Do you have a bachelor’s degree in education and want to take the next step to become a certified school counselor? UCF’s Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling program prepares you to do just that — and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families and school communities.
Rooted in a reflective-practitioner model, the program blends rigorous coursework with hands-on experience in K–12 school settings — preparing you to lead with empathy, competence and integrity. You’ll work closely with expert faculty who bring deep experience in child and adolescent therapy, trauma, resilience and student mental health. As both educators and mentors, they’ll challenge and support you as you develop into an ethical, self-reflective school counseling professional.
As part of your training, you’ll also complete internships in K–12 school settings, where you’ll work directly with students, families, teachers and administrators to promote wellness and academic success. You'll also have the opportunity to learn from community-based experiences through our partnerships with local schools.
So that when you graduate, you’ll be fully prepared to pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) — and ready to make an immediate impact in the lives of students.
MA, MEd, and EdS in School Counseling — What’s the Difference?
Want to become a school counselor but not sure which degree to pursue?
Here’s a quick and easy way to help you decide:
Have a bachelor’s degree in something other than education?
Try the MA.
Have a bachelor’s degree in education and/or are a certified education?
Pursue the MEd.
Already have a master’s degree in education?
The EdS is the way to go.
At a Glance
- In Person
- Full Time
- 3 Max Transfer Courses
- 2 Core Courses
- 11 Specialization Courses
- 4 Approved Elective Courses
- 1 Practicum Experience
- 2 Internship Experiences
- 1 Professional Portfolio
- 1 Comprehensive Exam

Counselor education graduate program in the nation
(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
First-attempt FTCE Exam Passing Rate in 2023-24
(Download Assessment Data)
No GRE Required
Licensure
The program meets all requirements as outlined by the Florida Department of Medical Quality Assurance for licensure as a mental health counselor.
Accreditation
UCF’s top-ranked graduate program in school counseling is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
A nationally recognized accrediting body, CACREP monitors, evaluates and accredits graduate-level counseling programs to assure a quality education for students that upholds standards approved by professional counselors. It serves as a benchmark for federal agencies, state licensing boards, national certification agencies, students, and employers, and is required in the state of Florida.
