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Master of Education in Educational Counseling

Equip yourself with the skills to help students overcome challenges and achieve their academic and career goals.

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Transformative

Play an integral role in higher ed and learn to make a real difference by advancing educational equity for historically marginalized students.

Prestigious

Earn a degree from a university with a reputation for producing leaders in and out of the classroom and join a robust Trojan alumni network.

Practical

Gain real-world experience through site placements and receive mentorship and guidance on your research interests.

Relevant

Develop skills that will position you to take the next step in your professional journey with confidence, whether in an educational setting or in a graduate doctoral program.

Guide Students to Be Their Best Selves

The Master of Education in Educational Counseling online program will prepare you with an in-depth understanding of counseling, higher education systems, and theories of student development.

Through this program, you will:

  • Learn to advance educational equity for historically marginalized students.
  • Select and apply for site placement opportunities from USC’s strong network of community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities.
  • Receive mentorship and guidance on your specific research interests with the option to complete a thesis under the direction of a faculty chair.
  • Grow in a supportive community learning with leading professors and practitioners who will nurture your ability to create change.

Program Details

DEGREE AWARDED

Master of Education (ME)

ESTIMATED LENGTH

Full Time: 21 Months

Part Time: 33 Months

UNITS

48

PROGRAM COST

$2,309 per unit (estimated)

Estimated cost of attendance

MODALITY

Online

NEXT DEADLINE

Regular Deadline: April 15, 2025

START DATE

August 25, 2025

CLASS TIMES

Various times during the week (mostly evenings classes)

Core Curriculum

The EC program curriculum examines the role of counselors and advisors in colleges and universities and the needs of a diverse student population. The program blends a counseling-based theoretical foundation with practical application in student development and higher education.

Courses

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Explore the core curriculum and courses for the program.

Scholarship

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We are committed to helping you identify resources to help you fund your education.

Admissions

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We're here to help with any questions on the next steps to applying.

Gain Real-World Experience

As part of the curriculum, you are required to complete a minimum of 210 hours of site placement work under the supervision and guidance of a professional in the field. These practicums will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on your experience, connect theory to practice, and strengthen your professional philosophy and identity.

In addition, we offer graduate assistant positions in higher education settings. These positions are often compensated by an hourly wage or tuition remission. While the majority of EC online students obtain positions on the USC campus, the city of Los Angeles is home to many colleges and universities that may suit your goals for a graduate position.

Get Help Funding Your Degree

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for several USC Rossier scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for these scholarships. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission, and other distinguishing characteristics. Priority consideration is given to those who apply in rounds one and two, so be sure to apply early and pay attention to other scholarships deadlines.

Explore Scholarships

Alumni Spotlight:
Victor Valdez

EC Alumni
“[The] Educational Counseling program has allowed me to amplify and activate my voice, experiences, and passion to pay it forward. As a first-generation, gay Latine student, the faculty and cohort has allowed me to be authentic, transformative, and unite with self-expression and self-empowerment. The EC program has been imperative to my holistic success. Join these spaces and rise to your fullest potential. The world is yours! ”

Alumni Spotlight:
Kimberly Morales

EC Alumni
“Transitioning from my undergraduate institution to graduate school seemed extremely difficult as a first-generation student. However, entering a program with such supportive and diverse faculty and peers has made the transition seamless. I felt safe and cared for as a scholar and person. I am very thankful I chose the USC Rossier Educational Counseling Program as the program to guide me in flourishing as an educator. ”

Alumni Spotlight:
Jin Kyung Kim

EC Alumni
“The Educational Counseling (EC) program at USC Rossier School of Education has provided me with an educational and professional home. EC allowed me to find my best friends, mentors, and colleagues, who motivate me daily to move forward with my mission of making higher education more inviting to students of diverse backgrounds. By better understanding my strengths and weaknesses, I gained confidence in challenging myself to achieve academic and professional opportunities that suit me best. ”