Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the MEd in School and Community Counseling at Loyola
Confront racism, achievement gaps, and other discrimination through the MEd in School and Community Counseling at Loyola University Chicago. By completing this Loyola master's in counseling, you can support students and their families as a social justice-focused licensed professional counselor.
Through our Master of Education in School and Community Counseling, you will learn from Loyola's nationally recognized faculty who are social justice experts. They will prepare you to become a culturally sensitive practitioner, change agent, and advocate in our educational system and communities.
Because the curriculum for the MEd in School and Community Counseling reflects Illinois licensure requirements, you will be eligible to apply for a professional counselor license after two years of post-degree supervised experience.
Program Structure
The MEd in School and Community Counseling can be pursued full time or part time. Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago, and the majority of the courses are also offered online.
How long does it take to get a counseling degree? You can complete Loyola's MEd in School and Community Counseling in as little as two years or take up to five years to finish. This 57-semester-hour program includes 700 clock hours of practicum and internship experience.
Why Choose Loyola for your MEd in School and Community Counseling
- A curriculum focused on social justice
- Led by nationally recognized faculty
- Access to labs focused on social justice research
- Student-centered master's degree in school counseling
- Emphasis on real-world experiences
- Finish your MEd in as little as two years
You will learn foundational practices in counseling in both school and community environments with an emphasis on social justice and cultural sensitivity.
Your courses will be taught by dedicated counseling faculty who are experts in their fields. They will be there to offer you support and mentorship, every step of the way.
You will have access to four faculty labs that are dedicated to social justice-focused research, including racism, achievement gaps, immigration, and microaggressions.
Unlike other programs, the student-centered MEd in School and Community Counseling does not follow a cohort model. You will work with your academic advisor to create a unique sequence of coursework focused on your interests and goals.
You will gain firsthand experiences through your practicum and internship at Chicago Public Schools and level-one trauma centers. Your work will involve research for action-oriented projects that can make an immediate impact on the community.
How long does it take to get a counseling degree? At Loyola, the master's degree in school counseling and community counseling can be completed full time in as little as two years—or take up to five years by enrolling part time.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the School and Community Counseling MEd program.
FacultySchool and Community Counseling: Career Connections
Specific job options include:
- Licensed professional counselor
- School counselor
- Community counselor
- Mental health counselor
- Career counselor
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the School and Community Counseling MEd program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide School and Community Counseling MEd learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMEd in School and Community Counseling Results and Skills
Delivered through the School of Education, this Loyola counseling master's will help you build a solid foundation in counseling in both school and community environments. You will also acquire the following skills, abilities, and more:
- Learn foundational practices in counseling in both school and community environments, with an emphasis on social justice and cultural sensitivity
- Master counseling techniques for patients with a wide variety of life experiences
- Be committed to social justice, and embrace the role of a change agent and advocate in our education system
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the School and Community Counseling MEd totals $59400.00, or 60 credit hours at a cost of $990.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
Attend an EventUpcoming Events
Wozniak Lecture: Session 1We’ve Been Here Before: Two Steps Forward, O...
Wozniak Lecture: Session 2Representation (isn’t all that) Matters: Int...
Visit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the School and Community Counseling MEd are listed below. We encourage you to apply early for priority review. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Fall: January 1
Spring: December 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the School and Community Counseling MEd include:
Transcripts
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
International Student Requirements
Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.
Additional Details
For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page. There is no fee to apply to graduate programs at Loyola.
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