Master's (M.Ed.) International School Counseling - Online + In-Person

International School Counseling Master's Degree
Our training focuses on the school, the community, and the family.
  • Course Requirements: 16 courses (48 credits)
  • Typical Course Load: Fall (1-2 courses), Winter intersession (1 course), Spring (1-2 courses), Summer (3 courses)
  • Time to Completion: 2.5 years
  • Application Deadlines: September 15 for winter start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.
  • Application Requirements: Online application, resume, essay, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, undergraduate GPA of 3.00+ (or 12 graduate credits with a GPA of 3.00+), proof of English language proficiency
  • International Applicants: A transcript evaluation is required for degrees completed outside of the US

Forbes Top 10 Online Masters in School Counseling

Overview

Lehigh's Master of Education degree in International School Counseling is designed for students living outside the United States who work at international schools with students from different countries, including the United States. 

The hybrid program has online asynchronous and synchronous classes during the school year and in-person classes during the Summer Institute in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania or in an international location. Graduates of the program who are U.S. citizens/residents can receive Pennsylvania certification as school counselors. Pennsylvania certification can be transferred to other states with or without additional requirements. International students may be able to receive certification in other states and should inquire with the states directly.

The course of study prepares students to work with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and developmental stages, helping them to gain skills for living in a complex society. Students learn how to help children and families navigate the transitions they face living in a culture different from their own. 

The M.Ed. starts once a year in winter and requires the completion of 16 courses (48 credits).  A typical course load of one or two courses in the fall, one during winter intersession, one or two in the spring, and three in the summer enables students to complete the program in two to three years. Students may choose to move through the program at a slower pace if that better suits their needs. 

Practical experience is an important part of the degree with students expected to complete a minimum of 100 hours of fieldwork. The culminating experience is two semesters of an internship of 15-20 hours a week. The internship must be completed at a school outside of the US. If needed, students can take a break in their studies while they secure a volunteer or paid internship. The capstone is the student’s comprehensive portfolio.

Lehigh's faculty brings to the curriculum a wide variety of experiences as well as expertise in the latest research, best practices, and techniques in counseling. A low student-to-faculty ratio allows master’s candidates to work closely with mentors. 

Graduates of Lehigh’s M.Ed. in International School Counseling work as school counselors, college and career counselors, teachers, and principals/heads of school.

Curriculum

 
Term Subject Course Mode units
Winter 1 Human Development Across the Lifespan CPSY 472 Online Asynchronous 3
Spring 1 Counseling & Therapeutic Approaches CPSY 442 Online Asynchronous 3
Spring 1 Introduction to Inclusion and Exceptional Education SPED 332 Online Asynchronous 3
Summer 1 Helping Skills in International Settings CPSY 452 In-person 3
Summer 1 International School Counseling I CPSY 453 In-person 3
Summer 1 International School Counseling II CPSY 456 Online Asynchronous 3
Fall 1 Culture Centered Career Intervention CPSY 436 Online Asynchronous 3
Fall 1 Advanced Inclusionary Practices in K-12 SPED 465 Online Asynchronous 3
Winter 2 Research EDUC 403 Online Asynchronous 3
Spring 2 International School Counseling III: Issues and Practicum CPSY 457 Online Synchronous 3
Summer 2 Diversity and Multicultural Perspectives EDUC 471 In-person 3
Summer 2 Professional Seminar CPSY 430 Online Asynchronous 3
Summer 2 School-based Small-group Counseling CPSY 438 In-person 3
Fall 2 Assessment and Appraisal in Counseling CPSY 427 Online Asynchronous 3
Fall 2 Master's Internship I CPSY 480 Online Synchronous 3
Spring 3 Master's Internship II CPSY 483 Online Synchronous 3

NOTE:  Asynchronous classes can be completed on your own time but may have a few optional synchronous meetings. Synchronous classes meet at a specific time each week but are normally arranged with students in similar time zones. In-person classes must be completed in-person. See the Summer Institute page for more.

For questions, contact Julia Aughenbaugh, Global Program Manager at julia@lehigh.edu.

Brochure: