About this Program

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Counseling is designed to further develop learners' knowledge and skills in counseling and to cultivate their capacity for leadership as professionals. The Ed.S. is suitable for master’s degree level counselors who wish to earn an additional graduate degree in counseling, or for individuals with master’s degrees in related fields who wish to satisfy the academic portion of the state requirements for licensure as a professional counselor or a school counselor. It is considered a terminal counseling practitioner’s degree.

Program Highlights

  • Additional training in a counseling specialization

  • Study full-time or part-time

  • Courses offered in the late afternoon and evening, to accommodate students’ busy schedules

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Education Specialist
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Mental Health Counselors

$48,050 (Approx) Median Salary

Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors

$58,620 Median Salary

Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

$48,050 (Approx) Median Salary

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Marriage and Family Therapists

$53,860 Median Salary

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

Alumni Careers

Executive Director Envision Family Services

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Counseling at ODU?
Students entering the Education Specialist program in Counseling should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. A master's degree in counseling or related field is also required.

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Assistantships

Students are sometimes awarded assistantships in various ODU offices including Academic Skills, Financial Aid, Office of Intercultural Relations, Resident Life, Student Activities, Student Development, Student Health Services, Student Life, and Vice President of Student Services. Students interesting in obtaining an assistantship should apply directly to offices on campus that have assistantships.

Contact

Ed.S. Lead Advisor

2124 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529