About this Program

This program prepares counselors for professional practice in all settings. The core course work covers a range of counseling and human development issues including approaches to individual and group counseling; ethical and professional issues in counseling; fundamentals of the counseling profession; counseling ethics; measurement and evaluation in counseling; lifespan and career development; research in counseling; and social and cultural issues. In addition, on-campus students select one of two specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling; while online students will focus on one specialization: Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  

Program Highlights

  • Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

  • Clinical Mental Health specialization graduates meet the educational requirements to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Virginia.

  • School Counseling specialization graduates meet requirements for the Virginia Licensed School Counselor credential.

  • School Counseling specialization graduates who complete electives in diagnosis, addictions, and family dynamics can also meet requirements for both the LPC and the Licensed School Counselor credentials.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Science in Education
Delivery Modes
Online
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development 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.

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.

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.

Alumni Careers

Ocean Lakes High School
LGBT Life Center
Norfolk Collegiate School
Optima Health

Requirements

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

Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and must submit the following:

  • Online application at the Office of Graduate Admissions website

  • Current resume

  • Essay

  • Official Transcripts

  • Two Letters of Recommendation

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Assistantships

Counseling master’s degree 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

Human Services Program Director

2133 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529

Human Services Online Program Director

2127 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529