Welcome to School Counseling Program

The mission of the School Counseling Program is to prepare professional counselors to work in elementary, middle, and high schools in a diverse, complex society. Graduates are prepared for K-12 school counseling upon completing the program and have a foundation in the theory and practice of comprehensive school guidance, professional identity as counselors, appropriate skills for counseling children and adolescents, experience with technology, clarity regarding appropriate roles for school counselors, and awareness of school culture. They are also aware of the importance of professional standards, recognize the importance of lifelong learning for themselves, and are prepared to contribute to professional literature and actively participate in, and contribute to, professional organizations.

This master's level program also strives to prepare school counselors to be educational leaders, creative in their approaches and integral to creating a school climate conducive to learning. In this regard, students are recruited who represent diversity and have leadership experience. Recognizing that most states currently do not require teaching experience for school counselors, the program, working collaboratively with area schools prior to and during field experiences, includes emphasis on developing instincts about the culture of schools, including raising awareness of existing social, cultural, economic, political, and pedagogical realities. Students usually have had some work experience in educational or human services settings, although they represent a variety of undergraduate majors. All have had some kind of work, or volunteer experience with children and/or adolescents. Upon graduation, they are qualified for school counselor licensure in the state of Indiana, although not all stay in the state to practice.  Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the program is selective in admissions and maintains a small professor-to-student ratio.

To Apply, or for more information:

Graduate School Admissions Information Electronic Application for Admission For detailed information about the School Counseling program, contact the program coordinator, Dr. Jean S. Peterson, (765) 494-9748; email: jeanp@purdue.edu or Dr. Carrie A. Wachter, (765) 494-9748, email: cwachter@purdue.edu.