How OHIO Online students build powerful communities that transcend geography

When the first cohort of students enrolled in Ohio University’s fully online M.Ed. program in School Counseling in 2024, they knew they would be studying in a top program with expert faculty.

The students did not realize, though, that they would soon form such a tight-knit, supportive community.

Ohio University’s Counselor Education M.Ed. program in School Counseling in the Patton College of Education has been continuously accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) since 1985, and its graduates are working in schools throughout the region and across the country.

A few years ago, the program leaders obtained accreditation through CACREP for the fully online program. The goal was to offer the M.Ed. program in School Counseling in a fully online program which could be completed across six semesters including summers.

“With this program, we are able to offer a path to school counselor licensure for teachers and working adults,” said Patton College of Education Associate Professor Tamarine Foreman, PhD, LPCC-S.

“We are the first Ohio public institution to offer an online school counseling program,” she added.

The program’s first students began in the spring and summer semesters of 2024, with a total of 24 students.

“We look forward to their graduation in Spring 2026,” Foreman said.

The second cohort began the program in 2025. There are currently 56 students from Ohio, Indiana, Florida, Colorado and West Virginia in the online school counseling program.

OHIO students build a strong community

Ohio University’s Counselor Education program is designed around a cohort model that helps students learn with one another and develop a strong network.

Students begin the program by participating in an online orientation session where they meet one another and make connections. And when they begin their classes, the students move through their coursework together, which helps them build relationships and a community.

“In a community, there are connections, a sense of belonging and resources,” Foreman said. “A community of school counseling students helps the students gain a sense that they are part of a program – as opposed to being one person taking online classes. Our classes also include discussion boards and a space to ask questions.”

One key to building the community is Ohio University’s Graduate Student Online School Counseling Ambassador Program. Designed by faculty member Dr. Leah Howard, the program empowers current graduate students with a passion for school counseling to represent and promote the values, mission and vision of OHIO’s online counseling program.

"The ambassadors set up online cohort meetings where students can share their questions, struggles, and advice – and build community.” Foreman explained.

The ambassadors stay in contact regularly with current students and serve as a sounding board for any concerns or challenges. They also provide essential feedback for improving courses and are a valuable resource for prospective students who want to learn more about the program.

Another key aspect of the OHIO program is the opportunity for online school counseling students to participate in educational and social programs through the counseling honors society, the Alpha Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. Each year, the chapter hosts speakers (including former OHIO alumni), workshops, and social gatherings for all students, online and in person.

OHIO’s Online School Counseling Program is focused on helping students succeed

Ohio University’s Online School Counseling program is accredited and the first of its kind offered by a public institution in Ohio. It is also one of the top ranked programs in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.

As an accredited program, students can be assured they are receiving a program that meets and exceeds standards set by CACREP.

In addition, students know that Ohio University faculty members have a history of practicing as professionals.

“Each of us has been a mental health counselor and/or school counselor and/or worked in the school system. We bring these experiences into the classroom – whether online or in person,” Foreman said.

OHIO faculty also participate in and serve in leadership roles in professional organizations. Dr. Chrstine Bhat, for example, currently serves as the president of the American Counseling Association, the top counseling organization in the profession. 

Faculty members also work as a team with instructional designers, Graduate Student Success Specialists, OHIO Online enrollment advisors and Patton College of Education leaders, all to help OHIO students succeed

The program is offered to any student with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline seeking a fully online program (including K-12 professionals seeking career advancement or transition). The program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower each student with the skills and expertise necessary for effective school counseling.

To learn more about OHIO’s fully online Counselor Education Program and how to enroll, see the Online School Counseling Program website.