College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes

About This Program

Make a difference with the Education Specialist in Counseling program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective counseling and support to individuals and communities in need. Read more...

Contact Information

• Marty Jencius | mjencius@kent.edu | 330-672-2662

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.250 graduate GPA is recommended)
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Supplemental Interview form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: December 15
    Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
  • Application deadline: February 1
    Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: September 1
    Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
  • Application deadline: October 1
    Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: February 1
    Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

State and Federal background checks are required for practicum/internship experiences and to apply for Counselor Trainee status. See the practicum and internship coordinator for more information.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 30 credit hours are needed beyond a counseling master's degree.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge in professional identity, social and cultural diversity; human growth and development, career development; helping relationships; group work, assessment; and research and program evaluation.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the foundations of clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
3. Demonstrate curricular experiences in the contextual dimensions of community and school.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skill requirements for clinical mental health counselors or school counselors.

Full Description

The Educational Specialist degree in Counseling can be highly individualized to meet the needs of students having interests in a variety of school or community settings. The degree is an advanced-level practitioner's degree, and the focus is on practical knowledge and skill.