School Counseling and Guidance

Program Information

The M.Ed./Ed.S. and M.AE./Ed.S. program in School Counseling is designed to equip students with the pre-professional competencies required for Florida Department of Education Certification in School Counseling. The 72-credit hour program provides students with the specialized knowledge and skills required for placements as school counselors in public or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools.

Students enrolled in the School Counseling program, a state-approved and CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited school counselor preparation program, must provide passing scores for all pertinent sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) including the General Knowledge test (math, English language skills, reading comprehension, and essay), the Professional Education examination, and the Subject Area Examination in Guidance and Counseling K-12 prior to graduation from the program. Questions about this requirement or any other certification related questions may be addressed to the College of Education Office of Student Services.

School counseling & guidance

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Candidates will identify, explain, and defend professional knowledge to address a wide variety of circumstances within the school counseling field.

SLO 2     Skills     
Candidates demonstrate proficiency in school counseling skills by demonstrating the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in school counseling and the ability to articulate, model, and advocate for an appropriate school counselor identity and program.

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Candidates will demonstrate professional behavior in school counseling by engaging in: (a) professional organizations, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current issues; (b) professional credentialing, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards, and the effects of public policy on these issues; (c) ethical standards of professional organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling.

School Counseling & Guidance (EdS)       

SLO 1     Knowledge       
Candidates will identify, explain, and defend professional knowledge to address a wide variety of circumstances within the school counseling field.         

SLO 2     Skills     
Candidates demonstrate proficiency in school counseling skills by demonstrating the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in school counseling and the ability to articulate, model, and advocate for an appropriate school counselor identity and program.

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Candidates will demonstrate professional behavior in school counseling by engaging in: (a) professional organizations, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current issues; (b) professional credentialing, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards, and the effects of public policy on these issues; (c) ethical standards of professional organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling.

School Counseling & Guidance (MAE)    

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Candidates will identify, explain, and defend professional knowledge to address a wide variety of circumstances within the school counseling field.

SLO 2     Skills     
Candidates demonstrate proficiency in school counseling skills by demonstrating the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in school counseling and the ability to articulate, model, and advocate for an appropriate school counselor identity and program.

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Candidates will demonstrate professional behavior in school counseling by engaging in: (a) professional organizations, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current issues; (b) professional credentialing, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards, and the effects of public policy on these issues; (c) ethical standards of professional organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling.

School Counseling & Guidance (MEd)     

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Candidates will identify, explain, and defend professional knowledge to address a wide variety of circumstances within the school counseling field.         

SLO 2     Skills     
Candidates demonstrate proficiency in school counseling skills by demonstrating the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in school counseling and the ability to articulate, model, and advocate for an appropriate school counselor identity and program.

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Candidates will demonstrate professional behavior in school counseling by engaging in: (a) professional organizations, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current issues; (b) professional credentialing, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards, and the effects of public policy on these issues; (c) ethical standards of professional organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling.

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

Start by exploring our more than 250 degree programs to determine the application requirements and if additional items, such as transcripts, portfolios or recommendation letters, are needed in your application. Application deadlines also vary by department, so be sure to apply before the deadline.

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé that is uploaded within your graduate application.

If the program of interest requires recommendation letters, these should be submitted electronically through the admissions application. You must request these recommendations prior to submitting your application. You cannot add or delete recommendations once your application has been submitted. If your recommendation is supplied by paper or PDF, check with your academic program to inquire if this will be accepted.

You can check the receipt of materials by the Office of Admissions on the Check Status page. This page will only reflect information concerning materials forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and does not include materials that are required to be sent directly to your academic unit.

Approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your online application, your 8-digit UF Identification Number (UFID) will be available on the status of your application. Use the same username and password used to submit your CollegeNET application.

Your UFID is unique to you and should be used in all email communication and any subsequent applications submitted. If you do not use your UFID in communications and submissions, it is difficult for us to match your test scores, transcripts, and financial aid information to your academic record.