Master of Science in School Counseling

In today's educational landscape, the need for school-based counseling services is greater than ever. School counselors are key to fostering the well-being, academic success, and personal growth of students. At Grand View University, our fully online School Counseling program equips future counselors with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in students' lives, all while offering the flexibility to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments.

Our program aims to develop ethically sound, research-informed, developmentally competent, and culturally aware school counseling professionals. Graduates will be prepared to provide social services and assistance to improve children's and their families' social and psychological functioning, maximizing their well-being and academic success.

While the program is not currently CACREP accredited, it prepares graduates for licensure as School Counselors in Iowa and offers the flexibility to pursue licensure in other states through personalized consultation and curriculum adjustments. You'll learn to provide essential support, offer educational and vocational guidance, and address the social and emotional needs of students, ensuring their holistic development.

Grand View University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Department of Counselor Education Programs at Grand View University is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can engage in the most rewarding work of their career. We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds and identities to join us as diversity enriches learning and advances the counseling profession. Our curriculum includes a wide range of perspectives and prioritizes multicultural competence, addressing social justice, equity, and issues facing underrepresented groups. We strive to diversify our faculty and staff to enhance our educational offerings and provide varied mentorship opportunities. Additionally, we engage with diverse communities and organizations to enrich our academic programs and provide practical experiences in diverse settings. Each new student brings a unique perspective, enhancing the inclusivity of our program and helping to diversify the counseling profession.

Why Grand View?

No GRE Required: Streamline your admission process as we focus more on your potential and less on standardized tests.
Transfer Friendly: Bring up to 12 credit hours of equivalent graduate work from regionally accredited schools (B or better).
Flexible and Inclusive: Engage in our 60-credit hour program through online coursework tailored for professionals balancing life’s demands. Our program offers Spring and Fall cohorts, allowing you to start your journey when it best fits your schedule.
Local Internships: Complete your internships and practicums in your geographical area, integrating learning with your community.
A Commitment to Flexibility and Support: Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, we offer online, seven-week courses that allow you to work around your schedule. Each course is crafted to ensure you are engaged and can manage your studies effectively without sacrificing your personal and professional responsibilities.

View Course Requirements

Admission and Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling certificate is competitive and not guaranteed by meeting the minimum requirements. We begin reviewing complete applications in January and continue on a rolling basis. Late applications will be waitlisted until openings are available.

Minimum Eligibility:

A baccalaureate degree or a completion plan meeting the program's requirements.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater, or a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
Completion of the application for admission.

Submit the following:

Two references (academic or professional) who must complete an online recommendation form.
Professional resume/cv.
Unofficial or official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree.
Writing Sample: Submit a sample that demonstrates your writing ability and proficiency with APA citations. This sample does not need to be newly written for the application.
Dedication to Counseling Video: Submit a video (no longer than 7 minutes) addressing the following:

What motivates your interest in this program?
What are your career aspirations?
How do your skills and experiences contribute to the counseling profession?
How do you approach and overcome personal biases when working with diverse backgrounds?

Video Submission Guidelines:

One video submission per applicant.
Upload your video directly through our application portal or email it via WeTransfer as an MP4 file to admissions@grandview.edu.
If using WeTransfer, create a free account and follow the instructions for uploading. Detailed instructions and support for video submissions are available here.
Title your video with your full name and include it in the subject line of your email to ensure proper application processing.

Program Requirements (Post-Acceptance)

The following requirements will be met after acceptance but prior to the start of classes:

Membership in the American Counseling Association (ACA) and professional liability coverage will be required when starting clinical work. Detailed information on how to obtain these will be provided.
A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $125.00 is required after acceptance to secure your place. This deposit will be credited towards your first semester's fees.

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Instructional Methods

Graduate study has often kept non-traditional students away due to barriers such as finances or life circumstances (e.g., disability). This is why this program is perfect for an individual who needs flexibility. Our online, eight-week courses allow students to work around their schedules. Each week, students will be expected to review the course materials, participate in learning activities and complete required assignments. All online classes are led by faculty who are licensed practitioners, leaders, and researchers in the field of counseling and whose work is prominent in the field.

While this program meets primarily online, there will be times when students need to come to campus. The program requires that all students attend a 4.5-day on-campus Residency.

Mission Statement

The Grand View University's School Counseling (SC) program aims to develop ethically sound, research-informed, developmentally competent, and culturally aware school counseling professionals. Graduates will be prepared to provide social services and assistance to improve children's and their families social and psychological functioning and maximize their well-being and academic functioning.