Counseling - School Counseling - M.A.
Help students grow academically, emotionally, and personally, and walk a little taller knowing you made a difference.
Manhattan University's Master of Arts in School Counseling prepares you for certification as a K-12 school counselor in New York State. Grounded in research and shaped by the real needs of today's schools, the program teaches culturally sustaining, anti-racist practices and pairs small classes with hands-on field experience, so you graduate ready to guide students through their academic and personal development.
This program is part of Social and Behavioral Sciences
SCHOOL COUNSELING BY THE NUMBERS
A Degree Built for Impact
60
Minimum Credit Hours
Flexible
In-person and online coursework
2-3 Years
Average Time to Completion
The Manhattan Advantage
Why Study School Counseling at Manhattan University?
At Manhattan University, you prepare to become a school counselor in a program grounded in research and shaped by what schools actually need. You will learn culturally sustaining, anti-racist practices in small classes led by faculty who are practicing counselors, then put them to work through a 700-hour internship in local K-12 schools, where many graduates later return as site supervisors and mentors. With a blended schedule built for working professionals and a location minutes from New York City and Westchester County, you graduate ready to help students reach their academic, personal, and career goals.
Curriculum & Courses
The 60-credit curriculum integrates counseling theory, human development, and multicultural practice with an extensive practicum and two-semester internship in K-12 schools. You will complete the required core coursework and 6 elective credits, selected with your advisor to align with your professional goals.
The courses listed below are a sample of what you will take with this program. To view the full plan of study, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.
- Methods of Educational and Psychological Research
- Psychology of Career Counseling
- Crisis Intervention, Trauma Response, and Emergency Management
- The Social Media Paradox: Connection, Crisis, and Mental Well-Being
- Introduction to Counseling Practices and Theories
- Techniques in Counseling & Therapy
- Life Span Development
- Group Counseling
- Practicum In Counseling
- Approaches to Multicultural Counseling: Theory and Practice
- Psychopathology
- Measurement and Assessment for Counselors
- Cross Cultural Counseling
- Internship in School Counseling I & II
- Counseling the College Applicant
- Professional Orientation to Counseling: Standards, Law, Ethics, and Evaluation
Why Study in New York City
New York City and the surrounding region offer an exceptional setting for training as a school counselor. Manhattan University sits minutes from the city and close to Westchester County, giving students access to K-12 schools serving some of the most ethnically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse communities in the country. Through a 700-hour internship in local schools, you will work directly with students, teachers, and counselors, building the cultural competence and practical judgment that define an effective counselor. Many graduates are employed across New York City and Westchester County, and many return to mentor the next generation of counselors-in-training.
Learn From Leaders in the Field
The faculty in this program are more than professors; they are practitioners. School counselors, mental health counselors, and psychologists bring years of field experience into small classes, accelerating your learning with insight that only active practice provides. They guide your academic, clinical, and professional growth from your first course through your final internship.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Where a School Counseling Degree Can Take You
Graduates of Manhattan University's School Counseling program build careers in K-12 schools across New York City, Westchester County, and beyond, with many advancing into leadership and doctoral study. After meeting New York State requirements, graduates are also eligible for certification in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
- Director of Counseling
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor
- School Counselor
- Guidance Counselor
About
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused graduate education accessible and affordable. Graduate students may qualify for assistantships, scholarships, and federal aid that significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance.
- View Tuition & Fees
- View Graduate Assistantships
- Explore Scholarships Scholarships
- View Graduate Federal Aid and Grants
A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.
Admissions Information
Start Your Journey in School Counseling
Applying to Manhattan University is simple and straightforward. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward advancing your career.
Requirements:
- Applicants for master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or institution.
- Normally, an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required, although other factors may be considered in the admission decision.
- Ideally, applicants should have suitable preparation in the behavioral sciences. Consideration will be given for teaching experience and for other applicable experience. Applicants who possess a bachelor's degree but lack relevant background experience may be required to take prerequisite courses for admission.
- Other factors will be considered for admission, such as years of professional experience, a high average in your major field, scores on required standardized tests, or academic development beyond the baccalaureate degree.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.