The Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling program at Appalachian State University prepares reflective, ethical, and compassionate counselors to serve K–12 students across North Carolina and beyond. Utilizing experiential, contemplative, and traditional approaches, this CACREP-accredited program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to promote academic achievement, career readiness, and personal growth in diverse school settings.

Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more about our programs and how App State can help you advance your career in counseling.

Curriculum

The 60-hour Professional School Counseling program blends theory and practice through immersive coursework and field-based experiences. Students learn from expert faculty and peers within a supportive cohort model that emphasizes both professional and personal development. View course offerings in the Graduate Bulletin.

Professional School Counseling Field Experiences

School counselors need a broad background of knowledge, skills, and abilities to function effectively. Coursework develops cognitive and personal competencies, while field experiences connect these skills to practice. Through practicum and internship placements, students gain real-world exposure to the responsibilities of professional school counselors, with supervision and support from both university and site supervisors.

Practicum in Professional School Counseling (CED 5903)

CED 5903: Practicum in Counseling

  • First required field experience for graduate school counseling students.
  • Semester-long, full-time placement in a public school system.
  • Minimum of 100 clock hours (including 40 direct service hours in individual, group, classroom instruction, and consultation).
  • Supervision is provided by both a site supervisor and a university supervisor.

Placement Process

  1. Attend the mandatory field experience orientation (held each spring).
  2. Meet with your academic advisor to identify possible practicum site locations.
  3. Submit a signed Permission to Register form to the field experience coordinator by:
    • March 1 (for fall placements)
    • October 1 (for spring placements)
  4. Complete all required forms (Data Selection Sheet, Practicum Contract, etc.) as directed by your advisor and supervisor.

Complete an App State Criminal Background Check (CBC) and TB test (valid for one year).

Internship in Professional School Counseling (CED 6903)

CED 6903: Internship in Professional School Counseling

  • Second required field experience for graduate school counseling students.
  • Semester-long, full-time placement in a public school system.
  • Minimum of 600 clock hours (including 240 direct service hours in individual, group, classroom instruction, and consultation).
  • Supervision is provided by both a site supervisor and a university supervisor.
  • Upon supervisor approval, internship hours can be divided evenly between two semesters (300 hours/semester) to suit your schedule needs.

Placement Process

  1. Complete all required coursework prior to enrolling in internship.
    • It is strongly recommended that all coursework be finished in the prior semester.
  2. Submit a signed Permission to Register form by:
    • March 1 (for fall placements)
    • October 1 (for spring placements)
  3. Confirm placement through meetings with advisor and potential site supervisor.
  4. Complete official paperwork (e.g., Data Selection Sheet, Internship Contract).
  5. Ensure your App State Criminal Background Check (CBC) and TB test are current.
Forms and Resources
  • Permission to Register Form – One to two months prior to registration, you need to schedule a session with your advisor to review your program of study and discuss field placement options and opportunities. This form opens a seat for you in the designated section so that you can register.
  • PSC Acknowledgement Form
  • PSC Field Experience Handbook

Licensure

The program meets the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requirements for K–12 Professional School Counselor Licensure. Graduates are eligible to take the Praxis School Counseling Specialty Exam (#5422) for state licensure (App State school code: #5010).

While the program aligns with North Carolina’s standards, faculty work individually with students seeking licensure in other states to help design a plan of study that meets additional requirements. For more information, visit the American School Counselor Association’s state licensure directory.

Connect with peers across the state

Annual Conference

Each year our program is represented at the North Carolina School Counselors Conference, providing an opportunity for students to connect with professionals and engage with current topics of interest in the field. Students are encouraged to participate in poster presentations to share their work.

Graduate Certificates

Students may enhance their degree by pursuing one of the following graduate certificates offered through the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education:

Certificates provide additional, specialized training that can expand career opportunities or support dual licensure pathways.

Exit Interview and Program Reflection

As part of the program’s culminating experience, students participate in an exit interview with faculty to reflect on their professional identity, growth, and goals. This dialogue supports continuous program improvement and celebrates the transition into professional practice.

Accreditation

The Professional School Counseling (M.A.) program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program also holds approval from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

Annual CACREP Report 2024-2025
PSC Student Outcomes, 2024-2025

View CACREP program objectives

Program News and Spotlights

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Alpha Sigma Upsilon Chapter

Chi Sigma Iota

Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International is the international honor society of professional counseling and for professional counselors. App State’s chapter members include current students, alumni, and faculty.

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