School Counselor Preparation Program are eligible to apply for the ASCA-Certified School Counselor (ACSC®) credential at a reduced rate. In addition, these graduates benefit from a streamlined certification pathway that requires submission of their passing Professional School Counselor Praxis Test score, recognizing the quality and rigor of their ASCA-recognized preparation program.
Accreditation, Approval and Recognition
- Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Approval: The Missouri DESE has approved Lincoln University’s School Counseling program and confirms it meets DESE standards and benchmarks for school counseling educator preparation.
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AAQEP Accreditation: Lincoln University School of Education's School Counseling program has been accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) since September 2025.
- ASCA Recognition: Lincoln University received ASCA recognition in December 2025.
Accreditation, Approval and Recognition
- Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Approval: The Missouri DESE has approved Lincoln University’s School Counseling program and confirms it meets DESE standards and benchmarks for school counseling educator preparation.
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AAQEP Accreditation: Lincoln University School of Education's School Counseling program has been accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) since September 2025.
- ASCA Recognition: Lincoln University received ASCA recognition in December 2025.
Contact Us
Graduate Studies Office
E: GradSchool@LincolnU.edu
P: (573) 681-5380
