School Counseling Program Seeks National Recognition  

Seton Hall offers a master’s program in School Counseling that prepares school students to become counselors who maximize the potential of all students. Offered both on campus and online, the program allows students to develop skills as competent school counselors and effective consultants, collaborators, advocates and leaders in an ever-changing global society.

This program currently meets the credentialing requirements set forth by the New Jersey Department of Education and is accredited under the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Now, the program has set its sights on national recognition from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

Until very recently, ASCA awarded recognition only to counseling programs already established in K-12 schools. In February 2023, the organization awarded its first national recognition of a university program. This recognition indicates that awarded university programs "… have affirmed that candidates are prepared to deliver a comprehensive school counseling program and are knowledgeable about the foundations and concepts of school counseling." Seton Hall is in the process of applying for ACSA recognition.

Jody Kulstad, academic director of the Online Counseling and School Counseling programs, noted that receiving this recognition would place Seton Hall at the forefront of successful programs. "We have excellent students and amazing faculty, and we feel strongly that the program is rigorous and exemplifies standards of excellence," says Kulstad. "It is our great hope that all of our efforts will be favorably received. Our curriculum reflects best practice and forward-thinking in training the next generation of school counselors."

The College submitted an application for recognition in late March and expects the first round of feedback from the ASCA in early August.

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