Counseling - Ed.S.

Make a difference with the Education Specialist in Counseling program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective counseling and support to individuals and communities in need.

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Program Information for Counseling - Ed.S.

Program Description

Full Description

The Educational Specialist degree in Counseling can be highly individualized to meet the needs of students having interests in a variety of school or community settings. The degree is an advanced-level practitioner's degree, and the focus is on practical knowledge and skill.

Admissions for Counseling - Ed.S.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.250 graduate GPA is recommended)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Supplemental Interview form
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: December 15
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
    • Application deadline: February 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Spring Semester
    • Priority deadline: September 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
    • Application deadline: October 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Summer Term
    • Application deadline: February 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge in professional identity, social and cultural diversity; human growth and development, career development; helping relationships; group work, assessment; and research and program evaluation.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the foundations of clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
  3. Demonstrate curricular experiences in the contextual dimensions of community and school.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge and skill requirements for clinical mental health counselors or school counselors.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
CES 67663ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 3
or CES 68069 ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: SCHOOL COUNSELING
School Counseling Intership or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship, choose from the following: 16
CES 67792
& CES 67892
INTERNSHIP I: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
and INTERNSHIP II: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
CES 68192
& CES 68292
INTERNSHIP I: SCHOOL COUNSELING
and INTERNSHIP II: SCHOOL COUNSELING
Major Electcives, choose from the following:21
CES 68167
CASE CONCEPTUALIZATION AND TREATMENT PLANNING
CES 68168
ADVANCED COUNSELING THEORIES
CES 68284
SUPERVISION IN COUNSELING I
CES 68392
SCHOOL COUNSELING PRACTICUM 1
CES 67592
PRACTICUM II: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
CES 67628
DIAGNOSIS IN COUNSELING
CES 67662
FOUNDATIONS OF ADDICTIONS COUNSELING
CES 67664
THEORIES AND PRACTICES IN ADDICTIONS COUNSELING
CES 67665
TREATMENT PLANNING IN ADDICTIONS COUNSELING
CES 68011
FOUNDATIONS OF SCHOOL COUNSELING
CES 68066
COUNSELING ADOLESCENTS
CES 68067
COUNSELING CHILDREN
CES 68068
SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
CES 68130
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY FOR COUNSELORS
CES 68529
COUPLES THERAPY:THEORY AND TECHNIQUES
CES 68533
FAMILY THERAPY: THEORY AND TECHNIQUES
CES 68538
ADVANCED MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
RMS 65510
STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Other Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

State and Federal background checks are required for practicum/internship experiences and to apply for Counselor Trainee status. See the practicum and internship coordinator for more information.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Minimum 30 credit hours are needed beyond a counseling master's degree.
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Counseling - Ed.S.

Counselors, all other

13.0%

much faster than the average

29,100

number of jobs

$45,760

potential earnings

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

24.7%

much faster than the average

319,400

number of jobs

$47,660

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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Purinton Hall, Ashley Dunlope and Centifanti Hall collage, Columbiana County campuses of Kent State University

She’s been there; done that; walked in their shoes.Ashley Dunlope knows exactly what it feels like to be a first-generation college student and, rightly so, was recently recognized with the 2025 I AM FIRST Advocate Award for Staff at Kent State University. She works in the Enrollment Management and Student Services Department on the Salem and East Liverpool campuses as an academic advisor II and also is a Flashes 101 instructor. For the last several years, she has worked with staff on each of the two campuses to organize activities as part of the I AM FIRST Week, bringing recognition to f...

KSU Pathway

  • Ohio residents previously admitted to Kent State University in 2025-2026.
  • Transferring in for Spring 2026 or Summer/Fall 2026.
  • Original merit award offer or better from Kent State University.

Review Application Procedures Before Applying to Kent State University

  • Read and review the Doctoral Program handbook
  • Contact the Doctoral Program Coordinator for an initial individual interview
  • After the initial interview, obtain Writing Sample prompt from Doctoral Program Coordinator (available after September 1 each year)
  • Complete all application materials (letters of recommendation, goal statement, etc.) through application portal
  • Attend Doctoral Group Interview Day – Held in White Hall on the second Friday in February from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

School Counseling - M.Ed.

Help students achieve their full potential with our School Counseling M.Ed. program. Gain the expertise needed to become a licensed school counselor through comprehensive coursework and supervised field experience.

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Program Information for School Counseling - M.Ed.

Program Description

On This Page

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in School Counseling prepares students for employment as professional school counselors in K-12 schools. This program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed School Counselor in the state of Ohio.

