Eastern University’s MEd in School and Mental Health Counseling program prepares compassionate, knowledgeable professionals to support and advocate for the academic, social-emotional, and career development of children and adolescents. This 60-credit program equips students to become certified school counselors in PreK-12 settings through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and prepares students to earn their License in Professional Counseling. Students graduate with a strong foundation in research-based counseling theories and techniques, prepared to serve their students, colleagues, and communities.
Program Details
- Location: Main Campus: St. Davids | Online
- Delivery: 100% Online or Blended (Combination of evening and online classes)
- Length: 60 credits; can be completed in 3 years full-time. Part-time can be completed in 4 years
- Cost: View our affordable tuition rates. Plus, if you already have a degree from EU, check out our Alumni Discount!
- Financial Aid: Discover our partner grants, military benefits, and federal and state financial aid options that may be available to you
- Start Terms: August and January. Apply online today!
Distinctives
Flexible Online Options: Offered as a fully online program or a combination of face-to-face evening classes and asynchronous online courses to meet all learners' needs.
PDE & ASCA Competency: Meets the competency areas established by Pennsylvania Department of Education and American School Counseling Association.
Curriculum meets the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Pennsylvania. A passing score on the National Counselor Exam (NCE), and 3,000 total hours of post-degree supervision requirements over a period of two to six years must be completed to earn the LPC credential.
Expert Faculty: Faculty have extensive experience within clinical settings and public and private schools.
Master Essential Skills: Students master evidence-based practices and research-based counseling skills and are prepared to work in both school and community settings.
- Ethically Sound: Guided by dedicated Christian faculty, this program integrates the Christian perspective into its coursework, conversations, and field experiences in order to develop School and Mental Health Counselors who care holistically for their communities.
“As Director of the School Counseling Program at Eastern University, and as someone who has worked as a school counselor for nearly 25 years, I’m proud to lead a program that combines academic excellence with real-world experience and a deep commitment to advocacy. We prepare our students to support the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, while equipping them with the practical skills and ethical foundation needed to thrive in today’s schools and communities. Our graduates leave ready to lead with empathy, professionalism, and purpose.”
Careers
Graduates who earn a Master of Education (MEd) in School & Mental Health Counseling from Eastern University are prepared for a wide range of meaningful and impactful careers in both school and community-based settings, with the primary goal of the program to prepare professionals to serve as both school counselors in PK–12 or community settings.
Graduates are eligible to work as certified school counselors in elementary, middle, and high schools. In these roles, they support students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development, while collaborating with teachers, administrators, and families.
Beyond the school setting, the MEd in School & Mental Health Counseling can serve as a foundation for roles in behavioral and mental health services. Graduates may pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This credential allows professionals to work in outpatient mental health clinics, private practice, community agencies, and behavioral health programs.
State Authorizations
Please check the State Authorizations page to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local district requirements may exist for field placements in this state. Out-of-state student placements cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local district requirements and regulations for their field placement.
The MEd in School and Mental Health Counseling prepares students for School Counselor certification and Licensed Professional Counselor: