School Counseling FAQs

What are the admission requirements?

Candidates can obtain a full listing of our admission requirements on the School of Education Admission Requirement website. Once you submit the application, you will be able to view your application document checklist.

Do I need a specific undergraduate degree to apply?

The program accepts Bachelor’s degrees in any discipline from any accredited program.

Is an interview part of the admission process?

Once the applications are reviewed, the admission committee does offer an interview day by invitation only. If you are invited to interview you must take part in an interview with the program.  

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes. Students may apply for federal financial aid by submitting a FAFSA form and Institutional form. In addition, the program offers a limited number of scholarships each year, including full tuition coverage to select applicants through the CRISP Scholar Program. There is no separate scholarship application.

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Students have the option to apply for graduate assistantships.

Do you offer graduate housing?

Loyola does not offer graduate housing, but there are plenty of housing options (apartments, rentals) available in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. Loyola’s Graduate Student Services website also lists information about housing and other information about living in the area. On campus housing is available to graduate students who work as a Graduate Residence Coordinator (GRC).

What is the difference between the M.Ed and the M.A.?

Both our Master of Arts and Master of Education programs lead to certification as a school counselor, and coursework may meet the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in the state of Maryland. There are no advantages to pursuing one track over the other. Candidates select tracks based upon their interests.

Our MA program is focused on preparing the research practitioner. M.A. candidates complete a six-credit thesis seminar over two semesters where they are mentored in research methods to either evaluate their practice or identify student needs during the internship experience. Candidates work with program faculty who becomes their thesis advisor throughout the process to select a research focus, choose methodology, analyze data and draw conclusions. Candidates must receive permission from their thesis advisor to move on to Thesis II.

Candidates in our M.Ed. program complete 6-credits in electives to deepen their knowledge and skills as a counselor. Some electives we offer are in mindfulness, counseling refugee populations, trauma-informed practices, leadership and social justice.

Is there an orientation for new students?

Newly admitted students attend a new student orientation to acquaint themselves with the school counseling program’s student handbook, policies, and practices. At the orientation, students have an opportunity to pre-register for first semester courses, obtain their student identification cards, and set up email accounts. New students will also learn about their ethical and professional obligations, personal growth expectations, and eligibility for certification as a school counselor.

New student orientation takes place prior to the start of a student's first academic semester. Specific dates of the orientation are identified on the acceptance letter.

How many students are in each class? (Student/Professor ratio)

Student to professor ratio is 25:1 Lecture courses, 12:1 Skills courses and 9:1 Clinical Experiences, Internship and Practicum.

Can I switch to the M.Ed after starting the MA and vice versa?

Yes. A student may switch programs prior to enrolling in elective courses or thesis seminar.

Does the program accept transfer credits?

Upon acceptance, new students may transfer up to 12 credits from a CACREP program, or CACREP-aligned, toward our 60 credit hour master's program.

To be considered to transfer into our program, course credits must be earned from a CACREP approved, or its equivalent, graduate program within the last five years. Your final grade in the course must be a B or better and courses must directly relate to those required for Loyola's school counseling program.

New students work with their academic advisors. Faculty advisors will determine if credits can be transferred into the program. Students must submit a syllabus and transcript for review to their academic advisor upon acceptance into the program. Academic advisors approve all transfer credits.

Clinical classes such as techniques, group counseling, practicum, and internship cannot be transferred into our program.

Can I take the program part-time and continue working?

Yes. Upon admission each student meets with an academic advisor to develop a plan of study. Students may complete the program part-time and take up to 5 years to complete. However, students will need to either take a leave of absence from work or work part-time during internship.

Where are classes held and what time?

Our courses are offered as hybrid, combining in-person classes with online technology to appeal to the adult learner. In-person classes are held at the Loyola Timonium Graduate Center in the evenings. Course times vary, but most begin at 4:30 or 7:05 pm during the fall and spring semesters.

What is CACREP and why is that something I should look for in the graduate program I attend?

CACREP stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This accrediting agency ensures that the highest professional standards for institutions preparing school counselors. As a CACREP approved program, we adhere to the training standards established by this accrediting body. Those who attend a program that has the CACREP approval can be assured that the training they receive adheres to high standards that will prepare them for role of a school counselor. It also assures your potential employer that you have been highly trained. To learn more about CACREP, visit www.cacrep.org.

How do students complete the 600 hour internship requirement?

The 600 hour internship experience is completed in K-12 schools. Internship can be taken over two or one semester during the fall and/or spring semesters. At the beginning of their program, candidates should seek advising from the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences to plan their internship experience.

Do students choose or are they placed at a site for the internship? How are the sites determined?

Candidates apply for internship during the fall and/or spring semesters. Through collaboration between Loyola and the school districts or non-publics, candidates are placed in schools at the start of the semester in which they applied for internship. Candidates identify a school district and education level when they apply for the experience.

Can I work while completing the internship?

During internship candidates work at a school either 2.5 days a week (300 hour semester) or 5 days a week (600 hour semester). Please keep in mind that candidates must be available to work in schools the number of days identified for each hour experience. Due to the demands of working in a school during the week days, full-time employment is not possible.

What professional organizations are available?

Loyola School Counseling students are encouraged to join professional memberships and student organizations. Some professional or student organizations in which students are members are:

  • Graduate Student Organization (GSO) - a student led organization that serves the interests of graduate students within Loyola. The mission of the GSO is to establish a responsible and representative organization that will support and foster the needs and interests of the graduate student body. The GSO brings together graduate students for social events, community service projects, and networking opportunities. Housing support is provided.
  • Chi Sigma Iota - the international honor society of professional counseling. At Loyola, this student led organization is facilitated by a Loyola School Counseling professor and provides graduates with professional development opportunities and community service initiatives. Graduates are invited to join the professional organization by Loyola program faculty.
  • Maryland School Counseling Association (MSCA) - a state professional organization that represents the interests of Maryland professional school counselors. Student memberships are available.
  • American School Counseling Association (ASCA) - a national professional organization that represents the interests of professional school counselors. Student memberships are available.
  • American Counselor Association (ACA) - a national professional organization that represents the interests of all counselors. Student memberships are available.

If I am licensed in Maryland will I be able to work in other states?

The school counseling program maintains CACREP accreditation as a mark of excellence, which allows graduates of the program to meet the educational requirements necessary for licensure as a Maryland licensed professional counselor and certified as a school counselor in Maryland. If your career goals include working out of state after graduation, it is important to learn that state's licensure requirements. Please see our Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage for more information.

Ready to learn more?

Explore the following links or contact us at mat@loyola.edu or 410-617-5095. For admission-related questions, contact Mechelle Palmer at mjpalmer@loyola.edu.

Program Options

Loyola's School Counseling programs are designed to meet all stages of your professional life—whether you are entering the profession and learning the basics, or if you are an established counselor who wants to continue your education and advance your knowledge and skillset. Our students are prepared to effectively serve, lead, and be advocates for social justice and mental health in pre K-12 settings.

To meet the youth mental health crisis, we offer counselors the opportunity to not only become eligible for certification of a school counselor, but also meet requirements for licensure in the state of Maryland. We invite you to explore our M.A. or M.Ed. program, or one of three post-master's options.