Counseling - Ed. S. Programs

Excellence in Education

The mission of TROY’s Department of Counseling and Psychology is to educate and train counseling and psychology professionals by utilizing the highest external standards set by state and national licensing/certifying boards. Highly qualified and knowledgeable faculty members design and deliver counseling and psychology programs through a wide range of instructional techniques.

The Right Path

Students who complete TROY’s school counseling education specialist master’s program are qualified to work in specialized school counseling positions and administrative roles, serve as directors of guidance and teach at community colleges. Troy University’s education specialist school counseling program is accredited by both the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation Programs (CAEP).

Counseling Ed.S. Curriculum

While courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:

Counseling Ed.S. Program Locations

This program is offered in a blended format that combines both online and face-to-face courses on the Troy, Montgomery, Phenix City and Dothan Campuses. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756

Troy Campus

TROY Online

Other Options

What Can You Do with a Graduate Degree in Counseling?

With an Education Specialist degree in Counseling from TROY, you can find a fulfilling career with various state, federal and community agencies. These agencies include state vocational agencies and rehabilitation centers. Graduates may have the opportunity to work in clinical environments as well.

Earning your Education Specialist degree can open new career options for you within agencies, colleges and schools. TROY's Ed.S. in Counseling is a useful entry-level degree for use in any mental health agency, non-profit, and social work environment. Also, in the state of Florida, you may become certified as a school counselor if you complete your practicum hours in a school setting and take the proper required courses, which you can choose as your electives. TROY’s Counseling Ed.S. program is designed to provide students with knowledge of theory and application of counseling skills particularly as it relates to providing general counseling.

TROY’s tuition costs are competitive, and students pay state rates even if they are obtaining their degree in one of our global campus sites in Florida or Georgia. Classes are offered in the evenings or on the weekends, allowing a flexible schedule for those working full-time jobs.

Careers in School Counseling

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for school and career counselors is expected to increase by 8 percent from 2018 to 2028. Higher enrollments mean more counselors are needed to meet the developmental and academic needs of their students.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Sherrionda Crawford

Dr. Sherrionda H. Crawford is an Associate Professor of School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Georgia and Alabama, and a Certified School Counselor in the state of Alabama. Prior to becoming a professor at Troy, she provided valuable counseling services to children and adults in both clinical and school counseling settings. Dr. Crawford actively volunteers for the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a scholarship reviewer and mentor. Her research interests include trends in school counseling, interpersonal violence, and suicide prevention, as well as skill acquisition for counselors-in-training.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3350 scrawford@troy.edu

Dr. Samantha Booker

Dr. Samantha “Sam” Booker, Ph.D., LPC-S, IMH-E®, is the Assistant Chair of the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training Program at Troy University. Dr. Booker is the Coordinator of the School Counseling Program and the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program. She is a certified PK-12 school counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alabama, an infant family specialist, and a private practitioner. She is also a certified DC: 0-5 Trainer and infant mental health reflective supervisor. Her research interests include birth to five training for practitioners, prevention and intervention techniques with PK-12 students, and school counselors’ role in early intervention.

Learn more about our faculty 334-983-6556 sbooker@troy.edu

Tailor Your Education Specialist Degree with a Concentration

Earning your master’s degree in general counseling can open new career options for you within agencies, colleges and schools. Also, in the state of Florida, you may become certified as a school counselor if you complete your practicum hours in a school setting and take the proper required courses, which you can choose as your electives. TROY’s general counseling master’s program is designed to provide students with knowledge of theory and application of counseling skills particularly as it relates to providing general counseling.

Education Specialist: Counseling (Ed.S.)

This degree provides a post-masters training and experience program to help mental health counselors to prepare for supervision and leadership roles. The Counseling program provides broader experiences in counseling. The knowledge base expands the student’s exposure to theories of counseling, group leadership and specialized areas of study.

This program is offered in a blended format that combines both online and face-to-face courses on the Troy, Montgomery, Phenix City and Dothan Campuses.

Education Specialist: School Counseling (Ed.S.)

The mission of TROY's Department of Counseling and Psychology is to educate and train counseling and psychology professionals by utilizing the highest external standards set by state and national licensing/certifying boards. Highly qualified and knowledgeable faculty members design and deliver counseling and psychology programs through a wide range of instructional techniques.

This program is offered in a blended format that combines both online and face-to-face courses on the Troy, Montgomery, Phenix City and Dothan Campuses.

Related Programs

Counseling - Student Affairs Counseling Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling Certificate (M.S.)

FAQ About the Counseling Ed.S.

Learn more about the field of counseling and our graduate program.

What’s the difference between an M.S., M.S. Ed., and Ed.S. in counseling?

M.S.- Master of Science is the degree designation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
M.Ed.- Master of Education is the degree designation for the School Counselor Program (while this program is CACREP accredited, it's also regulated by the Alabama Department of Education).
Ed.S.- Education Specialist is a post-graduate degree in either School Counseling or Counseling

How much does a counselor with a master’s degree make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, the average annual salary for someone with a master’s in counseling is $70,000. This can, however, vary greatly depending on where you are located and your employment sector.

Which is the best degree for counseling?

That is entirely depending on the career path you choose. While any undergraduate degree can lead to counseling-related jobs, professional counselors will need to complete an undergraduate and a master’s degree in counseling. TROY offers a variety of M.S., Ed. S., M.S. Ed., and certificate programs.

How can I become a guidance counselor?

The pathway to becoming a Professional School Counselor (no longer referred to as guidance counselor) begins with a bachelor’s degree in social science or education. A master’s degree from a School Counseling program is then required. Completing the School Counseling Masters typically includes the following: completion of course work, graduate-level practicum and internship, passing required exams, and applying for certifications and/or licensure.

How do I become a mental health counselor (LMHC & LPC)?

Complete a graduate degree in counseling
Identify and complete the individual state requirements for licensure.

How do I become a substance abuse counselor?

Apply for and complete a graduate degree in a counseling specialty (clinical mental health, rehabilitation, etc.)
Identify state requirements for certification as a substance abuse counselor (each state is different)
There are 3 National Organizations that certify Addiction Counselors: NAADAC, IC&RC, and NBCC.

ow long does it take to become a counselor?

Time to degree completion is dependent upon the student. However full-time students typically complete all degree requirements in 2 1/2 - 3 years.

What kind of license will I need to work as a counselor?

Licensure is governed by each individual state- professional licensed counselors are typically referred to as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)

Do I need both a master’s and a specialized counseling certificate?

No, the certificate is a specialization in a specific area. However, having certifications makes one more marketable.