Curriculum & Courses

The School Counseling program is a 60-credit hour, full-time program designed to be completed in just 14 months at the UNC School of Education. The curriculum is intentionally designed to help students build a strong foundation, apply their learning in real-world school settings, and graduate ready to support the academic, career, and social-emotional development of K–12 students. 

Students progress through the program as part of a close-knit cohort, beginning in late May and finishing in late July of the following year. Due to the program’s accelerated pace, all courses must be taken in sequence, and successful completion of each semester is required to advance to the next term. 

The curriculum is composed of: 

• Thirty (30) hours of content courses (denoted with a “C”). 
• Twenty-four (24) hours of skill/clinical courses (denoted with a “S”) 
• Six (6) hours of graduate level electives, approved by the Faculty Advisor

School Counseling Handbook »

Learn More About the Program

Electives

Students complete 6 credit hours of electives as part of the M.Ed. in School Counseling. Electives provide an opportunity to tailor the program to your professional interests while strengthening your preparation as a school counselor. 

Students may choose from a variety of graduate-level courses across the University, complete an approved independent study, or—with prior approval from their faculty advisor—transfer eligible graduate coursework from another institution. Faculty advisors work closely with students to select electives that align with their professional goals. 

Common electives include:

• SOWO 700: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD): Abuse and Dependence
• EDUC 808: Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• EDUC 903: Advanced Techniques in School Counseling: Evidence-Based Practices

Field Experience Clinical Courses

Fieldwork, comprised of the practicum and the internship, is a vital part of the M.Ed. in School Counseling program, connecting coursework with real-world application in K–12 schools across the academic year.  

Students must spend a minimum of 100 (40 direct service) clock hours in practicum and 600 (240 direct service) in internship during the August to June K-12 public school year. The schedule for accumulating the required 700 hours is typically completed in three full-time days per week at the school site and/or arranged with both the field supervisor and the EDUC 766 and 705 instructors.  

Field Experience »

Transfer of Graduate Credit Procedure

Up to 12 credit hours of graduate level courses toward the M.Ed. may be transferred into the School Counseling program. These credits must relate to school counseling, and require approval by the School Counseling program and the Graduate School. 

Requirements related to CACREP and School Counselor Licensure allow students to transfer up to six (6) elective credits and six (6) core credits.  

Students desiring to transfer credit(s) into the School Counseling program must fully complete the UNC-Chapel Hill School Counseling Transfer Credit Request Form 

Course Schedule