INFORMATION FOR
The MEd in professional counseling, school counseling concentration is a 60 credit masters program leading to certification as a school counselor in the state of New Jersey. The program consists of a common core of 42 Credits, 12 Credits specific to school counseling, and 2 electives. A New Jersey Standard Teacher's certificate is not required to obtain School Counseling Certification.
August 1st: Fall semesterDecember 1st: Spring semester*Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space availability basis*International students are advised to apply by:April 1st: Fall (September intake)November 1st: Spring (January intake)
Professor Meredith DrewProgram Director, Department of Special Education, Professional Counseling, and Disability Studiesdrewm2@wpunj.edu973-720-3092
In order to begin internship, students must successfully complete a student portfolio as well as passing the Pre-Internship Benchmark Exam (PIB). After successfully completing these requirements and the 60 Credits, the student is eligible to apply and be endorsed for the NJ School Counselor Certification.
*Please be advised that admissions requirements, curriculum, and course schedules are subject to modification without notice.
There are approximately 109 matriculated students in the Professional Counseling Program (2024-2025). Of those students, approximately 53% identify as female, 7% identify as male, and 41% have not reported gender or did not respond. The racial make-up of students is approximately 43% White, 9% Black/African American, 4% Hispanic, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1% Multi-Racial, 1% Middle Eastern, and 41% unidentified. Approximately 34% of students reported non-Hispanic origin, while 25% reported Hispanic, Latino, Spanish origin, and 41% did not respond. Approximately 57% of students reported not having a documented disability, 2% reported a documented disability, and 41% did not respond to this question. Three percent of students reported veteran status, while 56% reported not being a veteran, and 41% did not respond. No students reported active duty, though 41% did not respond. Two percent (2%) of students are international and 41% did not report their status.
Overall, approximately 99% of matriculated students graduate from the program in the expected time frame, three years for full time students and four years for part time students. WPUNJ University policy allows for students to complete the program in 6 years. We have an approximate program completion rate of 99% along with a job placement rate of 97% for our students/graduates. In 2025, there were 9 graduates from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration and 22 graduates from the School Counseling Concentration. Out of the 31 graduates, 13 students completed the National Counselor Exam (NCE), resulting in a program pass rate of 70%, with Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration students achieving an 88% pass rate.
