On-Campus M.Ed./ Ed.S.

The Best in Counseling Education is at UF

Advance your career with the University of Florida’s joint master of education (M.Ed.) and education specialist (Ed.S.) program in counselor education. Our CACREP accredited program has consistently been ranked among the top 10 best counseling education programs by U.S. News and World Report since the list began in 1996 — and we currently hold the #1 spot. With three specialty areas to choose from, we prepare our students to work in a wide variety of settings with clients who seek tailored support and understanding.

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Program Overview

Our dual-degree program equips students with a comprehensive foundation in professional counseling, allowing our graduates to foster well-being in individuals, families and groups. With a focus on developing professional identity and skills, our graduates leave with the experience necessary to pursue state-required licensure and additional certifications following their required post-degree supervised clinical experience.

This entry-level program consists of a minimum of 72 credit hours, preparing graduates for impactful careers in counseling. While most students earn the M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees, students can choose to complete a master’s thesis to earn a master of arts in education (M.A.E.) instead of the M.Ed. This option is perfect for those looking to enhance their academic research skills in preparation for doctoral studies.

Areas of Practice

Throughout the program, you will explore various theoretical frameworks and be encouraged to cultivate your own counseling approach. Because of this approach, our graduates of our program are well-prepared to work in a variety of settings, including:

• Private practice
• Community agencies
• Schools and colleges/universities
• Non-profit organizations
• Hospitals and wellness centers
• Veterans Affairs
• Crisis centers
• Group homes
• Career centers
• Religious institutions
• and more

Clinical Experience

The program requires three semesters of clinical experience, including one semester of practicum and two internship semesters. We partner with a variety of organizations to provide wide-ranging site placements. This allows our students to explore different areas of interest. Additionally, we host an annual Practicum and Internship Fair to connect our students with clinical partners while providing networking opportunities.

Student Research Opportunities

While optional, our master’s students often have the opportunity to join faculty members on their research projects. This allows our students to gain hands-on research experience early in their careers. Our program emphasizes the importance of generating, using, and sharing knowledge about human development and relationships to address critical personal and family issues. We are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards at every stage of this process, ensuring that our graduates are knowledgeable and principled practitioners.