Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > EdS in Counselor Education

Educational Specialist (EdS) in
Counselor Education (School Counselor Certification)

Online

Program Overview

The University of Alabama’s online Educational Specialist in Counselor Education (School Counselor Certification) program is 100% online and designed to help you deepen your knowledge in specific areas of counseling. While the coursework focuses on theory, practice and research, you will have the opportunity to explore topics and strategies in counselor education, play therapy, family counseling, substance abuse counseling, psychopathology, evaluation and more!

  • Program Format

    Online
  • Credit Hours

    30
  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

Advance Your Techniques to Help Students Thrive

Through this program, you’ll connect with like-minded peers from across the country, enhancing and refining your knowledge, skills and technical competencies. Courses are offered in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online formats.

Completion of this degree program leads to Alabama Class AA School Counselor (P-12) Certification. This is an advanced program for certified school counselors.

  • Application DeadlineApplications accepted year round
  • Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)

Curriculum

The EdS in Counselor Education program consists of 30 credit hours and submission of an electronic portfolio. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Required Courses

  • BCE 615 Field Experiences in Counselor Education (6 hours)
  • BCE 626 Readings in Counselor Education
  • BCE 633 Advanced Seminar (6 hours)
  • BCE 653 Intro to Play Therapy
  • BCE 698 Non-Dissertation Research or BER Research course
  • SPE 506 Working with Families

Additional Requirements (select 6 hours from below)

  • BCE 613 Substance Abuse Counseling
  • BCE 618 Advanced Theories of Counseling
  • BCE 652 Counseling Strategies for Adult-Child Relationships
  • BCE 654 Advanced Play Therapy
  • BSP 660 Psychopathology

Admission

Admission to the EdS in Counselor Education program requires the following:

  • A master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution
  • A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in school counseling
  • Two years of full-time acceptable P-12 professional educational work experience

A completed application package includes unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a Graduate School application.

Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. Section III and V should be completed by your current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department), and Section IV is not required. Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions and Certification at debryant@ua.edu. The original form should be mailed to:

The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231

Applications are accepted year round.

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

Can I have a master’s degree in any field and apply to the program?

No, you must have a master’s in School Counseling.

Is the GRE or MAT required for admission into the program?

No, you do not need a GRE or MAT entrance exam to be admitted into the program.

Do I have to come to campus for any classes?

No, the program is completely online. While you’ll always be welcome as a member of the University community, including an invitation to participate in the commencement ceremony, you will not be required to come to campus for any classes.

Who teaches the courses?

The same professors who teach on-campus courses teach the online courses.

Is this a cohort-based program?

No, this is not a cohort-based program. Students are admitted year round.

 

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.

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Program Information

Hannah Homan
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
hannahh.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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