The mission statement of the Masters of School Counseling Program is as follows:

The Masters of Education in School Counseling program (MESC) has as its mission the professional training of candidates interested in working as counselors in school settings.  School counseling candidates will acquire competencies to perform successfully as counselors, consultants, advocates and leaders in schools and the community.   The program prepares culturally competent, culturally sensitive and ethical counselors to work effectively in a pluralistic society. The faculty designs and delivers academic and clinical experiences to all students in ways that recognize, respect and value the diversity of students’ backgrounds, characteristics, beliefs, and abilities. The MESC program meets the standards for certification of school counselors as specified by the Louisiana State Department of Education in Louisiana, and also provides training consistent with requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana as well as other states.

Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson, LPC-S, RPT, BC-TMH, NCC

To be admitted to the Master of Education in School Counseling program at Nicholls, applicants should possess and submit the following:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. A minimum GPA of 2.50 on the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework attempted.
3. An applicant with significant and meaningful experience and a strong academic background may request that the GRE be waived as a requirement for admission.  The request for the waivers shall be submitted in writing to the Graduate Coordinator and the Dean of the College of Education and clearly state the basis for the waiver. A current resume shall accompany the request. Admission decisions, in part, are based on the Counseling Program’s Selection Committee. A final decision will be made by the Graduate Program Committee.  Applicants who are unable to meet this requirement should submit acceptable score on the GRE.  A minimum score of 335 is required on the formula: GPA on last 60 undergraduate hours times 20, plus the GRE General Test score. Acceptable scores must be submitted within the first semester of entering a Master’s program.
4. Submit completed program application (Download DOC or PDF)
5.  Submit three letters of recommendation.
6. Complete the Nicholls Criminal Background Check Disclosure and Authorization form. (Download PDF)
7.  Completion of a Criminal Background Check with “Certified Backgrounds”.

To begin the application process to the Nicholls Graduate School, individuals must submit the following at least one month prior to the semester of admission:

• Graduate Studies application form (apply electronically).
• Application fee of $20 (or $30 for international students), in the form of a check or money order payable to Nicholls State University.

Additionally, the following must be submitted to complete the application package:

1. Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, must be sent directly from those institutions. Request transcript here.
2. Applicants may be eligible for a GRE waiver, refer to Admission Requirements for information regarding this.  Students who are not eligible for a waiver must have scores sent from the Educational Testing Service to Nicholls State University.  Information on how to register for the GRE may be accessed at this website:  GRE website.
3. Results of a background check with Certified Backgrounds. (download form).
4. Applicants will also be required to complete an interview with faculty representatives of the school counseling program.
5. Applicants must be admitted to the Graduate School prior to applying to the Master of Education in School Counseling program.

These completed forms should be mailed to:

Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson, LPC-S, RPT, NCC
Department of Psychology, Counseling and Family Studies
P.O. Box 2075
Thibodaux, LA 70310

• Students are encouraged to consider applying for graduate assistantships that are available for students fully admitted to the program. Applications may be accessed at https://www.nicholls.edu/graduate/
• Visit the Nicholls catalog for more information regarding admission to the Master of Education in School Counseling program.

Graduate coursework includes 60 academic hours plus nine hours of practicum/internship credit. Graduate courses required for the degree are as follows:

In addition, candidates must successfully complete a master’s comprehensive examination.

Learn specifics about degree requirements and graduate coursework