Master in Counselor Education

In compliance with the state of Ohio requirements and professional standards, all students complete a 100-hour practicum experience and 600-hour internship (over the last full year). Because of Capital’s location in the thriving capital city of Columbus, there are a number of urban, suburban and rural school districts, as well as national and state agencies, within a short distance of Capital. In addition to teaching, faculty also work as professional counselors and engage their students’ learning through the lens of their own experiences.

Hybrid courses allows Capital to offer classes that better fit the working adult a variety of lifestyles. It minimizes the amount of time students need to be on campus and focuses part of the work online. The number of face-to-face classes vary from course to course ranging from five to eight. Typically, students are on campus two of every three weeks for classes for two nights during the week (and weekly for theories of individual counseling, practicum and internship courses). The in-class time is supplemented with online lectures, videos, readings, reflections, and other alternatives to learning that allow in-class time to be more hands-on and focused. Students can anticipate being on campus an average of two nights per week.

Capital’s School Counseling program gives students the tools needed to succeed in a K-12 school. 

After completing 64 class credit hours, as well as a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, students earn a Master of Arts in Education degree. School Counselors take the Ohio Assessments for Educators School Counselor Test through the Ohio Department of Education and earn a Professional Pupil Services license specializing in school counseling. 

The Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health program equips students to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community agencies, college counseling centers, and private practice. After completing 64 class credit hours, as well as a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, students earn a Master of Arts in Education degree. Clinical Mental Health Counselors take the National Counselor Examination and become a Licensed Professional Counselor per the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Board.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited both the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs. (2023 - 2031)

Admission into the Counselor Education program requires:

• A bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
• A satisfactory grade point average (GPA), usually a minimum of 3.0 (B);
• Evidence of compatibility of professional goals with Capital University’s Counselor Education program as demonstrated through a writing sample and admissions interview;
• Evidence of ability to successfully complete the program; and
• A signed Statement of Assurance of Good Moral Character

Application Process

Submit an online application. The application requires: a writing samplestatement of intent, three (3) letters of professional reference, a current resume or curriculum vitaCV, and official transcripts from every institution from which you’ve received credit.

Request official transcripts from all previous institutions attended. You may choose to have your previous institution send your transcripts electronically OR as hard copies. If choosing to mail, send to:

Capital University
Office of Admissions
1 College and Main
Columbus, OH 43209-2394

Three letters of professional reference. As part of the application, you will include email addresses for your professional references. We will then contact them to obtain letters of reference. Letters should be from individuals who can attest to your preparedness for graduate level work and/or disposition for the counseling profession. These can be emailed to admission@capital.edu or mailed to the address above.

Statement of Intent. Write a professional letter that addresses your personal decision to pursue a counselor education degree.
Apply for Financial Aid. If you plan on utilizing financial aid to help pay for your courses, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Capital’s FAFSA code is 003023.

Capital University’s Counselor Education program admits clinical mental health and school counseling students one time per academic year. Students will complete the application process starting in the fall of the year prior to admittance; upon invitation, complete the interview process in the spring prior to admittance; and, if accepted, will enroll in the fall semester.

Applicants who meet the Counselor Education program’s minimum requirements for admission will be invited for an in-person interview. Capital conducts individual and group interviews in an attempt to assess your cognitive, affective, and behavioral potential, and set you up for success in our program and in the field of counseling.