School Counseling is an applied profession which employs skills, instrumentation, and techniques to facilitate the progress of each student being served. Today’s school counselors are vital members of the educational team whose role is essential to facilitate growth in academic achievement, personal and social growth, and career development for all students. School counselors will be trained as leaders and advocates in their profession. During the first year of study, intensive coursework has been designed to immerse the School Counseling student in the history, foundations, theory, and skills necessary for a Professional School Counselor. During this time, the student will prepare academically for the role of the School Counselor and will supplement academic training with field observations and participation in local schools. The student will proceed with clinical instruction in the second year within the culture of the school working with diverse populations under constant supervision. Having completed this program of study, the School Counseling student will become a reflective practitioner, advocating the needs and rights of his/her students, while collaborating and establishing partnerships with parents, schools, other professionals, and communities. The Master of Science in School Counseling is designed to prepare students to function as counselors in public and private PK-12 school settings and to be certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) at the SC-5 level. Mercer University does not award School Counseling certification. School Counselors in the State of Georgia must obtain certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC).¹
In addition to successful completion of school counseling coursework provided; students will be required to demonstrate evidence of :
- knowledge pertaining to educating exceptional children; and
- computer skill competency.
NOTE: The three credit hour requirement in the education of exceptional children can be satisfied through additional coursework at Mercer or other institutions or through attendance at appropriate workshops. Computer skills competency requirements may be satisfied by obtaining a passing score on a recognized computer skills competency test. A listing of acceptable tests can be found on the PSC website at http://www.gapsc.com.
Additional Degree Requirements
Passing scores on the following examinations:
- National Counselor Exam (NCE),
- National Certified School Counselor Exam (NCSCE),
- Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators (GACE I), and
- GACE II school counselor content tests (103 and 104), are necessary for certification as a School Counselor in Georgia. Specific information regarding opportunities to satisfy these components will be provided to the students throughout their studies.
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