School Counseling (M.A.)
Prepare yourself to be a social-emotional learning leader in the schools across the state
The Master of Arts degree in School Counseling has an outstanding reputation based on long-standing tradition. Our faculty are involved in research, practice and professional service at all levels of education. Graduates of this program will have the knowledge and skills to implement a comprehensive, sequential, developmental program as described in the National Standards for School Counseling Programs.
Education degrees, certificates, or teaching experience are not required for admission. Non-teaching majors must take two additional hours of coursework to meet state requirements.
#1 in the Nation
UNI is one of the most established programs nationally to prepare K-12 and Elementary School Counselors.
Community Focused
UNI Counseling students dedicate a mandatory 700 practicum hours to communities throughout the state of Iowa.
Grounded in Wellness
A wellness-grounded program, we prepare students to work in multidisciplinary teams in the field.
Interested? Request information
Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with a graduate degree in Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa College of Social & Behavioral Sciences.
 | Darcie Davis-Gage, Ph.D Division Chair & Program Coordinator of Counseling (319) 273-4243 darcie.davis-gage@uni.edu |
 | Linda Davis Counseling Master of Arts Graduate Program Secretary (319) 273-6414 |
Career Opportunities
In addition to the strong foundations in counseling, students at the University of Northern Iowa also are trained from a neuro-informed perspective in Group facilitation & counseling, Human development & wellness, Crisis & trauma, Career & life planning, among others. Examples of careers our alumni have landed on are:
- At-Risk/Guidance Counselor
- Elementary Student Success Counselor
- Guidance Counselor
- Professional School Counselor
- School Counselor
- Student Services.
Courses & Curriculum
Along with the required core courses, specialty courses for the School Counseling option can be:
- Developing Comprehensive School Counseling Programs
- Practicum in Counseling
- Foundations of School Counseling
- Counseling Issues with Families and Parents in School Settings
- Current Issues in School Counseling
- Leadership, Consultation, and Collaboration in School Counseling.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has granted accreditation from 2015 through 2022 to the following programs in the School of Applied Human Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) and School Counseling (M.A.).
Next Steps
Apply Now
Our application process is smooth and easy. You can apply now and pay your fee later or even get it waived, if you qualify. Current or former UNI students will also have their app fee waived.
Requirements for Admission
- Official Transcripts
- Personal Narrative
- Resume
- Writing Sample
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with lower GPA may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program
- Application fee (this can be waived or deferred, see if you qualify).
Requirements for International Applicants
- Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee.
Dr. Olivia (Pei-Chun) Chen
Dr. Chen is the Clinical Coordinator of School Counseling.
Fund Your Degree
Get the opportunity to learn and fund your degree through hands-on experiences, earning monetary awards or a combination of both. Visit one of the following pages to learn about graduate assistantships, scholarships or additional details on UNI's Counseling program at University of Northern Iowa College of Social & Behavioral Sciences.