Professional School Counseling Program (BS/MEd)
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Master of Education
Majors: Biblical Studies, Professional Counseling, Professional School Counseling
Certification: Pennsylvania School Counseling (K-12)
Program Description: The BS/M.Ed. Professional School Counseling program is a five-year program that will allow students to obtain both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Education in Professional School Counseling within five years. The Masters of Education in Professional School Counseling PK-12 is designed to provide individuals the opportunity to pursue an integrated program of study, specifically in the field of Professional School Counseling. The program has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for public school certification.
The program provides individuals with theological distinctiveness, contemporary scholarship and professional counseling skills to serve competently within both the public and private school context. The program utilizes scripture as the foundation on which skills and knowledge are developed. In addition, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model is utilized in the development, implementation, and delivery of comprehensive professional school counseling services. This program provides a unique opportunity to integrate both faith and practice into the field of professional school counseling.
Students have the option of taking 12 credits in addition to the 48-credit degree (60 credits total) to meet the Pennsylvania requirements to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). The structure and content of the M.Ed. School Counseling program are aligned with the CACREP 2016 Standards.
Major Mission: The program will provide training that will give entry level qualifications and grant students the opportunity to seek PA public school certification and state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Major Outcomes - Students will:
Program Outcomes: (CACREP 2016, 5, G)
- Recognize the history, development, legislation, government policy, ethics, and professional identity development of school counselors within the field of education.
- Evaluate theories, models, techniques, and interventions related to a comprehensive school counseling program and from a biblical perspective.
- Comprehend the administration, interpretation, and application of assessments specific to P-12 education.
- Develop techniques to foster collaboration and consultation when working with families, personnel, agencies, and all stakeholders within the educational system.
- Demonstrate an understanding of advocacy required to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for students.
- Exhibit comprehension of multicultural counseling competencies.
- Display knowledge of skills related to assessing abilities, interests, values, and personality factors related to college and career readiness.
- Adherence to ethical standards of professional counseling organizations and a knowledge of credentialing bodies.
- Identify risk factors and warning signs of students at risk for mental health and behavioral disorders including substance abuse.
- Utilize data to inform decision-making.
Program Purpose & Goals:
- Promote self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
- Provide students with a robust supervision experience as they practice/apply skills taught in the classroom and transition those pedagogical strategies to enhance professional development as a competent school counselor.
- Provide opportunities to develop cultural competence, including the knowledge, skills, beliefs, and attitudes to grow as a culturally sensitive counselor.
- Produce school counselors who take a holistic approach, incorporating wellness, empowering students, advocating for self and stakeholders, and are change agents for the entire system.
- Provide a framework of learning that promotes critical thinking so that students are able to demonstrate professional evaluation of theoretical content in light of a biblical worldview.
The curriculum sheet identifies the courses for this program. Professional School Counseling (BS/MEd) Curriculum Sheet
For the course descriptions related to this program, see the courses section of the catalog.
Degree Requirements
Program Director:
Melissa Boas, MEd (Assistant Professor; Director for Professional School Counseling & BS Psychology Programs)
Melissa Boas works full-time at Lancaster Bible College as the Director of the Professional School Counseling program and Director of the BS Psychology degree. Prior to coming to LBC she worked 12 years in public education as a former middle school and high school counselor, and a supervisor of school counseling services. Melissa believes that school counselors are integral within school districts in meeting the needs of all students’ social emotional development, fostering academic growth, and providing career education services. Melissa believes that the profession of school counseling is a special calling from God, a very rewarding career, and is excited to train the next generation of school counselors. Melissa serves as an associate professor, teaches multiple courses, and supervises and advises future school counseling students. She is currently working on her doctorate in Education degree and when she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family.
Resident Faculty:
Ryan M. Kuehner, PhD, LPC
Jon Shacklett, MA, LPC, CAADC, ACS
Melissa Boas, MEd
Praveen Rudra, MA, LPC
Day Butcher, EdD, LPC, LCAT, ATR-BC
Adjunct and Visiting Faculty:
Abby Keiser, MS
Brittany Ober, MA
Carol Geiger, MA, MEd, LPC
Faith Ann Day, MA, LPC
Grace Martin, MA, LPC
Jenee Bare, MA
Jessica Todorov, MA
Jonathan Reese, MA, LPC
Joshua Irvine, MA, LPC
Karen Mummau, MSW, LCSW
Lori DeWald, MA, NCC, LBS
Olivia Murrin, MA, LPC
Sean Dougherty, MS, MEd
Tony Byler, MD