MA in Educational Psychology with CAGS in School Counseling

• Understand and be able to articulate various levels of curriculum demands and the principals of child and adolescent development as they relate to the needs of diverse learners in consideration of the tasks related to student advising, scheduling, college application and career training.
• Apply core theory and research regarding the cultural context of relationships, including current issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society, to the practice of school counseling.  
• Exhibit the knowledge base and skills needed to ethically and effectively deliver a range of professional counseling and consultation services within the educational setting.  
• Provide and implement interventions in collaboration with partners (teachers, parents, students, administrators and support agencies) to develop: student planning and decision making; and promote accurate and appropriate interpretations of assessment data and other relevant information.  
• Understand and communicate working knowledge of federal, state, municipal, and school laws/ regulation as they apply to the educational setting and student needs.    
• Engage in effective oral and written communication when addressing academic disability eligibility and clinical mental health concerns.

Required Courses

Foundational Courses  

• PSY5230: Principles and Practice of School Counseling*
• PSY5215: Theories of Counseling*
• PSY5240: Counseling Basics*  
• PSY5415: Child and Adolescent Development*  
• PSY6330: Special Education and the School Counselor* 
• PSY5305: Career Development  
• PSY6230: Psychology of the Exceptional Child  
• PSY5315: Group Counseling in Schools* 
• PSY5245: Counseling Diverse Populations*  
• PSY5205: Basic & Applied Research in Schools

Master of Arts in Educational Psychology is awarded after 30 credits completed.

Specialty Area Courses  

• PSY5345: Developmental Psychopathology    
• PSY5360: Trauma Informed School Counseling    
• PSY5365: Counseling Families 
• PSY5370: Special Topics in School Counseling 
• PSY6689/6690: Advanced Practicum with Seminar I/II  

Eligible for DESE endorsement for Initial Licensure after 48 credits completed.

Professional Area Courses

• PSY6845: Advanced Counseling Theory and Practice    
• PSY6855: Testing in Schools    
• PSY6505: Legal and Ethical Issues in School Counseling  
• PSY5425: Post High School Options

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies awarded after 60 credits completed.

*Fieldwork required

Additional Program Notes:

Candidates are eligible for endorsement for Initial licensure in School Counseling to the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education upon completion of all coursework through PSY6689/90, Advanced Practicum with Seminar. The candidate is then eligible for employment as a school counselor. Candidates must apply directly to the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for their license. The Initial license expires at the end of five (5) years.  

 Please reference the current catalogfor all course descriptions.

General Requirements

General Requirements

The School of Education offers rolling admissions, accepting applications throughout the year. General requirements are:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with preference given to applicants whose field of study directly aligns with the specific academic program selected.
  • For the CAGS program, candidates must additionally hold a master’s degree in a field directly aligned with the specific academic program selected.
• A GPA of 3.0 or better.
• A copy of your current license (if applicable).
• A completed and signed application.
• Official sealed transcript(s) of all previous academic work, undergraduate and graduate.
• Two (2) professional letters of recommendation, including at least one recommendation from a current supervisor.
• Personal goal statement or essay. In approximately 500 words, please respond to these questions:
  • Why are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree in education at AIC?
  • What are your career goals and how will enrolling in this program impact your educational, personal, and professional growth?
• U.S. $50 non-refundable application fee.

Note: In the event a 3.0 GPA is not held, evidence must be submitted with the application that merits further review by the School of Education’s Graduate Admissions Committee. Documented evidence includes (but is not limited to) GRE scores (if applicable), successful completion of the last 30 credits of prior undergraduate coursework (for the MA program) or the last 15 credits of prior graduate coursework (for the CAGS program), and/or an interview with designated personnel in the program selected.

Depending on the outcome of the interview and review of all other application materials, the individual may be granted full or conditional acceptance into the program.

A $500-per-credit cost prices AIC’s Master of Education programs at a competitive value, tailored to the needs of today’s educators.

Our resources cover all associated costs and how to finance your education.

The closeness and encouragement for which AIC is known extends to the online space, sparking energizing discussions among diverse, driven educators:

• A community of leaders: Gain insights from fellow professionals who’ve spent three to more than 10 years in a school or similar environment. Many of your peers assume informal leadership roles as mentors, curriculum leaders, or committee chairs. 
• Designed for working educators: Once-a-week synchronous online courses and practicum assignments completed from your location easily fit your education around your schedule. You’ll remain in your classroom while observing ways you can foster change in your school.
• Cohort learning: Benefit from regular meetings with a small, familiar group of classmates who are striving toward a similar outcome. In many cases, you’ll interact with professionals who represent districts all over Massachusetts.