The University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education is accepting applications for its Master of Science in School Counseling program, with a priority deadline of April 1, 2026, for summer or fall enrollment. The program, accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), offers both full-time and part-time options and is designed to prepare school counselors for leadership roles in K-12 schools.
Prospective students considering graduate study in school counseling face a growing number of program structures and credentialing requirements, particularly when evaluating options across state lines. While a Master of Science degree is a common entry point, the integration of state-specific credentials, like California’s Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, adds complexity. San Diego State University (SDSU), for example, offers a two-year, 60-unit M.S. In Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling that simultaneously prepares graduates for the California PPS credential.
The Warner School program emphasizes the evolving needs of school counselors in the 21st century, focusing on social-emotional, academic, career, and developmental support for increasingly diverse student populations. The curriculum is designed to meet CACREP standards, ensuring a rigorous educational experience. Students can pursue practicum and internship experiences in elementary, middle, or secondary schools, with unique opportunities available at East High School, an urban school affiliated with the University of Rochester’s Educational Partnership Organization (EPO).
New York State recognizes two levels of school counseling certification – initial and professional – which are often reciprocated in other states, broadening the potential geographic scope for graduates. This portability is a key consideration for students planning to practice outside of New York. SDSU’s program, similarly, prepares students for a specific state credential, but the foundational skills developed are broadly applicable.
The demand for qualified school counselors remains strong, with most states requiring state certification for positions in public K-12 schools. The Warner School’s flexible program structure allows students to begin studies in any semester and complete the degree in two years of full-time study, or three to four years on a part-time basis. Generous scholarship opportunities are also available to offset the cost of tuition. The SDSU program also requires full-time study over two years.
The University of Rochester’s program features unique internship opportunities, including placements at East High School, overseen by the University’s EPO. First-year students in the SDSU program are required to spend a minimum of one to two days per week on school sites, increasing to a minimum of two full days per week in the second year.
