School Counseling
School counselors focus on academic support, social and emotional needs, and career readiness of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Time can be spent working with individual students, small groups, classrooms, other professionals and parents. Pursue a Master's in School Counseling and make a difference in the life of students.
The School Counseling program is designed to meet all of the academic requirements for professional certification in New York State and qualifies you for initial certification in most other states as well. You will share a group of core counseling courses with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Courses provide the knowledge and skill that you will need as a school counselor.
You will focus on developing practical skills and learn first-hand through lab-based courses, and field experiences, which include an internship. You can complete the program in as little as five semesters and you will be prepared to help students with the social and cultural issues they face in school today.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits both the School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs. CACREP accreditation offers greater recognition of quality professional preparation within the “job market”, as well as educational opportunities beyond a master’s degree, as well as provides students greater reciprocity for state/territory certifications and license beyond New York State.
Both programs provide a common core, and allows students to specialize in school counseling or mental health counseling. Please contact your advisor if you have any questions.
School Counseling Program Coordinator
Dr. David Farrugia
@email
(716) 888-2393
Mental Health Bridge Program
This course of study (typically, 12-18 credit hours) is for candidates who already have a Master’s degree in counseling, but do not meet the required coursework and experience for the NYS mental health-counseling license (LMHC). In order to qualify for this “Bridge Program,” candidates should have a Master’s degree in school counseling, community agency counseling, college counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and older general counseling degrees.
In most cases, Bridge Program students enter the program having completed graduate level counseling courses in professional issues and ethics, counseling theories, human development, counseling skills, group work, assessment, research and program evaluation, social and cultural issues in counseling, and career development.
If any of these courses have not been completed, a student will be required to take them as part of their bridge program. Candidates who have completed Psychopathology and/or Chemical Dependency as part of their Master’s Degree in Counseling may complete their bridge program with fewer credits.
Bridge Program Program Requirements
Faculty Advisor and Mental Health Bridge Program Coordinator
Dr. Ashley Luedke
luedkea@canisius.edu
(716) 888-2397
Counseling Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
The job outlook for school counselors between 2018 and 2028 was projected to grow 8% faster than the average for all occupations.
The 2019-2029 job outlook for mental health counselors as well as substance abuse counselors is projected to grow 25 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations.