Salem State Launches Master’s Degree and Dual Licensure Program in School Counseling and School Adjustment Counseling

Salem State University has launched the Master of Education in School Counseling/School Adjustment Counseling program, the first of its kind in Massachusetts.

The program, which launched this semester, is for those who are seeking dual licensure in both school counseling and school adjustment counseling. Graduates of this innovative 60-credit program will earn their master’s degree in school counseling and receive endorsements for initial licensure in both school counseling (Pre K-8 or 5-12) and school adjustment counseling (K-12). Lastly, this program makes graduates eligible for their professional license after three years of employment in the role of school counselor or school adjustment counselor.

School counselors work in public or private school settings and help students to develop the social, organizational, and decision-making skills needed for academic and career success. Their role is to advocate, listen, counsel, inform, assess, and empower. Alternatively, school adjustment counselors have specialized knowledge and evidence based training to serve K-12 students with severe psychopathology such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorders, among others, all of which impact a student’s ability to engage successfully in a learning environment.

“Having a dual licensure sets Salem State University students above the rest in their field and gives them the competitive edge needed in today’s job market,” Laurie Dickstein-Fischer, PhD, program coordinator for school counseling said. “Our faculty who are experts in their field prepare our students to the highest degree which allows them to succeed when they are working with students of their own.” 

Along with this program, Salem State’s School of Graduate Studies also offers the following programs related to school counseling and school adjustment counseling: master of education in school counseling, school counseling licensure only, school adjustment counseling licensure only.

Learn more about the program.