• Individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking licensure as school counselors
• Educators interested in transitioning to a school counseling career
• Practicing school counselors pursuing official licensure
• Professionals passionate about fostering PreK-12 students’ academic, career, and personal/social growth
• Those committed to making a positive impact in educational settings through counseling and student support

• School Counselor (PreK-12)
• College/Career Counselor
• Student Support Specialist
• Academic Counselor
• Educational Leadership positions (e.g., Counseling Program Coordinator)
• Life and Wellness Coach

• Educational Background: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution recognized by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM). This degree must be completed prior to beginning the program.
• Academic Performance: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for admission consideration.
• Standardized Tests: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for this program. While not required, applicants may submit GRE scores as supplementary documentation if they believe it will strengthen their application.
• Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions they have attended. These transcripts should be sent directly from the institutions to the UHM admissions office.
• Personal Statement: A well-written personal statement is required as part of the application. This statement should detail the applicant’s interest in school counseling, describe any relevant experiences, and outline their professional goals in the field.
• Resume/CV: Applicants must submit a current resume or curriculum vitae that highlights their educational background, work experience, and any relevant volunteer or extracurricular activities.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three professional letters of recommendation are required. These should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities, professional potential, and personal qualities relevant to success in school counseling.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants who are not native English speakers may need to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test. Prospective students should refer to the Graduate Division website for specific score requirements and information about possible exemptions.
• International Student Requirements: Admitted international students are required to complete a Confidential Financial Statement, which includes identification documents and show proof of sufficient funding. More information can be found on the Graduate Division Forms website.
• Interview: Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with faculty members.

How to Apply

The current tuition rate is $650 per credit for residents and $1402 per credit for non-residents. Information on tuition and fees can be found under the “General & Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified” heading on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

There are many resources available to help students pay for graduate school, including College of Education scholarships. There are also several scholarships listed generally through the UH Manoa General Scholarship List, STAR website (please note that this is only accessible to students with a valid UH ID number – must be admitted as a student prior to looking for scholarships on this site) and the Financial Support section of the Graduate Division website. For more information on financial aid and additional resources, please visit the UH Mānoa Financial Aid Office (finaid@hawaii.edu).

Some students may find employment as graduate assistants (GAs) which includes a tuition waiver as well as a stipend. GA positions are advertised on the Career Opportunities at the University of Hawaiʻi website. Students may apply for GA positions, once they are accepted into the program.

The MEd in School Counseling is delivered entirely online, featuring synchronous class sessions typically held in the early evenings, from 4:30pm to 7:00 pm Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST). This format allows for real-time interaction with faculty and peers while providing the flexibility of distance learning. Additionally, students are also required to attend two on-campus sessions, generally held on Saturdays at the program’s start and end. These on-campus sessions provide valuable face-to-face interaction and networking opportunities.

Note: Candidates residing outside of Hawai‘i must carefully consider time zone differences before committing to this program, as synchronous attendance is required for most classes. Additionally, all students must make arrangements to attend the required on-campus orientation sessions, which may involve travel for those not residing on Oahu.

The Master of Education in School Counseling program consists of 48 credit hours of coursework, designed to provide comprehensive training in school counseling theory, practice, and research. The curriculum is aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and meets Hawai‘i State licensure requirements. A list of the courses can be found in the Student Handbook.

Course Sequence: The program is typically completed over three years, with students taking two courses per semester, including summer sessions. A suggested course sequence is provided to ensure students progress through the program in a logical and manageable manner.

Professional Development: In addition to coursework, students are expected to engage in ongoing professional development activities, including attendance at workshops, conferences, and participation in professional organizations.