BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — West Virginia Wesleyan College is expanding its graduate degree offerings with the launch of a new Master of Education in School Counseling program designed to prepare the next generation of school counselors to support the academic, social, emotional, and career development of students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The 42-credit-hour program combines flexible online learning with practical, hands-on experience, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months through full-time study. Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2027 semester.

Designed with working professionals in mind, the program utilizes a hybrid online model that includes online coursework, synchronous evening classes, and one virtual residency each year. Students may enroll full-time or part-time, with fieldwork opportunities available in their own communities.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “With this new program, Wesleyan is creating an accessible pathway into a profession centered on student success. We are bringing together flexible graduate education, practical experience, and a commitment to service to prepare school counselors who can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their school communities.”

The program prepares graduates to serve as advocates, leaders and essential resources for students, families and school communities. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based counseling practices, crisis response, trauma-informed care, group counseling, ethical leadership and collaboration with educators and families.

Practicing school counselors will help train future professionals, bringing real-world experience into the classroom and preparing graduates to address the evolving needs of today’s students.

The program is aligned with the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) national standards and is housed in the School of Education, which is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Graduates will be prepared to pursue initial school counseling certification in West Virginia, with opportunities to seek credentials in other states subject to individual state requirements.

The new degree also creates an additional pathway for students interested in furthering their education in counseling through WVWC’s Master’s in Counseling Program to become eligible for the Licensed Professional Counselor credential.
The application deadline for Spring 2027 admission is Jan. 8, 2027. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts, a current résumé, a personal essay and two professional recommendations. Qualified applicants will also participate in an interview.

For more information about the Master of Education in School Counseling program or to apply, visit www.wvwc.edu/school-counseling/.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 136 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2027 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan 4th in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.