Why study School Counseling at JBU?
1
Preparation for Licensure
JBU prepares you for school counseling and guidance positions in elementary and secondary schools. Graduates with a passing score on the PRAXIS exam will be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Education.
You are driven by compassion and a calling to help and encourage. JBU can provide the courses, practical experience and training you need to make a difference in the lives of students as a school counselor.
By learning from faculty who have years of experience in the field, you will receive the knowledge and skills needed to become an excellent educator. You will also receive the accredited education program required to be certified to teach in your desired field and to stand out to potential employers.
4
Unique Focus on Christian Values
Whether you intend to work in a public or private school setting, a JBU education will prepare you to serve students with compassion and care.
Program Length
The M.Ed. in School Counseling is 49 credit hours. Time to completion depends on whether a student pursues this degree part-time or full-time.
Course Format
While there are some online course options, the majority of this program's courses will need to be attended in-person. JBU offers evening School Counseling classes at it's campuses in Fort Smith, Little Rock, Rogers, and Siloam Springs.
Play Therapy Emphasis
Students in this program can choose to emphasize in Play Therapy, which uses a variety of play and creative arts techniques to better assist children to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
Graduate Education Faculty
Connie Matchell
Department Head, Teacher Education
Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Connie Matchell started her career with JBU as the Head of the Graduate Education program in 2015. Graduating from JBU in 1977, Dr. Matchell has always maintained strong ties with the university. She draws from 30 years of public school experience as a high school teacher, middle school principal, and district curriculum director to provide a rich foundation for her Graduate Teacher Education classes.
Dr. Matchell's accomplishments include serving as an Arkansas Department of Education Praxis III Assessor, an Arkansas Department of Education Scholastic Audit Team Member, an AdvanceEd team member, a Math Crusade Trainer, NEWMAST participant, Teacher of the Year, and the Arkansas Middle School Association Principal that Makes a Difference.
Brian Herndon
Associate Professor of Teacher Education
Judy Winslett
Assistant Professor of School Counseling
Curtis Cunningham
Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Cunningham uses his 14 years of experience to support JBU students who answer God’s call on their life to teach.
Kimberly Murie
Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Kim Murie taught high school science for over a decade and now enjoys helping others get started on their adventure as educators.