The program may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis, although some full-time study is urged.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for School Counseling - M.Ed.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
  • Supplemental Interview form
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: December 15
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
    • Application deadline: February 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Spring Semester
    • Priority deadline: September 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
    • Application deadline: October 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Summer Term
    • Application deadline: February 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge in assessment; groupwork; career development; helping relationships; human growth and development; social and cultural diversity; research and program evaluation; and professional orientation and ethical practice.
  2. Meet the academic components required by the Ohio Department of Education to be eligible to sit for the current licensure assessments.
  3. Understand legal and ethical standards and practice in a legal and ethical manner.
  4. Understand and demonstrate multicultural responsiveness.
  5. Demonstrate a strong counselor identity.
  6. Demonstrate strong skills in identifying affect, behavior and cognition that contributes to mental health issues.
  7. Understand and demonstrate sound counseling skills and techniques within a theoretical framework in both individual and group counseling.
  8. Demonstrate valuable skills in conceptualizing student success and growth.
  9. Understand the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession, including how to critique research to inform counseling practice.
  10. Work with crisis, trauma, suicide and at-risk students.
  11. Design and evaluate school counseling programming.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (min B-/S grade in all courses)
CES 65511RESEARCH IN COUNSELING 3
CES 67530COUNSELING THEORIES 3
CES 67531COUNSELING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES 3
CES 67580MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING 3
CES 67820GROUP WORK: THEORY AND TECHNIQUES 3
CES 68011FOUNDATIONS OF SCHOOL COUNSELING 3
CES 68066COUNSELING ADOLESCENTS 3
CES 68067COUNSELING CHILDREN 3
CES 68068SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP 3
CES 68069ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: SCHOOL COUNSELING 3
CES 68070COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS 3
CES 68126INTRODUCTION TO ASSESSMENT IN COUNSELING 3
CES 68392SCHOOL COUNSELING PRACTICUM 3
EPSY 65523LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT 3
Major Electives, choose from the following:12
CES 67628
DIAGNOSIS IN COUNSELING
CES 67662
FOUNDATIONS OF ADDICTIONS COUNSELING
CES 67668
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
CES 68130
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY FOR COUNSELORS
CES 68533
FAMILY THERAPY: THEORY AND TECHNIQUES
SPED 63204
LEGAL AND POLICY FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Culminating Requirement
CES 68192INTERNSHIP I: SCHOOL COUNSELING 13
CES 68292INTERNSHIP II: SCHOOL COUNSELING 13
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
1

State and Federal background checks are required for field-based experiences. See the practicum and internship coordinator for more information.

Progression Requirements
  • Students who earn a C+ grade or lower in any course for the degree must repeat the course for a better grade.
  • All prerequisites for courses must be completed with a minimum B- grade.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Graduation Requirements
  • Minimum B- (or Satisfactory) grade in all courses
  • Minimum 60 credit hours, including a 600 clock-hour internship
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for School Counseling - M.Ed.

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Clinical Mental Health Counseling - M.Ed.

Make a difference in mental health with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. program. Learn to provide compassionate and effective counseling to those in need, with practical experience and dedicated faculty to support your growth. .

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for Clinical Mental Health Counseling - M.Ed.

Program Description

On This Page

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for employment as counselors in community-based human service agencies (e.g., substance abuse facilities, mental health centers, child and family service agencies) and private counseling facilities.

This program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio. The program may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis, although some full-time study is encouraged.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Clinical Mental Health Counseling - M.Ed.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
  • Supplemental Interview form
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: December 15
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
    • Application deadline: February 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Spring Semester
    • Priority deadline: September 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
    • Application deadline: October 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Summer Term
    • Application deadline: February 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Effectively work with clients from a multicultural and pluralistic society.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge in assessment, group work, career development, helping relationships human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, research and program evaluation and professional orientation and ethical practice.
  3. Meet the academic components required by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board to be eligible to sit for the current licensure assessments.
  4. Understand legal and ethical standards and practice in a legal and ethical manner.
  5. Understand and demonstrate multicultural responsiveness.
  6. Demonstrate a strong counselor identity.
  7. Demonstrate strong clinical skills in case conceptualization, diagnosis and treatment planning.
  8. Understand and demonstrate sound counseling skills and techniques within a theoretical framework in both individual and group counseling.
  9. Understand the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession, including how to critique research to inform counseling practice.
  10. Effectively work with crisis, trauma, suicide and at-risk clients.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (min B-/S grade in all courses)
CES 65511RESEARCH IN COUNSELING 3
CES 67492PRACTICUM I: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 13
CES 67530COUNSELING THEORIES 3
CES 67531COUNSELING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES 3
CES 67580MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING 3
CES 67592PRACTICUM II: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 13
CES 67628DIAGNOSIS IN COUNSELING 3
CES 67662FOUNDATIONS OF ADDICTIONS COUNSELING 3
CES 67663ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 3
CES 67820GROUP WORK: THEORY AND TECHNIQUES 3
CES 68126INTRODUCTION TO ASSESSMENT IN COUNSELING 3
CES 68130PSYCHOPATHOLOGY FOR COUNSELORS 3
CES 68167CASE CONCEPTUALIZATION AND TREATMENT PLANNING 3
CES 68182CAREER COUNSELING 3
EPSY 65523LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT 3
Advisor-Approved Electives, choose from the following:9
CES 67664
THEORIES AND PRACTICES IN ADDICTIONS COUNSELING
CES 67668
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
CES 68066
COUNSELING ADOLESCENTS
CES 68067
COUNSELING CHILDREN
CES 68168
ADVANCED COUNSELING THEORIES
CES 68529
COUPLES THERAPY:THEORY AND TECHNIQUES
CES 68533
FAMILY THERAPY: THEORY AND TECHNIQUES
CES 68538
ADVANCED MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
Culminating Requirement
CES 67792INTERNSHIP I: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 13
CES 67892INTERNSHIP II: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 13
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
1

State and Federal background checks are required for internship experiences and to apply for Counselor Trainee status. See the practicum and internship coordinator for more information.

Progression Requirements
  • Students who earn a C+ grade or lower in any course for the degree must repeat the course for a better grade.
  • All prerequisites for courses must be completed with a minimum B- grade.

Graduation Requirements
  • Minimum B- (or Satisfactory) grade in all courses.
  • Minimum 60 credit hours, including a 600 clock-hour internship.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio license are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapy Board website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for Clinical Mental Health Counseling - M.Ed.

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Clinical Mental Health Counseling - M.Ed.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

24.7%

much faster than the average

319,400

number of jobs

$47,660

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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