Online, on purpose: Building the next generation of school counselors

When the first cohort graduates from the Patton College of Education’s online Master’s in School Counseling (MSC) program in May, the new alumni can be confident that they’re meeting an essential need: districts across the country are facing a shortage of school counselors. 

Launched in January 2024, the MSC addresses this issue by allowing students to access training in a fully online format, increasing accessibility and providing more opportunities for students to earn the qualification.          

“Addressing workforce needs in school counseling was one of the primary reasons that we began this program,” says Dr. Christine Bhat, a professor in the master’s and doctoral programs in counselor education and Immediate Past President of the American Counseling Association.  

OHIO Online has long been recognized among the top-ranked online programs in the nation. As one of only 21 R1 “Opportunity Colleges and Universities,” the University has exhibited excellence as a top research institution that delivers education and research to students in all formats. 

In keeping with that pattern of excellence, the MSC is the first online school counseling program in the state to receive accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  

Bhat says that many schools don’t follow the ratio of school counselors to students recommended by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Schools are also seeing a wave of school counselor retirements, and graduates from the MSC can help to fill these positions.  

“It is our hope that we will continue to address these workforce shortages through the online programs that we develop, thereby addressing the need for counseling that is ever-increasing,” Bhat says. “Helping our youth succeed in school has direct effects on their success as they go on to become successful and well-adjusted adults.” 

Before the OHIO Online counseling program was created, Bhat says a lack of flexibility prevented many students who were in the workforce full-time from being able to access counseling programs. Providing a fully-online degree solves that problem for adult learners who want to return for a counseling degree. 

“There continues to be a need for school counselors and what we found was that in-person programs were not viable for those in full-time employment such as teachers,” says Bhat. “This program fits the needs of full-time working professionals who are interested in transitioning into working with students as school counselors.”  

Kristy Keirns, an MSC student set to graduate in May, emphasizes the importance of the program’s format. 

“OHIO Online gave me flexibility,” says Keirns. “I was able to attend class or work on assignments in Canvas from the comfort of my home, while on vacation or on the way to my son's soccer game. I was able to work at my own pace to complete modules and participate in class discussions.” 

Bhat says the online MSC was designed to match the rigor of an in-person program and meet the accreditation standards set by CACREP while remaining responsive to the student experience.  

“We are always in a process of continuous improvement, and the feedback we receive from students helps us hone and target their learning in relation to CACREP standards, which assures students of the quality of the program,” Bhat says. 

Kelly Parker, an MSC student also set to graduate in May, found that the program prepared her well for her career.  

“I feel very prepared thanks to the nature of this program and the incredible professors,” she says. “Professionally, I’ve developed stronger counseling skills, increased confidence in working with students and a deeper understanding of ethical practice and advocacy. Personally, I’ve become more self-aware and reflective, especially in my role in supporting others.” 

Dr. Leah Howard, assistant professor of instruction in Counseling and Higher Education, has been working with the program since its inception in January 2024 with a focus on building a sense of community. 

“I developed the Online School Counseling Student Ambassador Program, which selects top students to serve as leaders who design and facilitate virtual events that promote cohort connection in an informal and engaging way,” says Howard.  

MSC cohort member Elizabeth Pedroza vouches for the connections she made in the program and the resources that were available to her. 

“I am so grateful for the connections I’ve formed during this program. Every professor has been intentional about fostering connection, collaboration and building a sense of community in their classes. This made it possible for us, as students, get to know one another, and form relationships within our cohort with peers who we can turn to with ideas, questions, and support,” she says. 

Pedroza also praises the responsiveness of faculty members. 

“Our professors have been consistently accessible and supportive,” she says. “I am so grateful to have been able to learn in a program where my questions were answered quickly, additional guidance and support were always available and resources and opportunities were shared continuously.” 

As word of its flexibility and success spreads, so does the audience for the online MSC. 

Bhat says the program has begun to attract students from states like Colorado, North Carolina, and Florida who are in search of a program that can provide them with the flexibility and support they need to reach their professional goals. OHIO Online is working to implement systems to support students in other states.  

Bhat says she is thrilled to see where the MSC goes in the future. 

“I have been so impressed with the quality of the work that students in the program have committed to and delivered. It is not easy to engage in intensive study in a 60-credit hour program, but our students showed us that with motivation and dedication that they can succeed. We are so delighted that our first cohort of students will be graduating this spring and that they will go on to serve students as school counselors." 

Dr. Tamarine Foreman, associate professor and associate dean of faculty development and community wellbeing, shares Bhat’s pride in the program and the future ahead. 

“Our aim was to develop school counselors that will lead, advocate, and mentor student success from a compassionate, ethical, and caring perspective. I think we are doing that and we are so proud of our current and graduating school counselors and all they will accomplish!”