Master of Arts in Educational Counseling

Support and guidance can make a real difference in people’s lives. Become an invaluable resource to counsel, coach, and advocate for students, families, and communities — supporting academic, personal, and social development in diverse environments.

Become a Trusted Advisor for Students and Communities

The UMass Global Master of Arts in Educational Counseling prepares you to become a scholar, advocate, and practitioner — fostering innovation, compassion, and leadership in higher education, private institutions, nonprofit organizations, and beyond. Whether you see yourself guiding students, supporting families, or leading change in your community, this program helps you build the skills to make a real impact. Through an empathic lens, you’ll offer support, insight, and practical tools to advocate for their social, emotional, and academic growth — applying practical strategies backed by research and real-world experience. Create a sense of belonging, inclusivity, and safety, wherever your career takes you.

  • Innovative and Immersive Education: In this future-ready program, you’ll not only learn how to integrate technology into your own practice but also experience firsthand how innovative tools — like tele-therapy and virtual counseling — are used to enrich your learning as a student.
  • A Better Balance for Work and School: The flexibility to learn while you earn, with affordable, online classes that fit your schedule — including asynchronous options to study at your own pace.

At a Glance

Online: Instructor-Led
39 Credits
Next Start Date
Spring I (Jan 11, 2027)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Designed for the Job

Coursework is designed by practitioners for students to become effective school counselors, academic advisors, career or life coaches, research, policy, or curriculum developers, and more.

Support

Support When You Need It

Our knowledgeable support coaches and practitioner faculty will track your progress and provide help, info and resources when you need it.

Fast Track

Complete Your Degree Fast

Earn your degree in as little as 1 year (a minimum of 2 classes per session plus 1 additional course required to complete). 

Next Session Starts

82Days
6Hours
6Hours
26Minutes
17Seconds
Already Started

Courses You Might Take

CSPU 511

Introduction to the Ethical Practice of School Counseling

3 Credits
CSPU 513

Group Leadership and Intervention

3 Credits
CSPU 516

Children and Youth in Developmental Context

3 Credits
CSPU 616

Leadership and Systems Change

3 Credits
CSPU 617

Transition to Work and Career

3 Credits
CSPU 640

Consultation and Indirect Intervention

3 Credits

Testimonials

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  • Discuss start dates and next steps based on your goals and schedule.
WSCUC - WASC Senior College and University Commission
AAQEP - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

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Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
  • Official transcripts from the accredited institution where you earned your highest degree

Program Start Dates

The program starts three times a year in Fall I, Spring I, and Summer I. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Graduate Level Exams

This degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE/GMAT. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Arts in Educational Counseling opens the door to many careers and students can customize their path based on state licensure requirements and personal interests. It provides skills in human development, counseling theory, psychological assessment, and program planning, preparing graduates to support students and individuals in various environments, including:

School Counselor/Academic Advisor: Counsel and guide students’ academic, social, and career decisions at colleges and universities, nonprofits, or other private or global organizations — including course selection assistance, handling crisis situations, keeping a pulse on individuals’ and the organization’s well-being, and assisting with college or career exploration.

Career Coach or Workforce Development Counselor: Work in universities, government initiatives, or private coaching settings helping clients build job-search strategies, improve employability, and plan meaningful careers.​

Social Services or Family Support Specialist: Combine counseling and advocacy to coordinate with agencies and address the personal or social needs of at-risk students and families, including housing, food insecurity, or abuse concerns.​

Educational or Organizational Consultant: Advise schools, nonprofits, or agencies on program design, learning support, diversity and inclusion, or psychosocial wellness initiatives.

Life, Academic, or Executive Coach: Use advanced counseling tools to empower individuals and teams across professional or personal transitions.

Research, Policy, or Curriculum Developer: Pursue roles influencing education and human services systems through data-driven recommendations or social-emotional learning curriculum design.

These career paths allow you to utilize your background in counseling and human services to influence education and social systems in an impactful way.

The MA in Educational Counseling is designed for those who want to build broad, flexible expertise in advising, counseling, and supporting students and communities — without the specific requirements of a state teaching credential. Graduates are well prepared for impactful roles in higher education, private schools, nonprofit, international, and community organizations.

While this degree alone does not meet credentialing requirements, students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and foundation to pursue licensure in their intended states and practices, should you be interested in doing so in the future.

If you’re interested in a career as a credentialed school counselor in K–12 public schools, we invite you to explore our MA in Educational Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling, which is designed specifically to meet state credentialing requirements in California.

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