Seattle Pacific University School of Education

Visit the SPU School Counseling Homepage

The School Counseling Program is grounded in the mission of the School of Education and the University: to prepare educators for service and leadership in schools and communities by developing their professional competence and character within a framework of Christian faith and values. In a practical sense, this means that individuals earning certification as school counselors from Seattle Pacific University will practice ethical principles in their work in schools.

The conceptual framework of Seattle Pacific University's program in school counseling is based on theory and research that supports a developmental, systemic approach to facilitating the healthy development of students. It is consistent with the American School Counselor Association's National Standards for School Counseling Programs (Campbell & Dahir, 1997) and policy statement on comprehensive counseling (ASCA, 1993). This framework rests on the following principles:

School Counslors:

are integral to a comprehensive developmental approach to education;
focus on preventive and developmental strategies and sound educational interventions based on empirical research and best practice;
stress collaboration and consultation with other school personnel and community resources to meet the needs of all students;
maintain the highest level of professional and ethical competence.

Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification in School Counseling (50 credits)
This program is designed for individuals who have earned a master's degree in education or other related fields (e.g., counseling, social work). Although desirable, a teaching certificate is not required for an ESA School Counselor Certification.

School Counseling Core (44 credits)
	EDCO 6600 Introduction to Systems Theory (1 cr)
		Special Approval Form required
	EDCO 6670 Introduction to School Counseling (4 cr)
	EDCO 6671 Counseling Theory and Practice I (3 cr)
	EDCO 6672 Organization and Administration of K-12 Guidance Programs (3 cr)
		Prerequisite: EDCO 6670 and instructor permission
	EDCO 6930 Counseling Theory and Practice II (3 cr)
		Prerequisite: EDCO 6671
	EDCO 6931 Counseling and Theory Practice III (3 cr)
		Prerequisites: EDCO 6671, 6930
	EDCO 6673 Group Counseling in the Schools (3 cr)
		Special Approval Form required, Prerequisite: EDCO 6671
	EDCO 6674 Introduction to Psychoeducational Assessment (3 cr)
		Prerequisite: EDU 6970 or equivalent with instructor permission
	EDCO 6675 Legal and Ethical Issues for School Professionals (3 cr)
	EDCO 6676 Students at Risk: Assessment and Intervention (3 cr)
	EDCO 6677 Multicultural Counseling in the Schools (3)
	EDCO 6678 Advanced Developmental Foundations (3 cr)
	EDCO 6679 Career Counseling in the Schools (3 cr)
	EDCO 6680 Special Education: Programs and Procedures (3 cr)
	EDCO 6681 Family Advocacy in the Schools (3)

Internship (9 credits, 450 hours)
	The internship extends over an entire school year (e.g., autumn, winter, and spring quarters). Interns are required to register for three credits per quarter.

Elective Credits (3 credits)
	The elective must be either chosen from the pre-approved list of courses or approved by the department chair.

Comprehensive Examination
This two-hour written examination is typically completed during the last quarter of course work or the quarter thereafter. Comprehensive examinations are scheduled one time per quarter.

The Graduate Center
Seattle Pacific University
3307 Third Avenue West Suite 111
Seattle , WA 98119-1922
E-Mail: gradadmissions@spu.edu
Telephone: (206) 281-2091 or 1-800-601-0603


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