School and Mental Health Counseling, MSEd

The Executive Program in School and Mental Health Counseling, M.S.Ed. is designed for working professionals embarking on careers as either school or mental health counselors. The program is organized around two tracks: Mental Health Counseling Licensure and School Counseling Certification and Mental Health Counseling Licensure. Using an executive-learning format, students can earn their degrees while maintaining full-time employment by attending courses that meet for one week of intensive study each summer and one weekend per month during two academic years. The cohort-model program results in students who work closely with their peers through a sequentially structured curriculum of courses and field training. Supervised field experiences are integral to the program. This program starts in the Summer term.

For more information: https://smhc.gse.upenn.edu/program/about

Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SummerCourse Units
EDSC 5010 Ethics & Professional Principles in School & Mental Health Counseling 1
EDSC 5020 Counseling Interventions: Theory & Practice 1
EDSC 5030 School & Mental Health Counseling: Practicum I 1
 Course Units3.00
Fall
EDSC 5040 Assessment for Counselors in School & Mental Health Counseling 1
EDSC 5050 Sociocultural Foundations in Counseling 1
EDSC 5060 School & Mental Health Counseling: Practicum I (Continued) 0
EDSC 5070A Human Development 1
 Course Units3.00
Spring
EDSC 5070B Human Development 0
EDSC 5080 Applied Quantitative Methods 1
EDSC 5090 Career Counseling & Development 1
EDSC 5100 Group Counseling 1
EDSC 5110 School & Mental Health Counseling: Practicum II 1
 Course Units4.00
Second Year
Summer
EDSC 6010 School and Mental Health Counseling: Internship I 1
EDSC 6020 Advanced Group & Family Systems Counseling 1
EDSC 6060 Advanced Counseling Skills & Human Sexuality 1
 Course Units3.00
Fall
EDSC 6030A Advanced Professional Development: Utilizing & Building Resources within Community Agencies & Orgs 0.5
EDSC 6040 Foundations in Education for Diverse Learners 1
EDSC 6050 School & Mental Health Counseling: Internship I (Continued) 0
EDSC 6070 Healthy Development & Psychopathology 1
EDSC 6080A Research and Evaluation Seminar in Counseling and Education 0.5
 Course Units3.00
Spring
EDSC 6030B Advanced Professional Development: Utilizing & Building Resources within Community Agencies & Orgs 0.5
EDSC 6080B Research and Evaluation Seminar in Counseling and Education 0.5
EDSC 6100 School & Mental Health Counseling: Internship II 1
EDSC 6110 Wellness & Addiction Counseling 1
EDSC 6120 Trauma in School & Mental Health Counseling 1
 Course Units4.00
 Total Course Units20.00

Required Milestones

Comprehensive Examination (or Portfolio or Thesis)  

Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by passing a comprehensive examination in their area of study. The examination/portfolio/thesis serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their coursework and fieldwork. Comprehensive formats vary.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.