

The School Counseling program provides a deeply comprehensive academic foundation for students committed to supporting the academic, emotional, and social development of children and adolescents in educational settings. Through coursework grounded in counseling theory, developmental psychology, student assessment, and culturally responsive practice, learners gain the skills required to understand the diverse needs of students across K–12 environments. The curriculum emphasizes how school counselors serve as essential advocates within the educational system, facilitating communication between students, families, teachers, and administrators. This holistic approach enables aspiring counselors to apply evidence-based strategies that foster resilience, promote mental wellness, and support equitable access to education.
Alongside theoretical instruction, the program places strong emphasis on applied experience through supervised practicums, school-based internships, and hands-on counseling simulations. Students work closely with faculty who possess extensive backgrounds in school counseling, educational leadership, and child development, benefiting from mentorship that connects academic learning to real-world challenges. Through training in crisis intervention, group counseling techniques, ethical decision-making, and data-informed planning, students develop the ability to guide schoolwide initiatives that improve climate, strengthen student engagement, and address barriers to success. This multifaceted preparation equips graduates with the professional readiness to serve as compassionate, strategic, and impactful counselors in diverse educational settings.
Year 1 – Foundations of Counseling and Student Development
• Counseling Theories and Practice
• Human Growth and Development
• Culturally Responsive Counseling
• Introduction to School Systems and Policies
Year 2 – Applied Counseling Skills and School-Based Practice
• Individual and Group Counseling Techniques
• Crisis Response and Behavioral Intervention
• Assessment in School Counseling
• Practicum in K–12 Educational Settings
Year 3 – Advanced Internship and Professional Leadership
• Internship in School Counseling
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Education
• Data-Driven Program Evaluation
• Capstone Project in Counseling Practice
Graduates of this program pursue impactful roles in public schools, private schools, community education centers, and youth development organizations, where they work to enhance student well-being and learning outcomes. Many become certified school counselors responsible for academic advising, personal counseling, crisis management, and long-term student success planning. Others specialize in areas such as college readiness coordination, behavioral support services, family engagement, or schoolwide mental health initiatives. The strong clinical and developmental training also prepares graduates for positions in youth counseling programs, after-school support services, or district-level student services teams. Equipped with skills in communication, assessment, program leadership, and student advocacy, graduates are well prepared to guide young people through academic challenges and personal development in increasingly complex school environments.
This program is an excellent fit for individuals who want to blend deep counseling expertise, child-centered leadership, and evidence-based educational practice to positively impact student lives. Its multi-year structure provides ample time for skill mastery, reflective practice, and meaningful engagement with school communities. Students benefit from experienced faculty, comprehensive practicum opportunities, and coursework that integrates multicultural competence, mental health awareness, and systemic understanding of education. The curriculum’s strong alignment with national counseling standards ensures that graduates emerge fully prepared for certification and professional practice. Whether your goal is to support student mental wellness, guide academic planning, or lead schoolwide initiatives, this program offers the depth, structure, and practical training needed to thrive as a dedicated and transformative school counselor.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA